We were lucky to catch up with Khay Renee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Khay, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Eight years ago, as a freshman on the campus of Fisk University I met a classmate by the name of Malik Yant. At a campus with a small population, it was normal to run into the same people quite often. We instantly became great friends, connecting over may things we we were both passionate about— sports, youth, and inspiring people. Malik had even asked if we could start a business or something together and he jokes about it now, stating that I’d turned him down on the offer because I was working on something of my own. Fast forward to junior year, I started a clothing brand where Malik ended up being one of my highest paying customers. Not only did Malik buy a shirt for himself, but he went as far as buying shirts for his entire family. I knew it before, but Malik investing in my 2-month old brand at the time meant the world to me. Fast forward to the summer of 2020, together we launched a youth book club called, “Booked N’ Busy” where we hosted virtual sessions over a book about racism/anti racism for youth entitled, “Stamped.” Months later Malik told me he’d been finalizing a book he’d been writing and that he wanted me to creatively drive the visual of the book—from the photography to even the layout of the book itself. As afraid as I was, I instantly took Malik up on the challenge.
We met several times throughout the week for about a year and a half— deciding what direction we’d take for the photoshoot, working through the design of the book cover, and even the overall vibe we wanted readers to gain firsthand.
This was something Malik and I, of course, had never done before. Both roles we played in the overall production of the book was all about trial, error, and risk taking. During that time, Malik and I experienced grief and challenges in our personal lives that we could have decided then to put a complete pause on this project. Instead, we turned trial into triumph and saw it through. As of today, “The Book of Vision” has since released and has sold to readers all over the country. To know the author on a personal level, to know what it took for him to get to the point of even releasing such an inspiring project, is what makes this one most meaningful thus far. Malik often says, “This is a reason for you to celebrate too! You did this.” And he’s right, which I’m grateful for. We have more to come and I’m excited God has placed such a true friend and business partner in my life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Khay Renee, also known as “KR.” I’m a 26-year old photographer, born and raised in Nashville, who is passionate about capturing people of color through my lens. I picked up the camera at age 18, and haven’t put it down since. As a Black, female photographer who represents only a small portion of this industry, I’m most proud of inspiring people through my journey and bringing clients’ visions to life.
As someone who’s struggled with my mental health for quite some time, I can truly say Creating Saved my Life. Before I got serious about getting therapy and the proper treatment, creating is what kept me afloat. It was my escape from the real world and still is, truthfully. I love what I do and excited to see where the camera takes me next,
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy I’ve seen be extremely impactful would be storytelling. Telling MY story and being as vulnerable as possible has allowed me to connect with returning clients and potentially new clients. I’m a believer in the importance of sharing the wins, losses, ups, and downs. Often times, we as creatives get caught up in the algorithms and forget to just tell our story. When you share your story, people are able to build trust and get to know the person behind the brand. It’s powerful.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The pivot many of us all probably had to pivot in some way would definitely be during the pandemic. When the world shut down, we as creatives wondered what the future of our businesses looked like. I couldn’t shoot. I couldn’t leave the house. I felt stuck. Instead of moping about it, I decided to try and pick up a new skills like artificial lighting and studio photography. I spent hours watching countless YouTube videos and even playing around with my own set ups. Once the world “reopened” I booked my first studio shoot with my younger sister for her makeup business. Today, studio shoots drive my photography business. My “pandemic pivot” was one to remember.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.krshotit.com
- Instagram: @krshotit