Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaileen Jones.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up with photos displayed in every room of my house, and I mean every room. We even had them in our bathrooms! Each photo was a perfect and beautiful snapshot of my family’s story. We owe these precious moments captured to the woman working behind the lens– my mother, Diana Gale.
My Mom is the one who taught me the love of photography, and now that she has passed, the pictures she took are even more valuable. She not only gifted me with wonderful photographs to hold forever, but she taught me to see beauty in the small moments of every day.
My mother is my inspiration and so I combined both of our middle names, mine being Joy and her’s being Gale, creating Mrs. Joygale.
I decided to launch my business on my mother’s birthday April 11th in 2018. I had graduated college the year prior and working as a graphic design intern part-time, part-time Starbucks barista. I had missed photography on the side, so that’s when I decided to go for it and make things official. I continued my graphic design journey in a salary job, but when my business started to gain more and more inquiries, and I started to turn down leads because of my 9-5, I decided it was time to take the leap in 2020 to go full time. But of course, COVID happened and I had to put that on hold and stay at my stable 9-5 for just one more year. January 2021, I finally left my 9-5 and went full time with my business!
In the beginning, I didn’t believe I could be an actual entrepreneur. I felt like I didn’t have the personality for it or even the talent. But truly because of so many individuals God put in my life who encouraged me, lifted me up, and pushed me to face my fears; I am now standing here today living a dream I was too afraid to chase in the past.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s never a smooth road, at least for me. There are A LOT of struggles but one main huddle was my own self-thinking I just didn’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. But after seeing that I had so many individuals God put in my life who encouraged me, lifted me up, and pushed me to face my fears; I realized I wasn’t alone on my journey.
Having community is incredibly important for where I am today. If I didn’t have the people in my life today, I surely wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Kaileen, Traveling wedding and elopement photographer based in Kansas City.
I don’t just want to take killer photos. I want to catch a memory. To make time stand still and capture the story of YOU. I’ll make sure we get to know each other before I even pull out the camera because I want you to feel relaxed and have a great time! When it comes to telling the story of you, I am committed to doing my absolute best and that means more than just a professional relationship to me. I want to laugh with you, share your stories and your joy!
And don’t stress about all those perfect Pinterest poses! I’ll be there to guide you while capturing all the laughter, dancing, and smiling! We all have our weird quirks, and I want to capture the authentic and raw moments.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Community, community, community. Running a creative business can be a lonely journey if you don’t put effort in your community. What I mean by community is people who are striving for similar goals as you are and wanting to celebrate and push you in your journey and you do the same for them in their own journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mrsjoygale.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsjoygale/
Image Credits
Mrs.JoyGale
