Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaela & Jonathan Braswell.
Hi Kaela & Jonathan, 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?
Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio first opened its doors in 1900 when Ben Strauss began creating portraits that captured not just faces, but stories. A few years later, he partnered with Homer Peyton, giving the studio the name it still proudly carries today.
Fast forward several generations to 1977, when Jonathan’s dad, Mark Braswell, became the fifth owner. Mark built lifelong friendships and created thousands of portraits that still on display in homes across Kansas City.
In 2018, Mark passed the torch to his eldest son, Jonathan, and his wife, Kaela. Jonathan grew up surrounded by portrait art, learning the craft from his father’s side of the camera. Kaela brought her own decade of experience from her studio in Seattle, along with her signature mix of creativity, empathy, and humor, when she moved to the sunny Midwest after they met at a national photography convention. (A little less drizzle, a lot more sunshine!)
Today, they carry on the 125-year legacy of Strauss Peyton with one simple goal: to create portrait art that celebrates the love and connection people share…the kind of art that becomes part of a family’s story for generations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Of course not, but that’s where experience makes all the difference.
Both Kaela and Jonathan began their careers on film cameras and have seen the industry evolve through every major shift, from film to digital to AI. Add in a few world-changing events like 2008 and COVID, and it’s safe to say adaptability has become part of their DNA.
Through it all, one thing has remained constant: their belief in people and relationships. A strong focus on philanthropy and a genuine commitment to building trust first have made it easier to navigate every challenge that comes with being a business owner. When your work is rooted in connection and community, change isn’t something to fear, it’s simply another chance to grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As the sixth owners of the oldest continuously running portrait studio in America, Kaela and Jonathan have built Strauss Peyton around one simple belief: giving back is the best way to grow.
Each year, the studio donates nearly a hundred portrait experiences to local non-profits throughout the Kansas City area, helping raise funds for causes close to home. You’ll often see their work featured in gala programs and event displays, whether it’s portraits of honorees, chairs, or even adoptable pets waiting for their forever homes.
Inside the studio, that same spirit of generosity continues through special projects and partnerships. Past efforts have included children’s portrait events benefiting the Love Fund, and the current project, Tender Tails, Volume II, is a coffee-table book created to support Great Plains SPCA. (Learn more or apply at www.StraussPeytonKC.com/applyvol2)
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There are countless business lessons we’ve learned along the way, but the one that rises above them all is this: love is the only thing that truly matters.
It doesn’t matter what you drive, where you vacation, or what title sits beneath your name on your business card. What matters is the love you share and the time you spend showing someone how much they mean to you. When you pause long enough to honor that love, whether it’s through a portrait of your family or a beloved pet, you create something that will outlive you.
Learning to help clients express that love they have has given us the ability to create portrait art of what matters most: a daily reminder of connection, gratitude, and belonging. It’s love made visible, lasting, and real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.StraussPeytonKC.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/strausspeytonkc/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/StraussPeyton/
- LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/StraussPeyton
