It’s May! May is full of birthdays in our family!! Lots of celebrating people who are special to us! That’s what we’re doing in this month’s Student Spotlight! We’re highlighting three students who deserve to be showcased and celebrated for all that they’re doing in their individual businesses. I’m so honored that I get to spend my days helping incredible people like Elle, Stephanie and Samantha! I hope you enjoy getting to know them!!!
MEET ELLE:
I’m thrilled for you to meet Elle! She’s just killing it!!!! As I read about her business and what she’s experiencing right now, I think back to when we had a year like this in our business. It’s really hard to believe what’s happening. There is a turning point in business where you start to realize just HOW FAR you have truly come and it’s amazing! Elle is hitting her goals and she’s thriving. We couldn’t be more excited for her! She’s a KJ Posing Course student, has experienced KJ All Access as an active member and has taken the KJ Bridal Details Mini-Course!
What has recently happened in your business that has made you step back and go “Oh my gosh! That just happened?!”
I booked 2 international weddings, hit six figures, and officially went full time this year (which I NEVER thought would be possible given the crazy year we had). I’m so, so beyond thankful, and I really didn’t ever think I’d be where I am today.
What part of your KJ Education experience has impacted you the most?
All of the inspiration & encouragement I’ve gained through KJ Education has been the best part for me. I’ve loved following along through KJ All Access and courses, but truly, I have gotten the most out of listing to Katelyn talk through situations and feeling encouraged by her motivation and the impact she is leaving on others through her business :)
If you could sit down with a photographer that feels incredibly defeated and discouraged, what would you say to help them? Is there a story of overcoming and victory in your own story that you could share?
Pray about it, don’t compare yourself, and keep working hard. It can be especially discouraging to see other photographers “making it” on Instagram/through social media, and even though it’s hard to remember, Instagram is a highlight reel of everyone’s best lives and best work. If you’re feeling discouraged by how great others are doing, remember that there are definitely people thinking that about YOU and wanting to be just like YOU!
I’ve struggled with this so much at times in my business, and it’s perfectly okay to take a social media break or unfollow anyone who makes you feel defeated about yourself. Once you focus on yourself and the purpose that your business has, you will feel SO much more empowered and happy :)
Which KJ Education Products or Courses have you invested in?
KJ Posing Course, KJ All Access, KJ Bridal Guide, KJ Bridal Details Mini-Course
FOLLOW ELLE: Website, Instagram
MEET STEPHANIE:
Stephanie’s story just FLOORS me! She’s GOING FULL TIME and I can’t wait for you to see what she’s accomplished financially in the last year! Wow. We are SO happy for her!! And the best part? She’s making her dream happen in one of the most challenging times EVER to start a business or grow a business to be able to financially support a family. We should put a disclaimer on our KJ Business Course that it “may cause drastic life changes to take place!”. That’s exactly what happened to Stephanie! We’re celebrating with you, girl!!! Enjoy hearing from her! :
What has recently happened in your business that has made you step back and go “Oh my gosh! That just happened?!”
I AM GOING FULL TIME!!!! I took the KJ business course in May of 2020. Before that, my business was very unintentional and just floating. From May to December, I made more money as a photographer than at my day job as a pediatric home health nurse—all during a pandemic! June 2021 will be my first year as a full time professional photographer!
What part of your KJ Education experience has impacted you the most?
Hands down, the business course. It has changed EVERYTHING for me. I love the business side now!
If you could sit down with a photographer that feels incredibly defeated and discouraged, what would you say to help them? Is there a story of overcoming and victory in your own story that you could share?
Keep at it. Nobody else is doing what you do the way you do it! There is room for you and your business. Trust me, it was not all sunshine and rainbows—especially the past year where I have been working full time as a nurse and full time as a photographer. But that hard work pays off and now, I get to be my own boss. No more missing preschool Valentine’s parties. No more choosing someone else’s child over my own. In 2019, I profited less than one thousand dollars in my business. The KJ business course is the best investment I have ever made.
Which KJ Education Products or Courses have you invested in?
KJ Business Collection, KJ All Access, KJ Preset Process, KJ Email Templates + Sticky Solutions Guide
FOLLOW STEPHANIE: Website, Instagram
MEET SAMANTHA:
Everyone, meet Samantha! She’s talented, she’s got amazing hair and she’s doing great things in her business! I love that she’s experiencing the greatest feeling when it comes to working with ideal clients… her clients are booking her for HER and not just because she’ll fill their “photographer” slot. This is such a win and it completely transforms every part of your business. Working with people that love you changes everything!!! Enjoy getting to know Samantha and seeing her beautiful work!!
What has recently happened in your business that has made you step back and go “Oh my gosh! That just happened?!”
I have FINALLY started consistently working with couples who book me for more than a transactional service. They love me and my work, and the know I’m going to take care of them.
What part of your KJ Education experience has impacted you the most?
Can I say all of it? The Lighting & Locations course really opened my eyes to things I thought I knew, but was just missing. It was after I went through it, and saw it in action (KJ AA) that it just clicked and I was able to see it myself.
If you could sit down with a photographer that feels incredibly defeated and discouraged, what would you say to help them? Is there a story of overcoming and victory in your own story that you could share?
It’s ok that you’re feeling down or discouraged. Often times we hide that part, but we can’t celebrate the wins if we’re always winning. You need to give yourself the time and space to be down, so that you can take a step back, look at the big picture, and reassess how to change it for the future. Ask for help if you need it to pull yourself out of that defeat, or if you need someone to help you see it from the outside. Community has the potential to build such strong bonds that can help you take off. Ask for them.
Which KJ Education Products or Courses have you invested in?
KJ Business Collection, KJ Lighting and Location Course, KJ All Access, KJ Preset Process, KJ Bridal Guide, KJ Groom’s Guide
FOLLOW SAMANTHA: Website, Instagram
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
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