Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Makenzie Mathison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Makenzie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The concept behind Captured by Kenz, Inc. came to me somewhat unexpectedly. Photography and videography have always been passions of mine, but it never occurred to me that I could turn them into a career. Growing up, I was encouraged by my parents to pursue whatever path I desired, yet I chose finance, despite knowing it wasn’t my true calling. It wasn’t until I reached a breaking point in April—when I made the decision to leave my corporate job without a backup plan—that I felt a sense of clarity and knew I had made the right choice. I wasn’t afraid or regretful; instead, I felt a newfound sense of freedom and possibility.

In August, a close cousin of mine asked me to photograph his engagement proposal. At the time, I had a professional camera, a decent lens, and limited experience, but how could I turn that opportunity down? Selfishly, I just wanted to be there to see the whole thing go down in person. As I hid behind trees, waiting for the couple to arrive at the proposal spot, something clicked for me. The excitement, the anticipation, the ability to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment—I realized then that this was something I could see myself doing long-term. That night, I decided to launch my business, and I’ve been dedicated to growing my craft ever since.

In just five months, I’ve worked tirelessly to build my skills and expand my business, and I’m excited to continue this journey. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to turn a passion into a reality, and I’m eager to see where this path takes me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I primarily focus on couples and engagements but am hopefully looking to book my first wedding in the near future. One day, I would love to strictly photograph weddings but until then, am happy to capture all moments from family shoots to senior photography. What sets me apart as a photographer is my unique blend of passion, experience, and approach to storytelling. I don’t just take pictures; I capture moments that truly reflect the emotions and essence of my clients. I believe that photography is more than just a technical skill—it’s about connecting with people and understanding the narrative they want to tell through their images. This allows me to create photos that feel authentic and personal, rather than staged or generic.

What I’m most proud of in starting my business is the leap of faith I took to follow my passion, even when it meant stepping away from the conventional path. For so long, I was caught in the expectation to stay within the traditional corporate structure, where stability and security were seen as the ultimate goals. But in April, I realized I wasn’t truly living my life—I was just following a script that didn’t align with who I am or what I want to do.I took a risk, trusting that if I followed my passion for photography, the right opportunities would come. That decision wasn’t just about leaving a job—it was about rejecting the societal pressure to conform to what everyone else considers “safe” or “successful.” Instead, I chose to build something that reflected my own vision and values.

I’m proud of the courage it took to make that transition and to not get sucked into the social norm of pursuing a career simply because it’s expected. Starting my business allowed me to take control of my life, create something meaningful, and pursue a career that excites me every single day. It wasn’t easy, but the personal fulfillment I’ve gained over the last few months has made every challenge worth it. The fact that I took that leap and am now living my passion is what I’m most proud of. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding decisions come from taking risks and trusting in yourself, even when it goes against the grain.

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

Oh man. This is a good one. So truth be told, I still am looking for new ways to fund my business. Over the summer, I was working FIVE part time jobs which added up to a total of over a 40 hour work week. However, I made this choice to leave my stable 9-5 and knew I needed to commit. When I first decided to start my business, funding was one of the biggest hurdles I faced.

The hours were long, and I’ll admit, there were times I felt completely burned out. But each paycheck went toward purchasing better gear, paying for necessary subscriptions, and covering other business expenses. It wasn’t glamorous, but I was determined to make it work. Even with all the hustle, I still didn’t have quite enough to cover everything I wanted, and there were a lot of moments where I questioned whether it would all come together.

What kept me going was the belief that this was the right path for me. I knew that every sacrifice, every late night, and every part-time job was a step toward building something I truly cared about. As tough as it was, I managed to keep moving forward, slowly but surely.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been referrals. I’ve found that word-of-mouth recommendations and personal connections are incredibly powerful in this industry. When clients are happy with the work I’ve done, they’re not only willing to return for future projects, but they also share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the relationships I build with my clients lead to trusted recommendations, and it speaks to the quality of service and care I put into every shoot.

In many ways, referrals have been the backbone of my business growth. When someone comes to me based on a personal recommendation, there’s already a sense of trust and confidence, which makes the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved. It’s not just about capturing great photos; it’s about providing an experience that people want to share with others.

I’m grateful for the clients who have trusted me with their moments and then passed my name along to others. It’s a reminder that the work I do doesn’t just result in beautiful images—it helps build a network of loyal clients who value what I offer and want to share it with their own circles. That kind of organic growth has been key to getting my business off the ground and keeping it moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.capturedbykenz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbykenz.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565188466053
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makenziemathison/