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

Alright, Richard thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My journey to a professional creative path began in high school, where I found a deep sense of fulfillment in the arts. I first discovered this passion when I joined the Drama Club. Having previously participated in two junior high school musicals, I was drawn to further explore the world of theater in high school. I found it exhilarating to embody different characters, understanding their thoughts and emotions, and bringing them to life in a way that could touch the audience. Even as a teenager, I was passionate about immersing myself in these roles and making them as authentic as possible.

This creative spark was further ignited when I joined the Madrigals, our school’s select choir, in my sophomore year. This opportunity pushed me to challenge my self-perception and test my abilities. It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding. Both drama and choir gave me a chance to express myself honestly and connected me to a community that made me feel accepted and valued.

Growing up in a devout Mormon household, these artistic outlets were particularly significant for me, as they offered a platform for genuine self-expression. I knew from a young age that I was gay, which led to an inner struggle, considering the expectations within the church and my family. I felt a strong obligation to honor my family and their image, which led me to view theater and music as more of a hobby than a potential career.

Following high school, I pursued a more traditional career path due to these beliefs, leaving my artistic passions on the back burner. I spent nearly two decades working in various leadership roles for companies like Disneyland, Starbucks, and Irvine Company. I approached these roles with the same fervor I had for theater and choir, finding satisfaction in guiding and helping others grow.

However, after 19 years, I decided it was time to prioritize my creative desires. I left my role as a Client Services Manager for a Private Wealth Advisor and pursued a career in photography and intuitive business. Despite my traditional career path during those years, I always found fulfillment in leadership, treating each role with dedication and seriousness. My journey may have taken some twists and turns, but the passion for creativity that started in high school never left me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey can best be described as a winding path, from a strict religious childhood to a thriving career as a professional intuitive, tarot reader, and photographer. It hasn’t been an easy path, but it’s been my path.

Growing up, I was immersed in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. My family firmly believed in its teachings, shaping my early views of the world and myself. However, when I discovered I was gay, I found myself at odds with the church’s teachings. This conflict led to emotional turmoil and feelings of unworthiness, prompting me to hide who I truly was from my parents and the church.

But there was a silver lining. My Mormon upbringing ignited my spiritual curiosity, setting me on a journey of self-acceptance and spiritual exploration. This exploration led me to tarot cards. I bought my first deck at 18, eager yet nervous to seek validation from them. I began reading tarot “by the book,” using a Celtic Cross spread and referring to the guidebook for meanings. To my surprise, the readings were startlingly accurate. This led me to see tarot as a tool to reflect our energies rather than predicting the future.

While my spiritual journey was unfolding, my professional life was also taking shape. I began as a cashier, then stepped into leadership roles, starting as a Shift Lead or a floor operations manager. I didn’t have much experience and was surprised when I was hired. My manager, Kathy Forbis-Yates, mentored me during this time, teaching me that leadership was not just about overseeing tasks but also caring for the people you lead. This lesson became the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy.

My experience at Disneyland, where I served as a leader in Merchandise, further honed my leadership skills. I greatly enjoyed the diverse responsibilities and working closely with my team. I strived to respect each member, set clear expectations, and defend my team in conflicts, which led to a positive work environment and boosted productivity.

Next, I took up the role of a manager at a Starbucks store, learning and growing in the process. I immersed myself completely in the job, earning my team’s respect by being willing to do what I expected of them. By the end of my first year, the store was ranked 7 out of 88 in our region, an achievement that I am particularly proud of.

My professional journey then took me to the corporate world at the Irvine Company, where I held several positions, each providing new learning opportunities. I improved the company’s overall audit scores and got the chance to create and lead a new team focused on maintaining and enhancing business operations software.

Parallel to my corporate career, I discovered a passion for photography. Starting as a hobby, it gradually turned into a business venture. I first started with taking photos at parties of Friends and Family, then progressed into landscape photography. Eventually, I learned real estate photography from a close friend and have built a high quality business despite a challenging market.

My spiritual journey also evolved alongside my corporate career. After years of practicing tarot, I started offering readings professionally. Despite facing internal conflict due to lingering beliefs from my religious upbringing, I understood that everyone has a direct connection to the Divine. I used tarot and my intuition to offer insights into people’s current situations, often shedding light on how past traumas were impacting their lives. The more readings I did, the more confident I became in my abilities.

In 2022, I decided to fully embrace my passions. I left my corporate job to pursue real estate photography and intuitive services full-time. I was also hired as an Intuitive Reader at Awakenings Metaphysical Bookstore in Laguna Hills, CA. Since then, my connection with my intuition has deepened, and I’ve felt more fulfilled in my work. I’ve been able to be involved in more activities that I love, contributing more and assisting others with bringing more awareness to what they do. I have also been able to support communities I love as well; such as No Square Theater in Laguna Beach. I was in their production of Avenue Q a few years back and have since been photographing their shows. I started out offering my services for free, as a contribution to the Theater and after a short time, they made me their resident photographer. It’s been a wonderful learning experience given the constant lighting changes between scenes and wanting to capture the heart of each actors performance.

As an intuitive, my main goal is to help people find clarity, healing, and empowerment. I offer a range of intuitive services, from tarot readings to energy healing, sound therapy, dream interpretation, and space clearings. Each service is designed to help clients better understand themselves and align with their true selves.

The most frequently sought service I provide is Tarot Reading. As a seasoned tarot reader, I use the deck as a tool to tap into the unseen energies and patterns surrounding a person’s life. Tarot is an incredibly rich system that can shed light on everything from a client’s relationships and career to their personal growth and spiritual path. Each reading is a deeply personal experience, uniquely tailored to the individual’s specific question or situation. I help decode the symbolic language of the tarot to provide clients with intuitive insights and guidance.

Another key service I offer is Energy Healing. As an experienced practitioner, I utilize the Re Hu Tek modality, similar to Reiki, in my energy healing sessions to balance and restore the body’s natural energy flow. Re Hu Tek, an ancient Egyptian healing method, taps into universal life force and earth energies, which are then channeled through the practitioner to the client. I begin the healing process by preparing myself through meditation, where I connect with Re Hu Tek energies, creating a conduit between the cosmic and earth energies. Then, I direct these powerful, harmonious vibrations towards the client, either in person or remotely.

I also provide Sound Therapy or Soundbaths. Sound therapy uses the power of sound and vibration to restore the body, mind, and spirit to a state of balance and harmony. Using a Crystal Singing Bowl Chakra Set and other tools, I guide clients through immersive sound journeys. These experiences help to clear energetic blockages and can induce deep states of relaxation, facilitating healing on multiple levels.

Dream Interpretation is another intuitive service I offer. Dreams are a fascinating realm where our subconscious minds communicate with us through vivid imagery and symbolic language. I help clients decode the cryptic messages of their dreams, bringing to light their subconscious fears, hopes, and desires. The goal of dream interpretation is to provide clients with a better understanding of their internal world, empowering them to make conscious decisions that align with their highest selves.

Finally, I also perform Space Clearings. Just as individuals have auras that can accumulate stagnant or negative energy, so do physical spaces. Whether it’s a home, a workplace, or any other environment, I work to cleanse and harmonize the energy of the space. This involves identifying and clearing negative energies, and then infusing the space with positive, vibrant energy. The result is a space that feels lighter, more peaceful, and supportive of the people who inhabit it.

In all these services, my approach is always grounded in empathy, respect, and a commitment to the highest good of my clients. My aim is to create a safe, nurturing environment where clients can explore their inner landscapes, find clarity, and step into their power. By providing these intuitive services, I hope to serve as a bridge, connecting individuals with the wisdom and guidance that resides within them, helping them navigate their life’s journey with greater ease, purpose, and joy.

As a professional photographer and videographer, I offer a range of services designed to capture unique perspectives, memorable moments, and compelling narratives across various domains.

Starting with Real Estate Photography & Videography, I use advanced equipment and techniques to showcase properties in their best light. Whether it’s a cozy apartment, a sprawling mansion, or a commercial space, my goal is to capture the essence and unique features of each property. I highlight the architectural details, interior design, and the overall ambiance to create visually appealing images and videos that can drive potential buyers’ interest.

In the realm of Drone Photography & Videography, I take the visual narrative to a whole new level. The advent of drone technology has revolutionized the way we perceive and capture our surroundings. Using a drone, I can provide stunning aerial perspectives of properties, landscapes, or events. This service is particularly popular with clients in real estate, tourism, and events, who are seeking to capture a grander, more comprehensive view of their spaces or occasions.

Virtual Tours are another service I offer and are increasingly in demand in the real estate and hospitality sectors. These immersive, 360-degree experiences allow potential buyers or customers to explore a space as if they were physically there. This is particularly useful for people who can’t visit a location in person, providing them with a detailed, interactive exploration of the property.

In addition, I provide Business Marketing Photography & Videography. Recognizing that high-quality visual content is critical in today’s digital marketing landscape, I work closely with businesses to capture images and videos that truly reflect their brand. This can include product photography, corporate headshots, behind-the-scenes footage, promotional videos, and more. The aim is to create engaging content that tells a business’s story, highlights its products or services, and resonates with its target audience.

Finally, I offer Event Photography services. Whether it’s a theater production, corporate event, a music festival, a wedding, or a private party, I strive to capture the atmosphere, the key moments, and the subtle details that make each event unique. With a keen eye for emotion and narrative, I provide clients with a visual diary of their event, encapsulating the energy, the people, and the unforgettable moments.

Across all these services, I prioritize working closely with clients to understand their specific needs and vision. My approach is a blend of technical expertise, creative flair, and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. I aim to provide not just a service, but a collaborative experience that results in captivating imagery and high-quality content, meeting and exceeding client expectations.

Reflecting on my journey, I am proud of my growth, my work, and the relationships I’ve built with my clients. I take immense pride in the impact of my work, from helping individuals find clarity through intuitive readings to helping businesses and individuals tell their unique stories through photography.

In closing, I want potential clients to know that choosing to work with me means choosing a dedicated, passionate professional who cares deeply about delivering a service that’s not just satisfactory, but truly exceptional. It means choosing someone who values your story and is committed to helping you tell it in the most meaningful and impactful way possible.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2011, I encountered a near-death experience that could easily be classified as one of the most daunting challenges in my life. I fell ill with Viral Encephalitis, a condition caused by a virus that, in my case, was introduced into my body through a bug bite. It resulted in the virus entering my spinal fluid and traveling up to my brain. My body’s reaction to this invader included a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This was not simply a fever; my brain was essentially cooking, the elevated temperature leading to brain damage, particularly near the stem of my brain. The damage was so severe that it affected my physical capabilities, causing weakness on my left side.

I awoke in the middle of the night feeling electricity all over my body, severe confusion and a migraine. I tried to message my friend but when typing I couldn’t spell any words, just gibberish. I called my parents who lived about 40 minutes away at the time. I explained what I was feeling and they told me they would be on their way to me immediately. They suggested I get dressed while they make their way over. Even though I had my jeans in my hands, I couldn’t quite figure out how to put them on because of the intense confusion. After they explained how to do it I was thankfully able to do it. They eventually arrived and took me to the Kaiser Hospital in Irvine.

When I first arrived at the hospital, there were episodes where I would black out and awake to find myself in entirely different settings. In one such instance, I blacked out and came to, finding myself staring at the ceiling of a hallway as I was wheeled to my hospital room. On another occasion, I found myself in the terrifying confines of an MRI machine. The very sight of it made me black out once again. Eventually, I regained consciousness, surrounded by an assembly of unfamiliar faces. A question echoed around the room, “Do you recognize anyone?”

Confused and anxious, my gaze landed on a young boy (my Nephew Caleb). A sudden surge of emotion coursed through me, and I said to him, “I know you, I love you.” In that instant, I regained my memories, and the faces around me morphed from strangers into friends and family. Despite being awake during these episodes, my recollection of them and even of my personal identity was nonexistent, as if trapped in a dream within a dream.

After being discharged from the hospital, my excitement of returning home quickly dampened as I began to experience a plethora of symptoms. For the initial six months, I was plagued by visual auras that would render me temporarily blind for periods of approximately 45 minutes. During these episodes, my entire body would gradually go numb, starting from the crown of my head and spreading downwards to my feet. The aftermath of these bouts was a crippling migraine that lasted for the rest of the day. I struggled with depression during this time feeling as though it might have been better if I hadn’t survived. The healing process was so overwhelming mentally, emotionally and physically.

During this tumultuous period of my life, I was working at Starbucks and had to go on disability for two months to focus on my recovery. Yet, despite these challenges, there was an eventual silver lining. My connection with Spirit strengthened, and my passion for helping others grew even more.

I consulted my friend and spiritual mentor, Iris of Mother Medicine. She believed that during my ordeal, I had crossed over to the other side and was given the choice to either stay or return. I chose to return, leaving behind energies that no longer served me and bringing back tools that would shape my future and bring healing to myself and others.

To this day, the residual effects of my acquired brain injury persist. I am a changed person. My body feels different, but I have mostly adapted to this new normal. Although the symptoms were initially uncomfortable, over the years, I have learned to cope. I’ve learned since having an Acquired Brain Injury, you have to take extra good care of yourself. My journey has shaped my approach to life and allows me to assist others in achieving greater awareness and wholeness in their lives because of it. This traumatic experience has given me a new perspective, a new strength, and has become a testament to my resilience.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my perspective, a thriving society is one that fully recognizes, supports, and appreciates the substantial contributions of artists and creatives. We need to understand that these individuals often face exploitation unless they’ve developed their own business structures. They bring significant and often underestimated value to society that extends far beyond monetary worth.

One practical way to support artists and creatives is by opting for entrepreneurial and non-profit businesses over corporate entities when requiring creative services. This approach can apply across the board, benefiting all artists, regardless of their domain. As a practitioner of intuitive work and a photography/videography enthusiast, I have seen first-hand the disparity in opportunities. For example, intuitives are typically relegated to “Psychic”-like hotlines, where they receive only a fraction of the fees paid by the client.

Local artists and creatives are invaluable. They bring forth unique perspectives that are often rooted in the communities they live in, shaping our understanding of the world around us and fostering local culture. By engaging with them, we directly contribute to our community’s economy and stimulate its cultural and creative growth.

For instance, in my field of intuitive work, there are always local practitioners who could benefit from support. Intuitives often find themselves limited to “Psychic”-like hotlines, where their earnings are merely a percentage of what the client is actually paying. Encouraging direct engagement with these talented individuals not only ensures fairer compensation but also fosters a more personal and enriching experience for the client.

Education is another key to fostering a supportive environment for creatives. Prioritizing arts education from a young age instills an appreciation for creativity and artistic expression. It also helps underscore the essential role that arts play in shaping our society and human experiences. Schools should offer a wide array of art forms and integrate arts education within other subjects to provide a holistic learning experience. Such an approach encourages interdisciplinary understanding and helps cultivate a generation of thinkers who see the world through a broad, multi-faceted lens.

Financial support constitutes another cornerstone of this support framework. This support can manifest as grants, scholarships, or public funding initiatives, empowering artists and creatives to follow their passion without the weight of financial concerns. Beyond these systemic measures, society can actively uplift artists by purchasing their work, attending performances, and engaging in fundraising events. These actions not only contribute directly to the artists’ livelihood but also validate their efforts and talents.

We must also challenge and eventually dismantle the misconceptions and stigmas associated with creative professions. The pervasive notion that careers in the arts are less stable or valuable than those in other fields is both harmful and counterproductive. It stifles creativity and hampers the development of a vibrant, diverse creative ecosystem.

In conclusion, a thriving society is one where creativity is celebrated, not sidelined. We need to recognize the importance of artistic work, provide tangible support for creatives, and encourage a culture that values and uplifts artists. These are integral steps in fostering an environment where artists and creatives can truly thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rwk2.com,
• Photography Business: www.richardkilgophotography.com
• Instagram: @intuitiverichardkilgo,
• Photography Business: @richardkilgophotography
• Facebook: Intuitive Business: https://www.facebook.com/intuitiverichardkilgo, Photography Business: https://www.facebook.com/richardkilgophotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwkii/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardKilgoPhotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/richard-kilgo-photography-aliso-viejo

Image Credits
All Photos were taken by me: Richard Wayne Kilgo II