We recently connected with Hannah Kik and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Taking a project from idea to execution has been a deeply rewarding adventure that has shaped my career in photography and creative direction. It all began when I discovered my passion for photography at the age of 13 by convincing my younger sister and neighborhood friends to model my mother’s vintage prom dresses for elaborate photoshoots in the backyard. By the time I was 14, I had secured my first paid client. The positive feedback from friends and family fueled my determination to turn my passion into a profession. Fast forward to my decision to enroll at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I honed my craft and gained valuable insights into the world of networking and collaboration. These skills opened doors for me and helped me realize that my true calling lay in a creative direction and production role.

After college, my journey took me around the world before I eventually settled in Nashville. In 2017, I took a leap of faith and formally launched my freelance photography business while also working on contract in the fashion e-commerce industry. 

In 2020, I reached a critical juncture where burnout forced me to reevaluate my path. The following year, I decided to shift my focus inward, prioritizing personal growth and development. It was a period of introspection that allowed me to rediscover my passion and rekindle my creative fire, as I reflected on the past decade of my life. This led me to redefine my goals and dreams, realizing that I wanted to pursue my craft not just for financial gain but for the sheer love of it. With unwavering dedication, I poured my energy into personal brand development and truly learned what my drive for creating was. This commitment led me to New York Fashion Week, where I achieved remarkable success. I began working with celebrities and high-level brands, marking a pivotal moment in my career.

In late 2022, I decided to embark on a passion project. What started as a casual post on Instagram turned into something extraordinary when over 65 artists showed interest in joining the project. I faced significant internal resistance, as the pressure to bring this project to life without a budget or internal production team was unlike anything I had encountered before.

On January 1, 2023, I sent 65 artists an open-concept prompt centered around the neurotransmitter dopamine and its psychological impact on the human brain, exploring the realms of pleasure and pain. That prompt turned into The DOPAMINE Exhibit, an art exhibit featuring works from local artists of many skills, platforms, and backgrounds. This project marked my full immersion into the world of Art Direction.
Through each phase of my journey, from the discovery of my passion for photography to a period of focusing on personal growth, and my gravitation toward art direction, I have learned the importance of unwavering commitment to one’s passion. It has been an incredible evolution, and I am excited about what the future holds as I continue to pursue my creative vision through my career.

Hannah, 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?

I’m a 28-year-old creative based in Nashville, Tennessee. I am a creative multi-hyphenate, working as a Photographer and Art Director. My journey into the world of photography and creative direction has been a thrilling experience that has allowed me to explore my passion from various angles.

My primary role is Photography Manager at Pink Lily. In addition to my work at Pink Lily, I also collaborate with my business partner, Taylor Brooke Fair, as an Art Director and Photographer at Atelier Media. At Atelier, we bring a unique perspective to the table, with a deep passion for the world of food, beverage, and hospitality.

What sets us apart is that we don’t operate as a traditional marketing firm. We are creatives who view food and beverage as an art form deserving of the same recognition and admiration as other creative mediums. Our mission is to redefine the dining experience by providing fresh, innovative content that captures the essence of culinary artistry and hospitality.

As we continue to evolve, we have exciting plans to expand our business into the realm of creative consulting. We are in the process of developing new projects that will build upon our core business, and I’m thrilled to share that another project, akin to the success of The DOPAMINE Exhibit, is in the works. We’ve received tremendous interest and inquiries from collaborators and our community, and I’m delighted to assure everyone that something special is on the horizon.
What I’m most proud of is our ability to challenge the status quo in our industry, reimagining how food, beverage, and hospitality are experienced and appreciated. We’re passionate about developing experiences that not only tell a story but also spark emotions and conversations.

Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that our work is driven by a deep love for creativity and an unwavering commitment to redefining conventional boundaries. We’re not just capturing images, we’re crafting experiences.

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

One of the most significant tests of my resilience came during the creation of The DOPAMINE Exhibit, a venture that pushed the boundaries of my determination and faith. This project, born with absolutely no financial backing or budget, demanded an extraordinary level of mental strength. In my favorite book, The War of Art the concept of ‘resistance’ is consistently emphasized as the artist’s greatest adversary. This resistance can take countless forms, from personal relationships to self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Resistance is designed to derail us from our true calling. Throughout The DOPAMINE Exhibit, I encountered various forms of resistance, including hearing the word ‘no’ numerous times.

However, with each rejection, I became more resolute in my belief that this project was a pivotal moment not just for me but also for my art form. I trusted my instincts and persevered. It was during this time that I had the privilege of meeting my co-founder, Taylor, whose presence rekindled my inspiration and provided the endurance needed to bring the project to fruition.

I’ve always held a deep belief in the universe presenting open doors and opportunities when they are meant to be, and that’s exactly what happened. In a single-night showing, The DOPAMINE Exhibit we managed to raise over $5,000, showcase the work of over 35 independent artists, draw in over 350 attendees, and secure support from five incredible sponsors. The exhibit also brought together a team of over 50 dedicated individuals, all contributing their time and talent to turn an idea into a reality.

What made the project truly special was the sense of being not just heard but supported. Beyond personal fulfillment, The DOPAMINE Exhibit allowed me to give back to the community, as all proceeds were donated to a local nonprofit that provides essential resources to children in the foster care system. This endeavor not only enriched my career with numerous opportunities but also introduced me to a valuable and supportive community. It was a testament to the power of resilience and the belief that even the most ambitious visions can come to life.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My journey to meeting my co-founder and invaluable business partner, Taylor, is a testament to the serendipitous nature of life’s encounters. It all began in a coffee shop while I was deep into planning for New York Fashion Week. Taylor and I happened to sit next to each other, and our connection sparked from our shared use of equipment and a similar reaction to a humorous conversation we had overheard. It was one of those moments where you realize you’re on the same wavelength with someone you’ve just met. Our initial interaction led to a loose connection on social media, where we occasionally kept in touch. However, it was during the development of The DOPAMINE Exhibit that our paths converged in a more profound way. In the midst of the project, I found myself grappling with overwhelming challenges and moments of discouragement. It was then that Taylor stepped in to offer her support and expertise.

As we collaborated and worked together to navigate the intricacies of the project, it became evident that our partnership held immense value. I often refer to Taylor as my ‘work wife’ because, in many ways, she compliments my strengths and fills in where I may have blind spots. This synergy between us has been instrumental in our success. Taylor’s pragmatism balances my penchant for bizarre and unconventional ideas, and her unwavering optimism lifts me up during moments of discouragement. Together, we make a dynamic team that I believe has been pivotal in my professional journey. I often reflect on that fateful day in the coffee shop, recognizing that it was a chance encounter that forever altered the trajectory of my career.

Currently, we operate from a shared office and studio space on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee, where we tackle projects together within the food and beverage industry and support each other as we each take on our own clients in other industries. I am profoundly grateful for the bond we’ve forged and the synchronicity that brought Taylor into my professional life. Our partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and the incredible outcomes it can yield.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hannahkik.com
• Instagram: @hannahkikphoto
• Other: www.atlrmedia.com, @atlrmedia on IG

Image Credits
Christian Munoz Photography https://www.instagram.com/christianmoonz/ Photos taken at Ampersand Studios Nashville https://www.instagram.com/amperstudios_/