We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsea Lawson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I get this question a lot, especially from new or inspiring creatives ready to take off with entrepreneurship. I love this question too, because I remember asking these same questions and I am still taking the time to learn and grow everyday. There is always something to be learned! To answer the question, I have made this a full time career and have been doing it on my own for a few years now. This honestly though, was the most goal crushing year for me and it really made me understand my skills and what I personally bring to the table with my services and craft even more.
From day one, it was just that initial risk of pushing myself to just do what I have always wanted– Getting paid for something I love to do. Making my schedules, and even helping people learn how to do this along the way. The entrepreneurial world is a fascinating one and one that I love talking about.
Pushing myself and always trying to soak up as much knowledge in that craft has helped me go far. I also think amazing communication and great customer service will put you to the top — always!
Kelsea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely! I am a mama of four, and my partner is an active duty police officer. Our family time is our peace and I knew that having as much of it as possible meant I needed to figure out a way to make a steady income at home. I have been a photographer for 12+ years, but making it on my own since about 2013. I also started a picnic business in 2020 that is essentially setting up luxe picnics for events and W O W that has been a hit! This year of services though, has blown every year out of the water by far. Which I am so grateful for.
I am confident in what sets me apart and it’s my thorough communication I have with all my clients and always making sure they are happy with the services and get exactly what they want. If you are going to invest in me, I want to make sure they get the full experience, as expected.
I am so proud of my commitment and drive. I have worked so hard and it’s not easy when you still have two toddlers running around. I have stuck through the difficulties of motherhood mixed with business and some how I have juggled them both. I think it shows how serious and how passionate I truly am. Showing my kids what it takes and the struggles along the way.
My photography is full of candids and rich colors and my picnic business has the feel of luxury fine dining, outdoors. They both are so special and can actually be combined!
I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store for me!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Listen, I know this is not an easy one. It really is as simple as – BE consistent in everything you do. Post every day. listen to what your audience wants from you, and be real. Always be yourself, because this helps your clients get to know you and the person they will potentially invest in.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Time. I have been able to do more things now with my family and I couldn’t be more thankful. I have put in a lot of hours to even get to a point to work hard, and play harder. I still do. I just love knowing I get to have that holiday or not miss that game.
Another pretty incredible and rewarding aspect to all of this, is getting to do something awesome for my clients. Photographing those precious memories or making their time in the Smokies a little more special with a picnic. This is what it’s all about for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: picnicintheparkco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picnic_in_the_park_co/
- Facebook: Picnic in the Park Co