Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Krupa.
Hi Katie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I picked up my first DSLR camera back in 2008 when I joined my high school newspaper. Throughout high school, I shot sports and photojournalism material events, attended workshops and conventions across the country, and won numerous awards for my photographs. In college, I continued my photojournalism career and served as a photographer and the Assistant Photo Editor of The BG News at Bowling Green State University. I also worked with individuals and families to capture special moments and milestones as I continued to learn and grow as a photographer.
In 2016, I moved to Canton, OH, and after networking with Cleveland women entrepreneurs, bloggers, and creatives in the spring of 2018, I realized there was a need for brand photography in the area. Shortly after, I launched my business and began specializing in brand photography.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Business ownership is a journey that demands resilience and hard work, and over the past six years, I’ve experienced its highs and lows firsthand. Balancing the responsibilities of building my business while holding down a full-time job meant many late nights dedicated to both client work and business tasks.
Consistency in my online presence has posed a significant challenge. However, I’ve found a solution in batching content on Sundays, which has helped me maintain a more organized and regular presence. Also, grappling with comparison and impostor syndrome has been a battle. Yet, I’ve come to realize that there’s room for everyone in this industry, and witnessing the success of my photographer friends fills me with genuine joy and encouragement.
Last year, I found myself contemplating the future of my business, especially as my career in marketing continues to advance. Contrary to the assumption that starting a business signifies a desire to escape the 9-5 grind, I find fulfillment in both my full-time job and my entrepreneurial endeavors.
My ‘why’ has always anchored me to my business, reminding me of the passion and purpose behind every endeavor. Photography, for me, is more than just snapping pictures and making a buck. It’s about pouring my heart and soul into something I love, something that brings joy not only to me but to others, too. There is nothing I love more than seeing my clients use their photos and hearing their successes once they take that step to uplevel their businesses. Every click of the camera reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. It’s about turning passion into purpose, and that’s a ride worth taking, bumps and all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Katie Krupa Creative is an Ohio brand photographer serving Cleveland, Akron, and Canton areas and beyond. I believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and empowered to run their business no matter their confidence level in front of the camera. With experience in marketing and strategy, I create meaningful brand photos that are full of life and personality for service providers and small business owners in the Northeast Ohio area. I also offer headshots, event photography, and content creation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck, both good and bad, has made its presence known in both my personal life and my business.
On the side of good luck – landing a dream client through a chance encounter or a connection unexpectedly aligning at just the right time has been a testament to the positive role luck can play. These type of moments have not only supported my business but also infused it with a sense of excitement and opportunity.
On the other hand, I’ve had some bad luck in my business, too, often at the most inconvenient times. One particularly memorable instance was when I accidentally spilled a drink on my computer while facing a backlog of four client galleries waiting to be edited. That experience was undeniably rough, serving as a stark reminder of how unforeseen circumstances can throw a wrench into plans.
In both cases, luck has been a force beyond my control. While good luck has brought moments of triumph and joy, bad luck has presented challenges that tested my resilience and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, navigating the give-and-take between luck and effort has been an integral part of my journey as an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katiekrupacreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekrupacreative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiekrupacreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/katiekrupacreative
