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

Katherine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job

Sometimes I think I was just a born natural entrepreneur, and other times I think my observing self, took in so much, that it caused me to long to grow up, well before necessary. I dove into work right away in elementary school, entering myself into Christmas craft fairs, and following my brother as we delivered newspapers in our little town, in the crack of dawn.

In middle school I was working at the berry fields, and waved on cars, in the parking lot, the week of the fair. I entered crocheted pieces, photographs, wood pieces, and collections into the fair, with hopes of receiving the winners cash. I would have garage sales every now and then in our long driveway, as well.

I was never one to hastily spend my labored-for earnings, on tootsie rolls. I opened a checking account, and would save. I rarely spent a birthday check on something for myself, but rather added it to my savings.

Fast forward to high school. I got a job at the local Dutch Bakery, where I started my love for coffee, as a barista and more. It was a town of locals, regulars, history, and respect. It was before each teen had a cell phone, so there was less time for distraction, and more for interaction, and intentional conversation. Around this time is when I got my first camera, where I dove into my passion. I interned with the local photographer of the town. I would go to my high school basketball games, capture my peers, print my film, post them on a poster board, and numbered them. I printed check boxes with print sizes on envelopes. I set it up at the entrance to the gym, and tried to sell the prints to the parents of the players. The checks, back when everyone carried the checkbook on their person, went in the envelope, and I marked it on my sales sheet. I also switched from the Bakery, to Little Caesars Pizza, while I was interning. Followed by working at out towns local main coffee shop. This continued for years to come, my pair of being a barista, while building my photography business.

Though all of this experience, and most before the young age of 17, I learned the importance of standards, and follow through. What was expected of me, what I was to accomplish, in what way, and in a certain time frame. The outcome of this was a pleased employer, and a satisfied customer. It was that simple. Do what you deliver. From that, you have a forever client. A person who will sing your praises, and spread your name. Genuinely do the work, and there is payoff. People love to know what they are getting, and when it’s received with excellence, and care, it not only speaks volumes of your character, but puts value on your business, and you’re seen as loyal and trustworthy.

I want a business, that once I have entered the heavenly gates, will be spoken of, well. I think of that, don’t you? What I do on this earth, I want it to have an impact. I want to be known for being a light, loyal, respectful, present, and trustworthy. That comes from having standards and following through with what I offer. So much simplicity, can be made so complex, it’s really that basic. Wake up, ready to take on a new day. I know some days it feels like that weighted blanket is to heavy to lift off. I get it. I’ve had my drowning days, but friend, keep going, it will get easier. It is so worth it.

I’ve often questioned if I’m upset that I have been working so hard, for so long. Ultimately, I believe I am exactly where I need to be, and I’m striving to do the best that I can do, being an example for my daughter, making my husband and family proud, and serving people the way Jesus would. That doesn’t always equal full nights sleep, but the return is so worth it, and for now, there is work to be done.

Katherine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

If you don’t know who I am, HI! I am a full time wedding and family photographer in San Diego and beyond! Photography was literally something that just hit me, and hit me hard, when I was 16. Ultimately it just complimented my personality, as I was always the observer and an empath.

My seasoned experience, knowledge of the science of photography, customer service skills, and my way with kids is what sets me apart from your average wedding and family photographer. It has just been such a part of me that I’ve worked to better, over the years, constantly learning and trying to remain humble, so I’m able to serve my clients the best I’m able!

My clients hire me because they “feel” so much from my imagery, and they love the natural color and way of edits I consistently deliver! It’s such a relationship based business, as I’m capturing the tree rings of your life, one year at a time. I’m being let in, in such intricate parts of your life, and I don’t take it for granted, in the slightest.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

As I said, my work is so relationship based. In this current day, with social media, and being a photographer, that’s a space were I’m doing a lot of my connecting with my clientele.

After a session I’ll post sneaks, and tag my clients. I’ll then keep in touch with them over the years as their family grows. I reach out to them prior new clientele offering priority dates, and discounts.

I reach out to them with Birthday, Congratulations, and Anniversary wishes, as I’m able!

I have a VIP Katherine Beth Photography Facebook, where I’ll post specific promos, and exciting news, first.

My latest way of connecting with clients has been via my newsletter! I’m sharing content, serving my clients in ways that will better their session or event with my knowledge and expertise, with the occasional coffee card to use up, as a thank you!

Christmas Cards! I’ve done that over the years, but hope to better that this coming year!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Ohhhh friends. Well y’all know that high school drops the ball on certain topics that could set you up for success as an adult. Despite me being a saver, there were a lot of things I did, financially in business, because I was told it was the way, rather than researching it on my own. I didn’t take a business course, nor did I take an accounting class. So fast forward to needing to hire one about 5 years ago to give me all the help and the knowledge! Ali, my accountant, has helped me unlearn so much, and has poured so much into me, setting me up for total success in my business!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katherinebethphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinebethphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063740431423
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-evans-506b3655/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCea6vfGohhwOKgZ_8BvOmWw
• Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/katherine-beth-photography-san-diego-ca-620068 https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/katherine-beth-photography-san-diego/3c2eb34151b8255d.html

Image Credits
Image of me – Tracy Zavadil