ABOUT KELSEY

Your unapologetic cheerleader for leaders in business … yes, that means you!

I’m Kelsey, your high-vibing, jumpsuit loving, obsessed with all things branding, passionate photographer, ADHD and dyslexic - but still wrote a book, travel junkie, Disney Adult and an overly attached dog mom her pitbull pup, Ziggy Piggy.

It's about giving you a permission slip to be yourself...

You have an incredible story, and it's time to share it! Weather we work together to define your brand foundation or illustrate your story with a branding photoshoot, working together will be a huge leap into confidently stepping out and sharing who you are. After all, it’s not about what you sell, it's about your story.

I started my first business when I was 11 years old. It was a jewelry import business that I started alongside my Grandpa Paul, and was the first taste I had of entrepreneurship.

My Grandpa Paul was a master entrepreneur, and through our business together, he taught me his secret behind successful salesmanship and business ownership. That secret was … focus on genuinely CONNECTING with your customers.

It all started with my Grandpa Paul.

This “secret” turned out to be the greatest lessons in business I have ever learned. Grandpa Paul taught me that…

“It’s not about the product you’re selling, it’s about the story, YOUR story. It’s about WHO you are as a person and WHY you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s about connecting with people FIRST, and letting them SEE YOU before they see the product. If you do that, the relationship is built and the sale is done before you even walk into their store.”

What my Grandpa taught me turned out to be my guiding light throughout my entrepreneur journey.

It is not only the core foundation and intention for how I run my photography business and photoshoots, but is the inspiration behind creating, writing and teaching others about Connection-Based Branding™.

In the end, my mission is to empower you with the tools and process to know that you and your story is more than enough and provide a safe space for you show up and share it with your community in order for you to … CONNECT!

Meet the Team

Assistant

Madeline Hornung

Madeline is our sunshine on a rainy day. The wind beneath our wings and is the one who always provides laughter and love when it’s most needed!
Along with being Kelsey’s administrative assistant, Madeline also assists Kelsey on photoshoot days, where she helps wrangle props, wardrobe, lights, tripods, captures all the BTS, and if there are animals on set, providing plenty of pets and snuggles to your furry family members!
Madeline is a mom to her spunky son, Jackson, a San Diego native, a lover of everything Disney and is known for her ever-changing hair color!

hair & makeup artist

Tamara “T” Cantu

Tamara (but we all call her “T”) and Kelsey have worked together ever since T was in makeup school almost a decade ago!
T is best known for bringing the kind, creative, and fun energy to set along with her mind-blowing glam skills!
She specializes in airbrush makeup that feels light but will last all day!
Her glam goal is always to make you look and feel like yourself, never hiding you behind layers of makeup! She always wants your feedback and is happy to make changes if something needs adjusting!
T is a mom to her sweet son, Remi, loves spending time with family and friends, and always keeps Kelsey up to date with the music the cool kids are listening to.

videographer

Katie Ann Lange

It’s truly unbelievable that we get to have Katie Ann as a part of our team!
Katie Ann is a TWO-time Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker, winning for directing and editing for a travel series in her home state of Hawaii!
Katie Ann is a master of visual storytelling and has a talent for taking any story and making it shine. She has created video content from big companies like Red Bull and The Grand Wailea Hotel to individual business owners like chefs, real estate professionals, musicians and athletes.
When she’s not slinging her RED camera or gimbal around, she is spending time with her husband and daughter, Maeve exploring all that Bellingham has to offer.
Katie Ann is originally from Hawaii, and truly embodies the spirit of Aloha with her easygoing yet incredibly passionate creativity!
To learn more about Katie Ann, please visit her website.

Wardrobe Stylist

Erika Handley

Erika has over 10 years of experience working in the fashion industry. She worked in LA as a celebrity stylist for clients such as Demi Lovato, Patti Stanger, and Ciara, but her favorite clients have always been REAL WOMEN.
She currently works virtually worldwide and locally in the Seattle Nordstrom as a personal stylist! She specializes in styling ALL body types and styles all while integrating pieces in your Branding Colors!
If you are feeling overwhelmed by what to wear on your photoshoot, you will have access to Erika to help you pick items that will make you feel confident and look amazing in photos!
You can follow Erika on Instagram HERE.

PHOTO EDITOR

Kelli Galayda

Kelli is based out of New Jersey and is our incredible team photo editor! Kelli works full-time as a freelance photo editor as well as 6+ years professional experience shooting portrait and commercial photography.
However, her favorite part of the photography process has always been editing and adding the finishing touches that allow Kelsey's work to truly shine! She is a Virgo perfectionist and has been such a god send adding her to the KK team!
When she's not hunkered down in the Editing Cave, you can find her elbow deep in a pile of craft supplies or finding treasure at her favorite thrift stores!

Hair & MAKEUP ARTIST

Austyn Woods

Austyn is the newest member of Kelsey's glam squad! She was trained by our lead hair and makeup artist, T, and specializes in airbrush makeup and custom airbrush tans! Austyn is such a bright light and truly has a passion for making anyone sitting in her chair (or tan tent) feel amazing!