We were lucky to catch up with Krissy Strode recently and have shared our conversation below.
Krissy, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
If you had told me years ago that I’d one day be a full-time entrepreneur and a Visual Storyteller, I would’ve laughed. That wasn’t the plan at all! My journey started at Sinclair Community College, where I enrolled as an Architectural Engineering major. Since middle school, I dreamed of becoming an architect, but after a few semesters, I realized it wasn’t for me—too much designing on computers and not enough hands-on work. So, I switched to Electronics Engineering Technology (EET).
EET was no cakewalk. I remember crying in my professor’s office because I struggled to grasp certain engineering concepts. I even failed some classes. But somehow, through the tears and frustration, I developed a passion for it. After earning my associate degree, I landed a co-op position at an Aerospace and Electronics company in Dayton, OH, just one week after graduation. That co-op role quickly turned into a full-time job as a Test Engineer. I spent eight years there, developing testing procedures, repairing aircraft black boxes, and eventually becoming a supervisor over three departments.
Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed. I felt stuck—burned out at work, unable to travel like I once did, and deeply unfulfilled in life. I knew I needed a shift. My next role as an Engineering Team Manager seemed promising. I managed robotics systems for an online grocery retailer, which sounded exciting, but it wasn’t enough. Life in Ohio felt monotonous, even with a new job and new faces. Eight months later, I quit, sold my house, packed up, and moved to Atlanta, GA, to start fresh.
In Atlanta, I took a seven-month sabbatical to rediscover myself. I explored the city, traveled solo, and went on incredible adventures—like a month-long trip across the West Coast, from stunning national parks to bustling cities, and my first international solo trip to St. Lucia. I came back feeling renewed and ready for my next challenge.
That’s when I tried project management at a robotics company, drawn by promises of innovation, travel, and diversity. But the corporate world was draining. Over 10 years, I endured countless microaggressions—comments about my race, people touching my hair without permission, and the unfulfilled promises of diversity and inclusion (DEI). Despite dreams of becoming a VP as a young Black woman in engineering, I realized the fight wasn’t worth it anymore. I had achieved so much—six-figure salaries, buying a house, traveling the world—but the politics and lack of representation left me frustrated.
On May 5, 2023 (a date I’ll never forget), I quit corporate for good. I had no backup plan, just a little savings and a dream of something new. At first, I thought I’d try being a traveling content creator, but I quickly discovered I hated being in front of the camera. Then came an idea: what if I helped others create content? That thought sparked something, and one day, becoming a drone pilot popped into my head.
I studied to become an FAA-certified drone pilot, failing my first test but passing on the second. I crashed my first drone soon after—but hey, progress isn’t always pretty! I tried breaking into real estate with aerial property shots but realized that wasn’t my thing either. While figuring it all out, I did whatever I could to make ends meet: cleaning houses, running a photo booth, even working as a lunch lady.
There were countless moments of fear, uncertainty, and wondering if I could make rent each month. The thought of returning to corporate life, withdrawing from my 401k, or taking out loans constantly crossed my mind, weighing heavily on my mental health.
Then, a turning point came—my aunt gifted me my first professional camera, even though I had ZERO experience in photography or videography. That simple gesture changed everything. I was fortunate to meet an incredible mentor who guided me, accelerating my shooting and editing skills. In just one year, I transformed this newfound passion into a full-time income. This journey has taken me around the world—from London to Mexico to San Francisco. Along the way, I’ve built a vibrant community of creatives who inspire, partner, and grow with me.
These days, my life is a mix of exhilarating shoots, late nights of editing, sleepless stretches, and occasional battles with imposter syndrome. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m truly living in an answered prayer. Taking the leap from a six-figure corporate job to completely reinventing myself has been the scariest yet most fulfilling decision of my life.
I’m not here to tell anyone to quit their job or abandon stability for passion. But I do encourage you to tap into your talents, connect with God, and pursue what genuinely fulfills you. You’ll know when it’s time to pivot, and you’ll feel when it’s right. Growth always comes with seasons of discomfort, stretching, and uncertainty—but it’s necessary, even inevitable.
My journey has been anything but traditional, yet every twist and turn has brought me closer to my purpose. Whether in entrepreneurship or corporate spaces, representation matters, and I hope to inspire the next person to embrace their journey, wherever it may lead.
Krissy, 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 specialize in videography, photography, and aerial drone services, creating high-quality, captivating visuals that promote businesses, brands, and individuals—or simply preserve life’s most cherished moments. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, event coverage, heartfelt testimonials, or evergreen content, my goal is to bring your vision to life with creativity and professionalism.
What sets me apart is my dedication to making every client feel seen, celebrated, and completely at ease in front of the camera. I’m more than just a videographer—I’m your personal hypewoman, ensuring you shine in every frame. I take immense pride in delivering visuals that not only meet your needs but exceed your expectations.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me to capture their stories and moments with care and authenticity. Whether it’s a brand looking to elevate their image or an individual wanting to preserve a milestone, I pour my heart into every project.
For anyone considering working with me, know that my passion is helping you feel confident, comfortable, and celebrated while creating visuals you’ll cherish forever. Let’s make magic together!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Believe it or not, my best source of new clients has been other professional creatives! I’ve received countless referrals from photographers and videographers I’ve collaborated with over the past year. Whether it’s being a second shooter, assisting with editing photos and videos, or lending a hand on a big project, these connections have been invaluable.
What keeps these referrals coming? I show up on time, bring positive energy while maintaining professionalism, and always deliver high-quality work. My dependability and commitment to exceeding expectations have built trust within my network, and I’m incredibly grateful for the creative community that continues to support and recommend me. It’s proof that collaboration and a strong work ethic can open amazing doors!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that “work” never really feels like work. I genuinely love what I do so much that every project feels more like play than a job. What makes it even better is that most of my clients trust me with full creative control, allowing me to dive into the process with complete freedom. That trust fuels my passion and lets my creative juices flow, making every shoot or edit an opportunity to bring a unique vision to life. It’s this blend of joy, freedom, and artistry that makes being a creative so fulfilling!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisskrosskrisss/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissy-strode-830aa9150/
Image Credits
First photo upload (headshot) is Stephon Williams with StephonX Photography @ StephonX Studios