Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica McKee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Oh this is a good question! Growing up I always loved the movie Happy feet, you know the one with the penguins. And I also REALLY loved penguins. So when it came time to pick my business name it seemed like a no brainer to choose Happy feet photography. It does seem a little silly, but it does fit the broad genre of what I capture. Including newborns, children, milestones & family!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey y’all! I’m Jessica, wife & mother. Stay at home mom AND business owners. I’m constantly trying to find a balance between raising three adventurous boys and running a successful business. Prior to becoming a wife & mom I worked for a few years as an RN. I do miss that profession very much but am so glad that God has led me down this path. I am extremely thankful to be able to use the gifts that he has given me to capture and give the gift of memories for my clients.

I have always enjoyed taking pictures and have gone through my fair share of point and shoot cameras growing up and through school. Before my son was born I was gifted my first DSLR by my husband, I had fun taking photos here and there of my little one. But when my first baby turned one I wasn’t able to find any one to take his first birthday photos. I decided what the heck, I will give it a try. And from there is when I like to say my photography journey really started. A few months passed from his birthday and I had taken a few friends photos. I decided to create a FB business page to showcase the work I had done and one thing led to another and here we are today. I am SO thankful for the family & friends who have encouraged me and stuck by my side along the way.

I will photograph pretty much anything (besides weddings lol). But most of my sessions consist of tiny sweet faces, families, and those milestones that must be documented. I’m a sucker for those candid shots of families interacting, kids swinging between their parents arms, siblings loving on each other, and those big gummy toothless smiles. The truth is, and most parents can agree with this. Is that these sweet littles do not keep. They grow grow grow WAY too fast, right before our eyes. And that is why I absolutely love this job. I get to freeze those littles right in that moment, who they are that day. Memories that can’t be recreated. I have so many clients that have become dear friends of mine, who I love getting to see every year, sometimes multiple times a year. Little ones running up to me saying “Misssss Jessica” and giving me a big ol’ hug. I absolutely love it all.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

As I had said before running a successful business and being a mom is HARD. I have 3 wild but handsome boys and they keep me very busy. I do stay at home with them and it is a constant struggle to find the balance between work and home. I am constantly having to pivot due to this, being a mom comes first. Since starting my business in 2016, my two youngest sons were born. Each time requiring time away from work to have them and go through that precious newborn stage. It is super hard balancing a schedule and making sure my kids needs are met. And while other moms & business owners can relate, it is also SO different for each one of us. I will be honest I still haven’t found the perfect balance, I wish I could I say have. But for me, this season of life with my kids being little is the most important. So if that means staying up late or spending nap time editing and working away, then that is what I will do!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has definitely been word of mouth. I am so thankful for friends & clients that are so sweet and share my name with others. It is has been how my business has spread so quickly. I am also thankful to live close to my hometown where a lot of my friends still live. It is such a joy to get to see them raise their family and to capture them!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Happyfeetphotographybyjnm
• Facebook: Happy Feet Photography

Image Credits
Cover photo/Headshot >> Kimberlin Photography