Your passion! 

And I’ve learned the hard way: you can’t fake it.

Recently, I joined my friend John Bunn on his podcast Shifting Focus to talk about how my business has evolved over 16+ years — and how faith, surrender, and passion have shaped every new season.

From a College Photographer to a Multi-Seven-Figure Educator

When I started my photography business back in college, I had no formal training. 

I just knew I wanted to be my own boss!

What I didn’t realize was that my love for people, my entrepreneurial drive, and my creative eye would all come together in a way that allowed me to scale quickly.

Over time, I discovered something powerful: 

People don’t just hire skill, they hire trust.

That trust became the foundation for everything I built, from my photography brand to the online education business that has now impacted tens of thousands of photographers.

How KJ All Access Changed Everything

In 2017, I took a leap. I filmed everything I shot — the good, the bad, the unpredictable — and invited photographers into my world. 

That became KJ All Access, a subscription where photographers could learn from real sessions, not staged ones.

When it launched, it didn’t explode overnight. (In fact just 50 people joined and I felt totally defeated!!)

But once people realized how much they could learn from watching real-life sessions, it took off. 

Within months, thousands joined!! (4,000 to be exact!!) 

That membership alone became a seven-figure success, but more importantly, it became proof that vulnerability and transparency in business build deeper connections than perfection ever could!

You Can’t Fabricate Passion

One of my favorite moments from the conversation with John was when we talked about passion, and how it’s often the missing piece in business growth.

So many entrepreneurs chase strategy, systems, or trends, hoping that will reignite their spark. 

But if your heart’s not in it, no tactic can save you.

The truth is: “You can’t fake passion. You can’t run on fumes.”

In my own life, I’ve experienced seasons when passion shifted. Especially when I became a mom. 

My calling evolved, and that’s OK. 

Passion isn’t supposed to stay the same forever; it grows as you do.

Faith in Seasons of Success and Surrender

What most people don’t know is that the biggest year of our business (over $3 million in revenue)  was also the hardest year of my life.

I was pregnant with a dying baby. And while our bank account was full, my heart was broken.

That season taught me everything about what really matters.

I realized that no amount of success could hold me together — only my faith could.

The Lord provided in a season when I couldn’t work, showing me that I was never the true provider. 

He was.

Now, I run my business with open hands. 

The pressure to “maintain success” no longer controls me. 

Because when I tried to white-knuckle it all, I lost peace.

But when I surrendered control, I found freedom again.

The Hard Work of Letting Go and Pivoting

Let’s be honest though… pivoting when people have known you for one thing is hard.

When I launched my new website earlier this year, it looked very different! 

There was no “portfolio” tab for the first time! Some people didn’t understand and others missed the “old KJ.”

And that’s OK!

Because I know now that my calling isn’t limited to wedding photography.

It’s about helping entrepreneurs build brands rooted in who they are…not just what they sell!

That means tackling personal roadblocks, breaking through fear, and learning to show up with authenticity.

If you’ve ever tried to shift your brand or purpose and worried about what people might think — you’re not alone!

But staying stuck in what feels comfortable is the surest way to lose your spark.

Purpose Grows from Pain

When John asked about purpose, I shared one of my favorite truths:

So often, your pain becomes your purpose.

The hardest parts of your story are usually the ones God uses to help others.

For me, walking through loss and rebuilding my faith gave me a deep compassion for others in pain. 

It’s also why I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs discover meaning beyond money — because money can’t fill the holes that only purpose can!

What I’m Building Next

Today, I still teach photographers through my courses and community, but I’m also expanding my mission.

Through our school, Acton Academy West End, I get to help young learners discover their own gifts and passions. 

And through my business mentorship community, KJ Business Builders, I get to guide entrepreneurs in connecting who they are with what they do.

That intersection — where your story meets your brand — is where transformation happens.

Takeaway: Passion and Purpose Are Non-Negotiable

If you take anything from this conversation, let it be this:

• Success without purpose will eventually feel empty.
• Passion without consistency won’t last.
• And business without faith becomes a burden instead of a blessing.

So wherever you are…

Whether you’re chasing a new dream

Questioning your next step

Feeling burned out

…remember that passion isn’t optional!

It’s the fuel that keeps you aligned with your purpose and reminds you who’s really writing your story.

Free Resource for You

If you’ve ever wondered what your brand is actually saying about you, I created a free audio + reflection guide called “What Your Brand Says About You.”

It’ll help you uncover whether your message truly reflects who you are — and where you’re meant to go next! Download it here!