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Babe Watch - Kayla Kurkowski

Babe Watch - Kayla Kurkowski

In the past couple years, I have learned a tremendous lesson...social media is POWERFUL. It can get someone cancelled, make them a star, spread hate or spread messages of hope and inspiration. And while a plethora of negativity can come from using social media in a harmful way, when used correctly it is an amazing tool for connection and inspiration.

I met Kayla, our Babe Watch Feature of the Week, on social media. One day, Kayla shared a photo of a Posh Shop mug on her Instagram page. She had used one of our "My Favorite Position is CEO" mugs as a prop in one of her photo shoots. I am always crazy excited to see our products out and about getting used in the world. But seeing Kayla using the mug for her photo shoot felt really special. I knew Kayla predominantly for her photography business but I have now learned more about her as a budding business coach, podcast host, and more. Having a fellow boss babe using a mug that speaks such a strong feminist message was EVERYTHING. I realized then that Kayla was a great person to feature on our Babe Watch!

As I mentioned, Kayla is the owner of a photography company called Clever Candid Photography. She does Wedding, Event and Portrait Photography within her business. Check out some of her amazing work here...

In addition to her photography business, Kayla has a website dedicated to her other business endeavors. Kayla is building a business coaching segment to her business to help fellow photographers master their craft and grow into stronger photographers. Further, she hosts a podcast called Busy Building My Empire where she shares her personal stories and also helps other business owners to find their own success!

When I sought out to do this feature, I did not know a lot about Kayla. I am so glad that this gave me a glimpse into the amazingly strong woman she is and allowed me to get to know the girl on the other side of social media interactions.

Want to learn more about Kayla? Read more here...

What is Your Website? Insta Handle? (Or However Else We Can Find You!)

Clever Candid Photography -

Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/Clevercandid/

Website - www.clevercandidphotography.com

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/clevercandidphotos

Busy Building My Empire -

Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/busybuildingmyempire

Website - www.kaylakurkowski.com

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/busy_building_my_empire/

Why Did You Decide To Start Your Business?

I started the photography company because I fell in the love with the idea of taking photos. I started taking photos back in high school and it just really evolved for me. Over the years I went from taking photos of everything under the sun to I typically only shoot more events, weddings, anyone that is 18 years or older and my passion travel photography stuff now. In the last 2 years I started mentoring local photographers that were trying to break into the industry and that is when I started Busy Building My Empire. I wanted to help other photographer hit their goals and be able to have their dream careers like I do. So both companies really play into one another which is cool! This summer I am launching my brand new online coaching program so I can help local and non-local photographers reach their goals too!

Do You Have a Blog, Podcast, or Youtube Channel? Tell Us About It!

I do! I have a podcast that has new episodes that come out every Friday morning on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Iheartradio, tunein and right on my website. It is called Busy Building My Empire. https://kaylakurkowski.com/subscribe-to-podcast/

I cover topics from my personal journey like being adopted as an adult, being a serial entrepreneur, and interviews with some amazing other entrepreneurs.

What Is The Best Advice You Can Give to A Woman Starting Her Business Venture?

Build YOUR tribe because you don't need to do this alone! There are people that WANT to help you!

What Is Something Most People Don't Know About You?

I put myself for adoption at 24 years old and it was the best decision I ever made!

What Does Your Typical Day Look Like?

I get up and make food for myself (because I am cranky without food and can't think straight).

I get ready (this might just means changing from one pair of sweats to another but I make it a point to change so I know its time to get to work).

I grab my coffee/tea and head into my office I work in the office on emails/websites/podcast/computer/office stuff for 3-4 hours.

I typically schedule shoots for around 12 pm - 1pm to start because I love afternoon sun (so If I have shoots I go shoot!).

Lately, I have been grabbing my laptop and working on my porch when I can because I love the afternoon sun!

Then dinner time with my hubby and I block out the evenings with him to balance work time with family time!

Who Are Some Women That Inspire You? (Globally and Locally)

Oh there are so many! Amanda Adamcheck, Sarah Ordo, Cat Golden, Randee Garrett, Molly Grune, these are locally!

What Was One Huge Business Flop or Problem That You Had to Endure and How Did You Handle That?

One huge business flop I had to endure was trying to be a newborn/child photographer. I am not a kid person. They just not my thing. When I was first starting out and didn't know what my niche was going to be I literally shot EVERYTHING that was offered to me and I jacked up every shoot I had that had kids in it. So, I learned I had to pivot and start shooting what I was good at. That's when I niched down to 18+, weddings, events and travel stuff. I had to learn where the line in the sand was for me and that was it. Once I accepted that I was able to grow and expand my business. Now I have a girl on my team that she LOVES the babies and she does all the baby shoots and it's her things so it's a win win!

What Accomplishment Are You Most Proud Of?

I have gone through some of the hardest things in my life before I was even 25 years old and I survived. This has made me a fighter and I am proud of my growth and my resilience. If it is business or just in life, I have proven time and time again that I can grow and I can come back from things that would have destroyed most people.

What Do You Do For Self Care?

Travel! If it just me and my hubby driving around and looking at Lake St Clair over by our house or us getting our butts on a planes and see the world that is my reset button!

What Jobs Did You Work Before You Created Your Business? Tell Us Your Journey.

Pizza Maker at Little Caesars (Fresh out of high school this was my first job!) Flower Merchandiser for Masterpiece Flowers

Cashier at Meijer

Quality Control at Ford (Third Party Vendor)

Office Assistant at Great Lakes Battery

Receptionist at Epic Equipment & Engineering

Assistant Administrator Director at Hard Rock Stone Works

Then I finally gave up trying to find a job that "fit me" and made my dream career happened.

I was so scared to make that leap to become a full time entrepreneur because you have all the "what ifs". What if this happens, what if I can't make money, what if I don't have clients. I'm not going to lie when I told my husband, I was quitting my job that paid me decently and going to take a jump and see what was going to happen it was SCARY but it was one of the BEST decisions I ever made in my life. I haven't looked back and I am so proud of where I have ended up.

Give Us Some Fun Facts About You!

I am an equestrian and I have been since I was about 5 years old!

I have was adopted in 2017 (when I was 24 years) and now have 2 beautiful little sisters.

What Sign Are You?

LEO

Do You Know Your Enneagram? If So, What Is It?

Type 8 - The Challenger!

What One Word Represents You Most.

Determined

What is Your Favorite The Posh Shop Co Product?

The Boss Babe line is my fav but the CEO mug is my go too!

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