We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly O’Donnell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

A little over a year ago I decided I wanted to change my business name and brand. I wanted to move away from a brand name that was so centered on my name. There were a few reasons for this. First, I felt like my work was beginning to expand out. Over the past few years I have begun to work with other creatives in a collaborative process and so I wanted my brand to reflect that. Second, I wanted my brand to reflect something bigger. A few touch points behind how I run my business is inclusivity and getting behind groups, people and collectives that I feel like deserve a spotlight. I try to create a space where people feel accepted and welcomed to express and to be who they are. There are so many cool small business and collectives that I have been able to work with over the years. I love helping people who are connected with the earth, businesses that help heal and support our community and people who are making kickbutt innovations to further us as a society.

I thought long a hard about how I wanted my brand and company to pivot. After about a year of brainstorming I landed on the name Starseed Studios. I loved that the named was an alliteration with the letter S. Philosophically I felt like it lined up with what I was trying to do with my business. In a condensed version, it stands for me using my talents as a photographer and videographer to connect with people and help tell their story. I play a roll in helping these people, groups and missions be seen in the public light. It is such an honor to be able to connect with so many magical and unique people.

Kelly, 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?

As a young human I have always been connected with a camera but never thought I would be running a business in the field. In hindsight it makes so much sense but it took me a little bit to get there. I originally went to school for and received a BFA from St. Cloud State University in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. I worked in the industry for a few years but found I really wasn’t happy. In 2015 I began slowly perusing photo and video more seriously and eventually made the transition to a full time freelancer in 2018.

At this current moment I am focusing a portrait photography for people and performers, video services for businesses, performers and events and taking on a small amount of weddings in photo and video. I love creating promo content for local businesses that help propel their story.

Current Offerings and focuses
Portrait Photography
Event Photography
Business Branding
Business Promo Videos
Event Video
Music Videos

How did you build your audience on social media?

I can only speak for my personal experience. I just focused on the craft, the experience and speaking from a place of personal truth. I think people either connect with what I am bringing to the table or they find it doesn’t resonate and then move on. I’ve grown my platform from a place of self acceptance and approach social media with the perspective of this is who I am and what I do. That resonates with some people and those are the people who stick around to see what I am up to.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love helping people and collectives express themselves and help tell their stories. I really love getting to know people. I always try to make a connection with the people I work with and getting to know them really helps make that connection. I am genuinely intrigued by peoples experiences and perspectives. My camera has allowed me to meet some really cool people doing amazing things. I am immensely grateful for the experiences I’ve been able to have because of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.starseedstudios.io
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starseedstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starseedstudiosmn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-o-donnell-4164a580/