We were lucky to catch up with Kaylin Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kaylin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Imagine standing under the stream of a shower, feeling each water droplet pound against your skin as if to amplify the inner chaos you’ve been feeling day in and day out. There you are, staring at a face in the mirror that no longer feels like yours. I was that guy. Grades slipping from a near 4.0 in high school to far below average during my chemical engineering coursework at Missouri S&T, a crumbling relationship with a girl that I promised myself I’d give my all, and emotions that I couldn’t keep a leash on. I gazed into the mirror with tears still in my bright red eyes, both from crying profusely and attempting to drown my sorrows in everyones favorite green plant. I had no idea what was in store for me. In those moments of darkness, you sometimes find your brightest inspirations.
Before I met Kemet and before The Woke Brand became part of my life both of which I’ll dive into in just a sec don’t worry, I began on a smaller stage. I documented my journey on a private social media page with a cozy following of around 30-40 people. It was a humble beginning but a crucial one. This platform, limited in numbers but enormous in emotional support, allowed me to explore myself. I started discovering what truly brought me joy. It wasn’t just about likes or follows; it was about real, human connection and self-discovery. People began to interact with my content and explain that it was impactful on their own lives. It was then that I realized what was possible by creating and documenting the stories of our lives.
Enter stage right, Kemet. He’s not just some guy I knew; he was a true friend from our high school track days back at Hazelwood East High school. We discovered our creative sync during a photoshoot featuring the Alton, Illinois skyline, a landscape that is often overlooked but resonates with hometown pride. It was as if the universe was aligning itself; the chemistry between us was undeniable. Even when life took us both to Atlanta, him for his expanding opportunities, and me for an internship with Clorox, the alignment didn’t stop. He gifted me my first-ever camera, and that wasn’t just a gadget. It was as if he passed me a wand of possibilities.
After my return to St. Louis, the fashion world became my new playground. I was now walking down runways, feeling the electrifying energy in the room, and working with photographers whose artful eyes transformed simple poses into stories. But then, the game-changer happened. I met Kisha, the powerhouse behind The Woke Brand. She was like a mirror, reflecting back at me what I could become. Together, we teamed up for a campaign that not just met expectations, it shattered every benchmark. The metrics were soaring, the brand voice was resonating, and suddenly, I felt like I was steering a ship that had just caught the wind. I wasn’t just a model or a creator anymore; I was a strategic visionary.
That’s when the idea for Kat Media crystallized in my mind. I knew I wanted to create more than just an agency; I envisioned a collective, a fellowship of uniquely gifted individuals with each contributing their own slice of genius to a harmonious whole. It’s like building a jigsaw puzzle where each piece adds exponential value. We’re not just about making content; we’re crafting experiences, telling stories that resonate, and above all, sparking real change in how people perceive the brand. The vision became so clear; Kat Media was destined to be an unmatched force in the world of content creation and beyond. A powerhouse agency that doesn’t just offer unparalleled service but serves as a catalyst for transformation in any industry we touch.
You see, St. Louis isn’t just some location on a map to me. It’s my home. It’s my community. It’s a city with a pulse that beats in the same rhythm as my heart. But it’s also a city grappling with a heavy, often gut-wrenching reputation. They call it the ‘murder capital,’ but I see it as a city of untapped potential. That’s why the mission of Kat Media isn’t just to create; it’s to contribute meaningfully to my hometown. I want to use this agency as a beacon to light up the overlooked corners of St. Louis, to inspire, to educate, to give people a reason to believe that change is possible. I want to stitch together a new narrative for my city, one that’s about growth, resilience, hope, and above all, the untapped potential that lies within each of us.
So what’s the moral of the story here? Life has shown me that your lowest moments often serve as the launch pad for your most amazing leaps. But listen up; you’re never running this race solo. There might be a Kemet in your life, waiting to hand you a fresh lens through which you see the world anew. There might be a Kisha, ready to offer you a platform that amplifies your voice and your vision. Or perhaps, like me in my early days, you have a small circle of 30-40 people who see your value even when you can’t. These are your allies, your cheerleaders, the wind beneath your wings. So keep your eyes peeled and your heart open. Because your ‘wand of possibilities,’ that game-changing moment or connection, could be just one step, one leap, one post away.
Kaylin, 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?
Let’s get into it: I’m the founder and creative strategist behind Kat Media, a social media marketing agency that does way more than just produce eye-catching visuals. Sure, we excel at that, but what sets us apart is our commitment to storytelling, our unique blend of artistic creativity and strategic marketing. We’re a collective of gifted individuals, each bringing something unparalleled to the table, from editing mastery to social media prowess. But it’s not just about making content; it’s about making content that makes an impact, not just for brands but for communities.
How did I get here? Well, the story’s long, but the short version is a mix of resilience and circumstance. You see, I didn’t start out in this field. My initial path was chemical engineering, a course that quickly taught me where I didn’t want to be. I faced setbacks, yes, but it’s those very setbacks that carved the path to where I am now. We’re talking about transitioning from being an engineering student with grades on the decline to leading a team of creatives who strive to set the standard in the industry. It’s been a wild ride, but every bit of it was essential to molding the entrepreneur and creative spirit I am today.
As for what we provide at Kat Media, think of it as a one-stop-shop for all your creative needs. Whether you’re a small business trying to break into the digital landscape or a mission-driven organization aiming to make a societal impact, we’ve got you covered. We deliver everything from compelling visual narratives to comprehensive social media strategies, tailored not just to meet but to exceed your expectations.
What are we solving for our clients? In a word: obscurity. In a world drowning in content, we make sure you not only get seen but also remembered. We give your brand the voice it deserves, sculpting not just a message but a story that resonates with your audience.
What sets us apart? Beyond our skillset and storytelling acumen, it’s our core mission. Kat Media isn’t just a business; it’s a platform for change. Based in St. Louis, a city grappling with its own set of societal issues, we’re committed to giving back to the community and being a catalyst for positive transformation.
So what am I most proud of? It’s not just the metrics of hundreds of thousands of views, likes and comments, though they’re always nice to have. It’s the lives we’ve managed to touch, the stories we’ve told, and the positive change we’ve been able to advocate for. That’s the real benchmark for me.
In a nutshell, if you decide to follow us or become a client, know that you’re not just getting top-tier content creation. You’re investing in an agency that cares about its clients, its craft, and its community. We’re not just here to make a quick buck; we’re here to make a lasting impact. So if you’re all about that, then hey, welcome to the fam!
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team while keeping morale high is an ongoing learning experience, especially as Kat Media continues to grow. One of my key strategies is to differentiate between tasks that need my full attention (deep tasks) and those I can delegate (shallow tasks). The latter allows me to focus on the most impactful work for our clients. Effective delegation is not just offloading tasks; it’s also about clear and empathetic communication. I invest in coaching team members to bridge the gap between their initial output and what we consider client-ready.
Maintaining team morale comes from mutual respect and open communication. Team members need to feel their contributions are valued, so I make it a priority to listen and create an environment for open discussion. Good leadership is about serving your team, providing resources, and moral support. By focusing on these areas, we’ve been able to create a work culture where everyone is motivated to give their best, benefiting both our clients and the team.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Three resources have been game changers on my entrepreneurial journey. First up is The Futur, led by Chris Do. It’s essentially a catalogue of masterclasses available for free on youtube. They specialize in business for creatives, offering tools and courses that bridge the gap between creativity and commerce.
Second, the book “Deep Work” by Cal Newport has been instrumental. Newport emphasizes the importance of focused, uninterrupted work, showing how it’s the key to achieving top-level performance and innovation.
Lastly, the book “$100 M Offers” by Alex Hormozi has also been a big influence. It offers actionable insights into crafting offers so irresistible that clients can’t say no.
Each of these resources has provided me with tools and knowledge that I’ve found invaluable in navigating the entrepreneurial world.
Contact Info:
- Website: katmediacreates.com
- Instagram: @earthtokaylo | @katmediacreates
- Linkedin: Kaylin Thompson