We recently connected with Kristie Lloyd and have shared our conversation below.

Kristie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

In the mid-80s, I entered this world a daughter of two addicts. It was the best thing that would ever happen in my life. As a result of their addictions and unstable lifestyles, my father’s parents took custody of my sister and me. That’s where my true story begins.

My Mama, born and raised in Germany during WW2. She knew horrors and destitution in a way that it pains me to imagine. My Papa, the son of a farmer in rural Tennessee who joined the military as a young adult. They fell in love and married while my Papa was stationed at a German air force base in the 50’s. He “retired” after 21 years of service, but he never really retired. An entrepreneur through and through, he went on to start multiple businesses. My Mama always his right hand “man”. From opening an ice cream shop, a barber shop, a furniture and lumber supply shop, and ultimately running their own rental property business, they really were a “jack of all trades” kind of couple.

They loved their family above all else. So much that in what should have been their golden years, they took on raising their infant and toddler granddaughters. They never saw it as burden and always made sure we knew how much they loved us.

They were determined to build a legacy and a future for their children and grandchildren. I had the privilege of watching them do exactly this throughout the years. They were the hardest working people I’ve ever known. While they “retired” from their furniture business when I was only 8 years old, they continued buying/selling/renting properties until well after I moved out of the house. Many times, while just in middle school and high school, I remember typing up contracts and promissory notes and lease agreements (on Wordpad…the free word processor back in the day) for my Papa. I would go along with him to paint, weed-eat, spread grout, paint, and so much more for the properties he owned.

He told me often that I was his “pride and joy”. They both made sure I knew I could be whatever I wanted to be and they’d make it possible. I knew deep down they wanted me to go to medical school. I chose to go to nursing school, instead. They were still over the moon proud of me for the that.

Around the same time that I finished nursing school, I picked up camera and found a passion like I’d never known. I started my official photography business in 2013. Now, in my 10th year of business and having just lost both my Mama and Papa this past Fall – tragically within just one month of each other – I have never been more proud to be an entrepreneur. Nursing felt like the right path for me. But my photography business feels true to me. See, my business reflects so much of what they passively taught me. It embodies the hard work, love, and devotion I saw them pour into everything they did.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m Kristie – the owner and photographer of Kristie Lloyd Photography. I specialize in luxury maternity, newborn, and family photography. What sets my business apart is the signature experience I offer to new moms. My clients enjoy full family styling, access to my client wardrobe full of over 30 flattering dresses, professional hair & make-up, and custom designed artwork (not just digital images) for their home after their portrait session.

I value moments over poses, artwork over digitals, and quality over quantity. Clients are drawn to my use of bright, natural light and clean, film-like edits. You won’t find cheesy trends and excessive props in my work. I keep it minimal and timeless, ensuring moms have artwork that is passed down from generation to generation.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

You are a Badass at Making Money – by Jen Sincero

This book, though a bit more “new age” than my typical preference….it was such a game changer in my mindset around money. I can’t recommend this book enough for other entrepreneurs.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I started my business with a camera my husband gifted to me at Christmas and a $300 50mm lens I bought from Amazon. Starting out, I charged $100 for a photo session. I was decently “good” behind the camera, so my name spread rather quickly in my town. For about 6 months, I stashed every dollar I earned into an envelope. Once that turned into a few thousand, I opened my business bank account and purchased my first professional camera and lens…a lens I actually still use 9 years later, my 24-70mm f2.8.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristielloydphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristielloydphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristieLloydPhotography/