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

Katelyn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Working as a writer & photographer, learning the craft of each skill has happened over time.

In middle school, English class was one of my least favorite classes (next to math) as I found all of the grammar rules (commas to be specific) a bit daunting.

However, in high school, writing just clicked for me. Going into college, I always knew writing would be a part of my story, but was never 100 percent sure how. I was always one of those ‘undecided’ kids. I envied my peers who had it all figured out from graduation to grad school.

However, I now see my unique approach to finding creative work as a blessing, not a hindrance.

After my first year of college, I settled on an English: Writing major. The tricky part was how to find work as an actual writer, not a teacher or some sort of technical writer, which were common jobs.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have any guidance from professors or advisors for such work. I got a lot of shrugs. My desire to write for websites like Martha Stewart & Today(.com) really lit a fire under me.

Today, looking back, it still surprises me the websites I have written for my sheer determination & the motivation to prove to others, but more so, myself, that writing for publications is possible.

As for photography, much like writing, I am self-taught. It started with me wanting to take better photos for my blog & quickly flourished into learning how to work a camera, understanding the different camera settings, different lens focal lengths, editing, lighting, & so much more. Youtube & camera-brand blogs, like Sony Alpha, have really been my ‘teachers’ when it comes to photography. Of course, practicing on my own has helped too.

I strive each day to practice both of my crafts, & appreciate trying new things. Creativity is much like a muscle, the more you flex, the stronger it becomes.

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.

Well, it’s always puzzling for me to put into words what I do when I am asked. Being a writer, go figure! Essentially, I am a self-employed lifestyle writer & photographer.

I tell stories through both words & visuals for publications, brands, clients, & creatives. Writing for online publications such as Southern Living is how I got my start, but I have branched out, freelancing for folks who need content & copy for their company blogs, photos for their products, & other photo-word creative services.

For the most part, it’s me, my camera & computer. I love helping someone take their vision/product & elevate it whether that is via photos or an article/blog post.

Not only am I the creative, but I am also the bookkeeper, the debt collector, & the miscellaneous tasks person.

Working for myself, I have learned how to invoice, pay self-employed taxes, keep track of expenses, & speak out for myself/my work when needed.

Working for yourself, you have to be your own cheerleader. Even in slow seasons, it is easy to get down on yourself. However, digging deep down, to feel that fire that inspired you to go out on your own in the first place is essential for success.

What I would like clients to know about me is that my work is genuine, trustworthy, & I am very prompt. Working with people online can be a be skeptical, as it is mostly emailed. However, I am always happy to talk with clients on the phone or in person.

Having a client know they can trust me & my work is very important. Honesty & transparency is essential in my workflow.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Well, a goal of mine, for both writing & taking photos would be to either set me up for a situation or find an opportunity where travel comes to play.

I have always been drawn to coastal settings, & travel in general I feel sets the pace for creativity. Having an opportunity were travel & creating content for that trip/destination would be a dream job. Luckily, writers & photographers can work from anywhere, it’s just finding the right opportunity asking me to do so.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I would say, I am a very modest person. As someone who has a blog that may seem like not the case, but I am. However, I am not too modest to agree that I am very resilient.

Working as a writer, you come across rejection all the time. Even with social media. Nothing has ever really come easy for me. A lot of hard work behind the scenes, some tears, & grit have gotten me to where I am today.

I still get rejected, all the time, but I know when one door shuts, a window opens.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theyellowspectacles.com
• Instagram: @katelynchef @katelynchefphotography_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-chef-9a844366/
• Twitter: @chef_katelyn
• Other: www.katelynchef.com

Image Credits
Katelyn Chef/ www.katelynchef.com