Lets Get Personal

about me

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to share with you in this ABOUT ME section. I always feel awkward talking about myself and never really know what to say. I spent a majority of my life making choices based on what I thought other people expected me to do. I allowed the opinions of others to hold me back much longer than I like to admit. It wasn't until I was in my early 30's that I finally stepped away from that mindset and started asking myself what I really wanted my life to look like (like Ryan Gosling yelling "what do you want' in the Notebook).

I started allowing myself to dream bigger than what felt comfortable, and took the leap into entrepreneurship that would change my life forever!
I thought long and hard about what I wanted to share with you in this ABOUT ME section. I always feel awkward talking about myself and never really know what to say. I could tell you all about how much I love helping other women build a business...but that should be pretty obvious by now. SO, I thought I would go a little deeper and share the REAL story of how I ended up where I am today.

contact me

I live for the mountains! Nothing makes me happier than the smell of pine trees, a cool mountain breeze and a hiking trail that leads to stunning views. When life and the world feels like too much, I head to the mountains and everything feels right again.

favorite place

Get  to know me

This might sound strange as a secret talent, but I have a strange knack for connecting people. When I meet new people I almost always end up saying something like “ooh, you should meet my friend so-and-so! Y’all would be best friends!” - and I’m usually right 😀

secret talent

I love to binge a realy good documentary series, especially if it involves a cult. Murder mysteries are good too, but there is something facinating about people convincing other peope to do crazy things that sucks me in everytime. 

latest obsessions

My bucket lists primarily consists of places I want to visit. To me, exploring the world and all the beauty it holds is the only bucket list I need. At the top of my list are New Zealand and The Swiss Alps. 

my bucket list

I will choose salty or savory over sweet almost every time. Chips and Guac are at the top of that list, followed closely by wonton chips and spinach dip - just typing this makes me hungry

must-have snack

I would love to say that I spend my free-time outside walking, running or playing with my kids…but in reality I want to do nothing more than curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cheesy romance novel.

free time activities

tell me more

My Timeline

2010 was transformative for me, marrying my soulmate and discovering my passion for photography when my husband gifted me a DSLR camera. This passion evolved into a venture when my best friend and I, inspired while painting her living room, started Paisley Layne Photography.

Our first project, photographing newborn twins, was a comical learning experience but marked the beginning of our journey from teaching to a life fueled by creativity and autonomy.





2010-2011

wHERE It ALL BEGAN

A whirlwind year for me! It's when I became a mom to my sweet girl Brinley, which totally flipped my world upside down – in the best way possible. I always thought I wouldn't be the stay-at-home mom type, but, like a lot of things, that changed once I held my baby. Around the same time, my best friend and business partner chose to stay home with her kids, and looking at Brinley, I felt a strong pull to do the same.





2012

the game changer

But, there was a catch – I couldn't just give up my job without a solid plan. So, I dove headfirst into our photography business, betting on it to be my ticket to a dreamy, flexible life. And 2012 had another surprise in store: my business partner and I realized we had different dreams for where we wanted our business to go. We decided to part ways professionally, in the friendliest way possible. She went off to create beautiful newborn photos, and I kept the Paisley Layne name, focusing on capturing love stories, senior memories, and empowering boudoir sessions. We split up our business, but our friendship? That stayed as strong as ever!

After 2012, my life turned into a beautiful chaos, balancing being a new mom to Brinley, teaching, and growing my photography business. Amidst the whirlwind of motherhood and late-night business sessions, I learned everything from marketing strategies to managing a budding enterprise. It was a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, but watching Brinley grow alongside my business was incredibly fulfilling.

The big leap came when I decided to leave my 14-year teaching career to focus on the business full-time. This decision wasn't just about following my passion; it was about creating a better life for my family. The transition was nerve-wracking yet exhilarating, and to my amazement, I matched my teaching salary within just six months. This journey has been more than a career shift; it's been about building a life where I'm not only my own boss but also a present, empowered mom, living a life I love.

2015-2017

bUSINESS EVOLUTION

As soon as I left my teaching job, people started to take notice. Everyone wanted to know my "secret". How did I make it happen? What was I doing to grow my business? I started mentoring other business owners 1-on-1 and in small group workshops, and it felt really good to be back in a 'teaching' role. But I wanted to do more. I tried creating a blog, but quickly realized that writing out my thoughts didn't come naturally. At the time I was consuming podcasts like crazy and had to idea to start my own.

I had zero clue how to begin, so I just started recording episodes on my phone with a pair of iphone headphones. The rest of it I figured out as I went using Google and a few helpful Facebook group searches.

The Girl Means Business podcast was born!
I wasn't sure what I wanted to podcast to be exactly or if anyone would listen. But I felt pulled to keep recording and keep putting it out there. If you record it...they will come!

2019

THE GIRL MEANS BUSINESS

Today, as I sit at my computer typing this....I pinch myself at just how far I have come. Not only did I allow myself to dream big, but a lot of those dreams have become reality. Anytime that I find myself feeling discouraged or questioning my ability to push forward, I look back at where I was at the start of my journey. I imagine going back to that version of me and describing my life to her. She would be shocked and amazed at the things I have accomplished.

So while I still have lots of BIG, CRAZY dreams I want to accomplish, I never want to forget just how far I have come!

If you are reading this, I want to say THANK YOU - for being here, for supporting me and for being the kind of person who chases big dreams. Let's create amazing things together! 

THE FUTURE

how it all started

hear what they have to say

Can you feel the love?

signed, Shelly O.

"Perfect for women growing a business It’s like a business chat with a friend: Practical advice and a dose of fun! A perfect podcast for creative business owners."

signed, Britnnie M..

"Kendra’s podcast is a GOLD MINE of marketing advice. I love how relevant and actionable the information is. She’s given me so many things to think about and improve on in my own business!"

signed, Lindsay A.

"I am really loving the Focused Photographer space/group. Kendra shows up enough to keep the vibe going and share great content, but not too much that it's overwhelming! "

in community over competition. There is more than enough room for everyone to be successful while also supporting those around them.

I believe

3

that marketing doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. It’s all about finding the best way to connect with your ideal audience and building relationships

I feel

2

that every photographer can be successful with the right mindset, tools and support

I know

1

What I stand for

My core values

favorite tech

Honeybook

The client management system that changed how I runmy business. Take a peek inside how I use it and save

free resources

Email Starter Kit

This kit will provide you with all the tools you need to start your email marketing program, so that you can start building strong and lasting relationships with your audience

best guide 

Niche Workbook

You have heard all the experts tell you to "find your niche" and "the riches are in the niches"...but HOW do you actually find your NICHE? This 16-page workbook is designed to help you do just that! 

free podcast episodes

Girl Means Business Podcast

The ultimate destination for creative female entrepreneurs looking to elevate their small businesses to new heights!