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

McKenzy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Growing up I was in special education for as long as I can remember it started out being just a stutter. however, it grew, and having extreme dyslexia and my teachers gave up hope in me that I will achieve much in my education. when I reached Middle School I was in this extreme shell and thought that I would never succeed because that is how my teachers presented my life story to me. It wasn’t until I reached high school and competed in my first pageant that I realized I could do much more with my life than people thought. After that, I joined a modeling agency and got extremely out of my comfort zone and into my growth zone. I continued on to work in New York City along with small fashion shows and photo shoots in Utah. It is through my modeling experience and being in front of the camera and getting out of that comfort zone that made me realize that there are so many other kids out there like me that has been told that they can’t do what they dream to do and that it’s unrealistic as a career choice. I want to show them through my photography and Photoshop and being creativity that they can achieve their goals and have them see themselves on the MLB field or NBA court or travel the world writing stories for their blog. As long as they work hard enough and they can share their light on the world. be reborn again and don’t let the negativity in they will achieve greatness. And I will be there to help create the brand and any promoting material I can to help them succeed.

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

I am a professional Graphic designer and self-taught photographer. I am also going to school to get my bachelor’s in marketing. I first got into graphic design when I was on my middle school yearbook team. I loved putting things together and creating something beautiful. After High School, I started creating logos and social media marketing material for small businesses around my community. I have always been interested in photography ever since I was little. I would steal my dad and mom’s cameras and take pictures of just random things that I thought were beautiful. Also in high school, I started taking photography classes anywhere that I could and developing my Photoshop skills to create masterpieces. After High School, I went on to college. I have my associate’s degree in business and interned for a company in Utah as their graphic designer. After leaving that company I started my own and have done graphic design, photography, and marketing for many businesses. My favorite thing about what I do is helping our youth visualize themselves doing what they dream of. That is why even though when it is tough and I don’t have very much work I keep pushing on because it is the youth that keeps me inspired every day.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

As of right now, my small business is just that. I still work another full-time job however I am continuing to get bigger, more busy, and more clients every year. As long as you love what you do the money will follow. I have done bad business deals in the past and I am still learning. for example, I created a whole slideshow presentation for a client and sent it to him via email to approve I never got paid and I never heard back from him. So now I know to always take payment up front and have a contract. Another lesson that I’ve learned from having a small business is to not let people walk on you and to know when to put your foot down and walk away. One company that I worked with I took to court because I did not get paid for 7 months and they tried to take away all my designs. it has been a long road to get where I am and to learn what I have, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat just so I can do what I love.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I absolutely love Girl Wash Your Face, and Girl Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis when I did a lot of public speaking and going to high school I drew inspiration from her books. Her books kept me motivated and inspired me to keep going when I wanted to give up. I have my own copies of these books and have highlighted and bookmarked some of what I consider the boat parts for when I need a little pick-me-up. But self-improving/ self-help books are my favorites to get me inspired and motivated.    

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phoenixflame.biz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixflamephotos.graphics
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenzy.jeffery
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenzy-h-32076b107/

Image Credits
Lana Hansen Photography Sascha Milara Trinidee Rae Images