We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marquita Jennings a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marquita, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about spending on the little things / small joys when finances are tight?

When I first started my business, I was able to utilize the equipment and tools I already had personally to make it work. But as I grew and started to make a profit, I started buying equipment to make better quality content or photographs. Shortly after this happen, COVID happened. All the events I photographed stopped. All of the travel planned stopped. But during 2020, I was able to pivot. I was able to figure out a better content calendar for my YouTube channel which has attracted more viewers leading me to monetization on the platform. Also, I was able to learn new skills to use my photography in other avenues when my favorite avenues of travel and portraits aren’t feasible. But with this, I had to cut back on expenses. So those personal trips to the nail salon were cut out. And I started eating at home more to avoid delivery fees on restaurant foods. Fast forward to now, it seems to be a rough summer with so much happening in the world. But luckily I have diversified my business to have income coming from different streams when one stream is dry. But I still am budgeting and spending my money wisely.

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 am Kita the Explorer who has three focus areas: travel content creation, photography and sustainability.

As a travel content creator, I encourage women to not wait for someone to go and travel the world solo! I do this by sharing adventures and tips on my YouTube channel. Also, you may find me working with brands that I rely on to share with you resources to make the best travels for you. Lastly, you may see me travel at home here in Atlanta as travel doesn’t mean you have to travel across the globe. Exploring your backyard can be just as enjoyable!

As a photographer, I focus on lifestyle, landscapes, events and product work. I typically work with individuals traveling through the Atlanta area who wants to document their time in the city. It is always nice to capture a moment in time for memories to look on later. But that doesn’t mean I don’t work with locals, as I do! But my favorite niche in photography is landscape work! I’m able to take those sceneries to share with others of how places look or what you may experience traveling there. Those landscape photographs are photographs I sell to the world in my store.

Lastly, I’m working to become more sustainable especially as I travel. While learning this, I share these tips with my audience to encourage them to do the same. Plus, every time I travel, I donate to plant trees which are critical to combating climate change. Also, my business does go out in the community once a month to give back to the city with Trees Atlanta.

I love that I’m able to encourage others, document moments in time and help the planet while working for my own business!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My initial funding came from me. I worked a full time corporate job and still do. This is a way to make sure you have another source of income for whenever “winter” comes in your business. Plus, those regular paychecks can be budgeted out to help support your small business. It doesn’t have to be forever working both but it is a great way to gain the initial capital needed for your business.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

What has worked for me is the use of Airbnb, YouTube and word of mouth! Without either of those, I wouldn’t have a business!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kitatheexplorer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitatheexplorer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitatheexplorer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kita-the-explorer/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kitatheexplorer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kitatheexplorer
• Other: Prints: https://kitatheexplorer.darkroom.com/ Airbnb Experience: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/245803

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me (yes even of myself)