We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristin Jewell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristin below.

Kristin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

In my early 20’s and fresh out of college, I didn’t have a lot of experience in the real world. I went to classes during the week, waited tables on the weekends, lived at home and that was my life for about 4 years. I knew when I graduated, with a degree, I wanted to do something with it. I had grown up in Nashville and when I graduated from UTD, I wanted to go back. I ended up applying to a law firm that dealt in mainly real estate and it was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. Someone with no experience in the real estate world was given a chance and I don’t know if that lawyer who hired me knows how much of an impact he had on my life. It set the stage for “Why not me?”

My husband and I chose for me to carry the stay-at-home mom role because that’s what worked best for our family. As my kids were getting older though, I thought it was time to have something of my own. When I was younger, I always had a camera in my hand. I simply love taking pictures and I have more pictures in my house than I can count. I knew photography was my best option. What I didn’t know was that photography is a cutthroat business. You can find a photographer on any corner and for someone like me who was just starting off, who had no clients, who didn’t have a lot of experience photographing anything other than her own life, I quickly became scared by the realization that a lot of work had to be put into building a brand and a business.

Even now, after a few years of trying to get my business up and running, I do still think it’d be easier for me to get a work-from-home job that would help pay the bills, that would make my family more financially secure, that would allow more fun “things” for my 3 kids. As most people say about their jobs they don’t really like, “it pays the bills”. Would I be happy? Maybe. Would I have the passion in something I was just NEEDING to do rather than truly WANTING to do? Probably not. So, on those days when I’m feeling down because no emails are coming through, I have to remember that this is what I wanted. As a woman, I have to remember I’m more than a mom and a wife. I’m a photographer.

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?

The tag line for my business is “You enjoy the moment. I’ll capture the memory.” How often do we take pictures or videos of something and wish we had just put the phone down to truly enjoy what was happening in front of us? Also, how often do we look back at those pictures and remember every single detail and emotion of a certain life-changing event?

I was born in East Texas, grew up outside of Nashville and have lived in Allen for the past 14 years. I was very extroverted when I was younger and I have always considered myself a people person. I love learning people’s stories. As I mainly photograph families, sports, and events – every interaction with a client can provide a glimpse into their everyday lives. Learning about a child’s adoption, learning the ins and outs of a non-profit, learning why the coach began coaching, etc. Everyone has a story to tell. Granted, not everyone is willing to share their story but I always try to find out how to connect with the client so more of THEM comes through the pictures.

Photography requires a certain “something”. Maybe that’s MY “something”: connection. Thats’s what I’m most proud of regarding the work I’ve done so far. Anyone can take pictures but not everyone can connect with others. Find a good photographer that will bring out the REAL you.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, I was a people pleaser. I was the extrovert at parties, I would talk to anyone and everyone because I didn’t like the awkwardness of silence, and especially since I waited tables for so long, “the customer is always right” was engrained into my brain. On the opposite spectrum of all that, I had a hard time standing up for myself. Then, my kids came along and I got quite used to saying “no”. While I am always happy to give my clients what they want (to edit pictures as much as I need to), to help them choose the best photos (I always take more than I think I should so I KNOW I will have lots of options), or to suggest a redo free of charge because kids just weren’t cooperating that day, sometimes I have to say no. That’s a lesson I had to learn – it is absolutely okay to say no to what doesn’t serve you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Sometimes you have to take chances in life and sometimes you have to understand that not every chance will be a win. Sometimes saying no allows bigger and better opportunities to present themselves.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

WORD OF MOUTH. I can’t express that enough. Social media is great for those that know how to operate it and use it in the most beneficial ways possible. However, I don’t want all of my free time to be dedicated to staring at a screen. So, word of mouth is key to growing clientele. Did someone love a great action shot I took at a baseball game? Did someone love the Christmas card they received and wondered who took the pictures? Again, connection is key. Getting to know my clients so that they feel comfortable positively impacts their decision to give my name to those asking the questions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bbnphotography.pixieset.com
• Facebook: BBN Photography
• Other: Email: [email protected]