We were lucky to catch up with Khali Watson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Khali, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Balancing the genuine passion for creating with the never ending pressure of selling a service. In photography and film, there are so many ways to make money. Ways that may not be genuine to who you actually are. It’s easy to go too far in one direction. Do you focus on the creativity? Or do you focus on the marketability? The key is finding what you enjoy first. Creating a service or product you’d want to buy and support. Then just sharing that passion with the world. The money, the support, and the connections. Flow naturally when you can fall in love with the process of just doing what you love.

Khali, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Khali, but I go by Kai now. I got my start in videography shooting music videos for my homies. Eventually falling into that gear feedback loop. I start saving and acquiring what I felt like would make me a better visual artist. After thousands spent and several pieces of gear collecting dust. I realized I wasn’t even creating how I wanted. Somewhere along the way I got distracted by the tech. Which brings me to my first piece of advice. Create first and gather equipment second. Most of that stuff isn’t even necessary for how you end up creating in the first place. Get the things that you are missing specifically for your niche. The only way to find that out is by creating. After a while I moved to Atlanta. For a period I was living what most people would consider success. Calls in the morning to appear at Rick Ross’s mansion for a set, acting as B-cam for a Lil Duval music video, and etc. Which sounds great on paper. But the people who know that side of the industry know you’re basically serving tables. Your creativity goes as far as the approval of the talents team. Which isn’t very far… That taught me to trust myself more and explore the reasons why that specific niche didn’t resonate with me. Which then lead me to Seattle, Washington. Now I’m a Videographer/photographer. Providing. A mix of both services allows me the freedom to explore both. Opened a door of possibilities I hadn’t even considered before this point. The very last thing I can leave you with. Is to chase what you believe in. Outside of social media, articles, invoices, and whatever else. Exists the real reason you either commit to this life or not. That’s up to you decide for yourself. Fulfillment is a personal journey meant for you enjoy on your own. Can’t wait to see what amazing things you go on to do. Whatever that may ultimately end up being.

How did you build your audience on social media?

If you’re an artist you probably hate the idea of social media. It probably feels like a never ending popularity contest. I used to think that way too. Especially growing up as an introvert. However the connection that changed my opinion and allowed me to start seeing growth. Is to realize that the people who connect with your art. Might as well be your best friends. They’ll be seeing a more intimate version of yourself than most people will passing you by on the street. It’s not about the likes or comments. Realistically your target audience probably need your perspective, your direction, your energy. How many people are scared to get started? Scared to be vulnerable? How many lives including your own could you change by just putting you, your work, and your story together for people to see? A lot of life long connections can easily be made by utilizing the tool that is social media. To just be a genuine person.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Grinding. There’s honestly no way around that unless. You’re just blessed with money or connections. I bought my first camera from the paychecks I got cut reading electrical meters in people backyards. Yes, I had to wrestle a few dogs to get an accurate reading.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.khaliwatson.com
• Instagram: @kai.wasaki
• Facebook: Kai Watson