Check Out Kristen Kestner’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Kestner.

Hi Kristen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Just wanted to clarify that Kristen isn’t the only one who answered questions for the interview. The four of us are Kristen Kestner, Morgan Darbyshire, Kortney Gramke, and Maranda Sauers. 

Starting an Instagram Account was an idea that we joked about for years. We always felt like we had something special with our relationship and the bond we have as sisters. Growing up, and even still, people constantly tell us that we are so lucky to have what we have and are always asking if they can be our “fifth sister”. Add that to the fact that we love clothes and home decor and share every single thing that we love with each other; we finally realized that we should just go for it. One random night at our parent’s house for Sunday dinner, we created the account on a whim before we could chickened out. It’s been a little over three months, and we have been working our butts off to get our name out there. It has been so much fun to work with each other and share both our relationship and all of our favorite things with the rest of the world. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think for us, the hardest part has been putting ourselves out there for the world to see. We literally had to hype each other up to post our first reel because we felt so awkward. I also think that sometimes we get in our own heads and wonder if people actually care about what we are sharing but have to remind ourselves that people choose to follow us for a reason. It’s also been a huge learning curve to learn about all of the technology and ways to grow an Instagram account. We also had to start an LLC a new bank account, and meet with a tax guy, which is new to all of us since we are all teachers. Learning how to start and run a new “business” has been overwhelming but exciting at the same time. The algorithm to grow online is constantly changing, so we are also trying to learn how to keep up with trends while working as full-time teachers and also moms. We have 12 kids between us, so we are busy:) 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Instagram is full of people doing exactly what we are trying to do, but what sets us apart from everyone else is our sisterhood. Everything we share about our relationship and time together is authentic. We live in the same neighborhood (3/4 are on the same street). Our husbands are best friends and always joke about being the “5th wheel” when they’re with us. All four of us are teachers; Kristen and Morgan work in the same school, and Kortney and Maranda are also in the same school. We have 12 kids under the age of 11, and they are all best friends too. We get together multiple times a week because we just love to spend time together. Random dinners, a quick hour together for a drink, or even a rare night out at a restaurant, we’re likely together; it’s what we live for. Our lives are completely intertwined, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. At the end of the day, we love each other and know that we will succeed if we work together and share what we have with the world. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Instagram is easy for networking because we can follow similar accounts that are doing it well and try to emulate them. We have also signed up for several classes to learn about the industry and meet other people doing the same thing. One of Morgan’s best friends from school started an account a little before us, so she has been super helpful as well. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sisterapproved4