We were lucky to catch up with Kellie Coleman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kellie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?
I think the one thing you have to remember is to never give up, as cliche as it sounds. You just have to go,go,go, then go some more.
Interning at Citybeat as a photographer was a great start, I wish I asked more questions and absorbed all the information given to me. That was my biggest mistake, not asking questions.
I lived in Northside at the time and did mostly free photoshoots to get my name out there. My apartment was a small space and very limiting. I had a very minimal set up but I made it work okay.
I said “Yes!” to everything that was offered, free or not, fun or not. It was a gig and when you’re starting out you really cannot afford to be super picky.
It’s hard sometimes but that means it’s worth it.
Kellie, 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 photographer based in Cincinnati but travel to Dayton and Columbus for work as well. I started off as an intern for Citybeat and grew my skills from there with the help of my instructors.
After this and working as a freelancer I was able to snag a spot as a photographer for Cincinnati Refined.
For 5 years Cincinnati Refined made me hone my skills and put what I want out of photography into focus.
I was extremely upset when Sinclair relocated it’s funding and after the pandemic the Refined Team disbanded.
I kept going, It wasn’t until last year was when I was able to evolve my photography with an actual studio with enough space to photograph clients. My studio is named Purple Monster Photo Studio and we are located right downtown.
I capture family portraits, professional headshots, boudoir and some food photography.
I want people to feel seen at my studio. I want them to feel validated and reassured in the work I do for them, That’s probably what makes me the most proud, when a client really loves to see themselves and are happy with how I portrayed them or their family.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal with my photography is to help a person or a group be recognized.
I want my subjects to be seen, heard and validated. I love the idea that a great headshot gives a person confidence in the workforce or a great family photo captures a moment the family wants to cherish forever.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Honestly? I wish I asked more questions. For some reason I thought I would look dumb if I asked. Now I realize that I WAS dumb for NOT asking for tips. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to not know things and it’s okay to take a little longer than some people. There is no finish line, especially in regards to creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: purplemonsterphotostudio.com
- Instagram: Purplemonsterphotostudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purplemonsterphotostudio
- Linkedin: Kellie A Coleman
- Other: My partner does video and drone work: https://www.youtube.com/@purplemonstermultimedia/ Website: https://www.purplemonstermultimedia.com/
Image Credits
Kellie A Coleman Photos taken OF me working: Kyle Chaney @Purplemonstermultimedia