We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katy Bilek a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Being a business owner has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. I’ve definitely had moments when I reflected on the contrast between owning my business and having a “regular” job.

As someone who worked a full-time 9 to 5 job alongside my business since I graduated college, I completely understand the stress of working in the corporate world as well as the stress of being a business owner. I recently quit my full-time job to pursue my business and I truly believe that was the best decision for me.

When I graduated college in 2021, I immediately began working a 9 to 5 marketing and social media position all while building my business and clientele. Although not every day was great, I did foster many amazing relationships with past coworkers and I utilize my knowledge in social media, marketing, and communications every single day with my own business. Many people who have careers in the corporate world have wonderful experiences; however, my experience was a very toxic one.

I realized that this wasn’t normal and working this job that was beating me down mentally, physically, and emotionally wasn’t something I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. I knew photography was always my greatest love and passion. I feel very grateful for this art form and for the life and travel opportunities it has brought me.

Working two full-time jobs is definitely do-able and it is the reality for a lot of people. As prices and rates increase, life is very expensive and unfortunately, not every person has the luxury to quit a job they aren’t very fond of to pursue something they’re passionate about. I feel extremely grateful that I was in a financial position that allowed me to take a leap of faith and put all of my effort and time into my business. The joy of crafting my own schedule, pursuing my passion, and fostering genuine relationships with clients has definitely been a major plus of owning my own business.

Now that my business is my main focus, I have so much more time for editing and communicating with my clients and future clients. I am so fortunate to be able to capture people in all seasons and milestones of life. Building meaningful relationships with clients and witnessing the impact my work has on their lives is something I cherish deeply. It’s not just a job; it’s a journey filled with passion and purpose. While the corporate world has its merits, the ability to pursue my passion, set my own course, and create a lasting impact has made being a business owner, and specifically a photographer, the right choice for me.

Katy, 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?

Based in Cleveland, OH, KCBilekPhotography is a female-owned photography business devoted to documenting weddings, portraits, families, and more. Owner, Katy Bilek, has been professionally documenting magical moments for over five years and loves every opportunity to create an everlasting collection for anyone who steps in front of her lens. She strives to capture whatever season of life you find yourself in, effortlessly piecing together this momentous chapter of your story.

According to my mom, I took photos of every little thing I could once my Aunt introduced me to her Polaroid and Film camera. I grew up wanting to photograph anything and everything I could. In high school, I took a film and digital photography class which inspired me to think outside of the box and expand my hobby into a career. In 2016, I bought my very first DSLR camera and we’ve been attached at the hip ever since! In 2017, one of my photos was published in a book and that solidified everything for me. I believed in my art and in myself. I upgraded my gear and my lens and I took the time to teach myself new skills. I also gained knowledge of the history of photography throughout my classes in college. I love photography because I am constantly learning new techniques and I have the ability to be creative and meet new people every single day.

One day, I was asked this amazing question: “So, you’re really living your best life right now, huh?” I couldn’t have agreed with them more. My love for photographing and documenting significant glimpses of my clients’ lives grows stronger every single day. I am so lucky and grateful that I am trusted by so many to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments. With every click of my shutter, I am able to tell your narrative. You know what they say, a photo is worth a thousand words!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and an active online presence. Satisfied clients often recommend my services to their network, which has resulted in a steady stream of new business. It’s such a huge honor when past clients sing your praises to your potential future clients. Additionally, maintaining a strong online presence through social media, a professional website, and participating in relevant forums or communities has helped me connect with potential clients who may not have otherwise come across my services. I have a background in marketing, so I focus on paid and organic strategies. You never know who may see an advertisement from you; however, you never know if your ideal or dream client will see a non-paid post or video as well! Networking events and industry conferences have also proven valuable in establishing meaningful connections and attracting new clients. Overall, it’s the combination of personal recommendations and a strategic online and offline presence that has been most effective in expanding my client base.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Absolutely, my journey from a side hustle to a full-time photography business has been quite a rewarding adventure. It all began as a passion, capturing moments and expressing my creativity through the lens. Even during college, where I minored in photography, I never imagined it would evolve into my main source of income.

After graduation, I took a practical approach and entered the social media industry to build up my savings. This decision allowed me to gain valuable skills while strategically planning my transition into full-time photography. The stability from my full-time job provided a financial cushion, giving me the confidence to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Leaving the security of a stable job was undoubtedly a challenging decision, but I recognized that my well-being and passion for photography were paramount. The key milestones in this journey were marked by deliberate steps and dedication. First and foremost, I invested time in honing my craft, building a portfolio that reflected my style and expertise.

Networking played a crucial role as well. Connecting with fellow photographers, engaging with potential clients, and establishing a presence on social media platforms significantly contributed to the growth of my business. Word of mouth also became a powerful marketing tool as satisfied clients recommended my services to others.

I decided to start photographing weddings and I automatically knew this was where I was meant to me. It instilled confidence in my ability to sustain a viable business. As the demand for my photography services increased, I focused on expanding my offerings, exploring different niches, and diversifying my client base.

Over time, my dedication paid off as my photography business gained momentum. Today, I am proud to say that what started as a side hustle has evolved into a thriving and fulfilling career. Every project is an opportunity for growth, and I continue to learn, adapt, and push the boundaries of my creativity. The journey from a passionate hobbyist to a successful entrepreneur has been challenging, but the satisfaction of doing what I love every day makes it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kcbilekphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcbilekphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCBilekPhotography
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kcbilek06/_created/

Image Credits
Personal image taken by Katelyn Gordon-Starrett gordonstarrettphotography, Edited by me (KCBilekPhotography) All other images taken and edited by me – Katy Bilek