Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kate Benitez
Hi Mary Kate, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my photography business 3 years ago. I had been in the media field for more than 10 years, but I knew in my heart it was time to branch out on my own. My first job was as a television producer in Voice of America’s Latin American Division. I loved it there; however, it was very demanding, which is understandable…I mean, it’s news. I learned a lot of valuable lessons there, like how to work under pressure, how to work as a team member, and how to persevere in difficulty. It also taught me the basics we all learn at our first job, like how to stick to a schedule, what it takes to complete hard tasks, etc. These lessons gave me the discipline I need to becoming a business owner.
My mother is a small business owner, and I grew up with the idea that I also would one day own my own business. And here I am, 3 years later with my own business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all, and I think that is okay. First off, we all have to accept that life is challenging, wether we own a small business or not, and we have to give ourselves compassion in every circumstance. Struggles build resilience and character. I started with just basic knowledge on how to run a business. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t even know much about the camera itself, such as the ISO, shutter speed, etc. I really was jumping into the deep end. But, I knew that I could do hard things. I knew I wanted to build something for myself, that is my own, and that I could be proud of. No matter where my business takes me, I know that I can be proud of myself, and that is what matters most to me. In terms of specific struggles, obviously I think money will always be something I worry about. It is very different than my last job in the government. In the past, I could fail majorly or have slow days and it wouldn’t affect my paycheck. It is totally opposite now. If I have slow days, it is probably affecting my income. That thought is always something in the back of my mind and it can get exhausting at times. For example, I am going on vacation soon, and the memory of PTO at my last job is sooooo sweet.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer and videographer! I do it all, from weddings, to business events, to headshots, to pets. My favorite is wild life photography, but that doesn’t pay the bills….yet. I work with individual clients and also large organizations, such as Voice of America and the National Endowment for Democracy. I think my versatility is a strength of mine. You don’t often see people who can do photography AND videography, and who work with weddings AND large organizations. A second strength of mine is compassion. I am able to listen to a client, connect with them, and even form a long lasting professional relationship. Finally, the biggest strength of mine, and I have heard this from other people, is my reliability. I feel like I am responsible and trustworthy, and I will make sure you are satisfied with your product before we finish. I want readers to know that I can work with you to make any vision come to life. If you want cinematic looking engagement photos, or you want a very professional interview for your non profit, we can achieve this, together. I have a knowledgeable group of colleagues behind me that can help with your vision, too.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I don’t think I have any specific apps, books, or blogs that have helped me business wise. I have some resources that have helped my personal life, which in return helps my business. Managing stress is important to me (hence my business name, MK Mindful Media), so I try to practice mindfulness every day. The ‘Insight Timer’ app is really good for this. It has good meditations and talks that I listen to. I also enjoy listening to the ’10% Happier Podcast with Dan Harris’. They have educational talks that many times correlates directly to managing the work/life balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Mkmindfulmedia.com
- Instagram: @mkmindfulmedia and @mkmindfullyinlove
- Other: https://mkmindfulmedia.pixieset.com/mkmindfulmediaportfolio/
