We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kylie Olney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kylie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
I think for me, success stems from true passion. May sound cliche, but to be completely truthful, you HAVE to have some type of drive within you to complete quite literally anything major. Success can mean many things depending on the person, but to me it just means being proud of what you do and feeling like you’re actually accomplishing what your passion drove you to do. My passion for filming what our eyes see visually and creating it into an art we can relive every day has driven me to produce beautiful “gifts” for people and their joy alone makes me feel successful.
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?
I’m 21 years old, and I never believed anyone of an older age when they told me “time flies.” Spending quality time with the people I love is what I like to do most. Through developing my brand of videography and just living life in general, I can now say that looking back on everything…the older aged people were right. Time does fly. I picked up the camera to film professionally at 16 years old, but I’ve been intrigued by everything put together creatively video wise ever since I can remember. Going to professional sports games, of course I was there for the game, but the hype videos on the other hand… I loved making little videos with my friends, and putting the video together to fit the beat of a song just simply was fun for me. I specifically remember being inspired when Indy Blue, a videographer/influencer and now clothing brand owner, put together an “end of year” video on Twitter with creative travel footage—little did I know, 5 years later I would be flown to Utah to meet the very one who inspired my true passion, but I’ll get to that part don’t worry!
The way that Indy filmed some of the most simple life events, but put it together so beautifully with music was what drew and still draws people in. It made me think for myself…wow, I can actually do this too.
I may not have went viral overnight, but I was blessed with a camera my dad purchased me (fun fact, it’s still the same one I use 5 years later because I love it so much) and I got to work. I made videos just for fun, to practice editing. But then I really realized I could take this passion to a whole different level. Wedding videography.
My first ever bride, Jordan Griffith, now Jordan Burt, was nothing but stoked when I asked if I could film her wedding and make a highlight video for her. You know, no big deal, just the biggest day of someone’s life right?! Her family, her wedding, her vibe, it was all just God-sent opportunity for me to produce what would be the start of my ongoing passion and career. Her wedding day changed my life! (Thanks, Jordan!!)
After finishing her wedding video, I was just so proud of myself. I showed my parents so fast (they always give the stamp of approval–future and current brides, I never send out a video unless they watch it first lol) and I was so happy with their reactions to it as well. The photographer along side me on Jordan’s day, Joe Colon, (Eyes of Joe Photography) asked me if I was free for another wedding he knew of coming up. I was ecstatic and of course I said yes to filming it. My best friend Macy came along as my assistant, and it was the coolest thing having my best friend experience these great milestones with me for the first time. From there, weddings I started to film were through word of mouth, Facebook, Instagram, etc. I can now say that I have filmed 50+ weddings and counting, 3+ which have been an all expense paid trip out of state. My jaw just kind of dropped typing that out after I counted…
In between the years 2016-now, weddings have not been my only focus, though. Brand promo videos, creative videos, and a Lonely Ghost Clothing Co. Utah-trip winning video are what keep my passion alive as well. Indy’s brand Lonely Ghost, held a contest to see who could make the best video pertaining to why they love her brand so much. The prize was getting flown to Utah to meet the team (obviously including Indy) get lunch, shop her store, and spend time with the team. The minute she posted the contest I knew I was going to win. Now, don’t let that make you think I’m entitled or conceited, but it was only my motivation and passion that drove me to believe that. And that’s why I won. My friend Hailey helped me with the video, and I told her if we won she could be my plus 1 to Utah. Flash forward to the Utah trip, I honestly still can’t believe that it happened. Coolest experience of my life, and showed me none more shows true than the famous saying– you can do anything you put your mind to.
Every wedding booking is a gift from God himself. He is the reason I am where I am today. I gave up my life to Christ, and he has lead me to be a light unto others. Not only through who I am, but what I can create. That is how my story became to what it is now, and is still becoming. “Video By Kylie” is set apart because I believe I portray a more candid but still creative feel through my videography. I plan to continue growing this business wherever God may lead.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Being in the videography industry, it’s super important to be personable. I believe I built my reputation through who I am as a person. From my first wedding, word of mouth was great because many spoke highly of my drive, friendliness, and willingness to succeed. Those are things that have not changed within me as a person, which is why my reputation builds higher as I utilize those qualities in the industry. I am so thankful for all of the kind words, recommendations from others, and compliments with how I go about running my brand. I always want clients to feel at ease around me, and as they’re hiring a “friend” instead of just a vendor. I genuinely care so much about people, and when they hand me the honor of filming their business, wedding, etc, I want to do nothing but showcase my passion to make something great for them. On wedding days, I don’t only do my job of just filming, but I always make it a point to make sure the bride/groom are helped in any way I can. Even if it’s just asking them if they need water. I treat people like I’ve known them for years, even if we just met that day. Trust me when I say this–that’s the key to building your reputation. People will wonder why they feel so comfortable around you.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is honestly people’s reactions. This may sound funny, but sometimes I wish I could be a fly on the wall the first time a bride and groom watch the video I produced for them. It is personally rewarding to finish a video in a timely manner, or be proud of a cool edit, but ultimately, the reward comes from the joy of others. Money is rewarding, don’t get me wrong, but you can earn money in an endless amount of ways nowadays. The texts and reactions from brides/grooms in all caps however–that is top notch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.videobykylie.com
- Instagram: @videobykylie
- Youtube: Kylie Olney
Image Credits
@alanchavez