We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kenda Graves. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kenda below.

Kenda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The overall mission of being a visual curator is to provide for, encourage and guide creatives in their journeys of success. I am able to do so by upholding an open-minded and vulnerable environment. In order for growth to occur, people need nurturing, similar to plants. It wasn’t until I took the time to reflect and learn from my upbringing, that I understood the magnitude of a person’s surroundings. I was teaching dances at age 5, tutoring math at age 7, and leading Girl Scout troops at age 12. Everyone around me knew from early on I was destined to positively impact others. Although my ambition and passion wasn’t always well received and understood, it was always fed. People need to have their needs met in order to expand, however that may look. Therefore, I take time for each individual I work with and cater towards them.

Kenda, 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?

I studied social work while I was in college. During my time in school, I learned how an average person develops, navigates the world, and how to deal when everything doesn’t go according to plan. I was also involved with Campus Activity Board. I was responsible for organizing, promoting, and executing a variety of events. It was then I realized I can integrate my high education knowledge in social sciences and hands on experience in event planning and social media to create an income for not just myself, but for other like minded people. Before then, it was always just a hobby, a passion project if you will.
Now I am able to travel and provide others with creative services such as photography and videography. I specifically like to work with other creatives looking to become the best version of themselves, because we understand it takes a team. The 12 hour travel days and the 4:30am call times are all worth it when an artist feels a sense of relief because they can simply focus on their craft while I focus on their marketing. The 6 hour editing sessions are worth it when I see tears in a brand new business owner’s eyes because they just had their grand opening.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

After all is said and done, my ultimate goal is to consistently work with one of my all time favorite artists, Leon Thomas. His testimony highlights all that I focus on and preach to others. With patience, discipline, and resilience, you are able to not only accomplish your creative goals, but exceed expectations. (It also helps to have natural talent.) I feel inspired every time I listen to his music. I’m also reminded it took a lot of energy and effort from a lot of people for an enthusiastic listener like myself to be able to listen to such a good song.
Call me crazy, but I do believe this goal is obtainable! I posted on my social media back in September 2023, this exact goal of mine. I wanted everyone to not only hold me accountable, but to be able to witness a transparent journey of passion. Leon has since responded to a few of my journey updates (whether it be by view, like, or comment)!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most efficient way to build a loyal clientele is to build genuine connections and relationships. Everything I’ve ever done that is of importance, is because of who I know, not what I know. The moment I inserted myself into places where passionate creatives are, is the moment I started to receive more blessings. Going to content creator meetups, open mic nights, local fashion shows, and vendor pop ups, helped me align with my targeted audience. You naturally get along with the people you are around because you all have similar interests and goals. You are more likely to do business with someone you know personally and are fond of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kendaaaa
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kendaaaa/
• Other: https://kendagravesportfolio.my.canva.site/