Let's get to know each other
Welcome to our online home!
Grab a cup of your favorite brew and settle in while I tell you my story.
As a military spouse, mama to two incredible girlies, small business owner, and entreprenuer - I wear a LOT of hats.
Sound familiar?
But unlike a lot of photographers, I didn't pick up a camera just to take better pics of my kids (although holy heck, my walls are FULL now and I'm so grateful!).
My story is a little different. After climbing the corporate ladder and struggling with fertility issues and pregnancy loss for years, I finally became a mama to our first daughter Sophie. I quit my job and settled into the blissful SAHM life... which lasted all of three months.
I feel bad saying it out loud, but it wasn't ever going to be "enough" for me to never work again. I wanted the flexibility of providing stability for our girls (we added Emma to the tribe 20 months later), while still flexing my creative muscles.
I knew a few military spouses who had built photography businesses, so I picked up a camera, and BAM! I was hooked. And also really, really overwhelmed.
MBA grad and former corporate gal, wife and mother, photographer and studio owner, mom-dancing enthusiast, and your new business hypegirl.
Hey there friend - I'm Kara.
Think of me as your new business bestie.
Photo Cred: @teamshawphotography
From hobbiest to business owner, I want to show my girls that they can do what they love and leave a legacy.
Back in "my day" (yes, I'm an old lady), there were very few resources to help photographers learn how to shoot and edit, much less learn the ins and outs of running a photography business.
Luckily for me, I've always loved teaching myself new ways of doing things and collecting resources that make my work and life easier. Which as it turns out, is SUPER helpful if you want to run your own business.
While the online and in-person photography communities have exploded with education to help you become a better photographer, there have never been enough resources to help you become a successful, confident business owner.
Trust me when I say get it. The actual business part of running your photography business can be totally overwhelming and intimidating.
But guess what?! You've come to the right place, my friend. I created The Grove to support you as you plan, manage, and execute your business goals clearly and confidently - all while building a community of support that will infuse your work with joy and set you apart in your market for years to come.
I want to help you execute your business goals with confidence.
This is us
The Grove Photographer Community
AND THIS IS WHAT WE STAND FOR.
Our Mission
To support and empower photographers to step into their power and purpose through business coaching, a supportive pee community, and access to proven resources that will help women create the photography business of their dreams.
Our Pledge
We pledge to be an open book, to share what has worked for us, and to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go. This tent is big enough for everyone to make a livable salary AND do what we love.
Our Vision
To be a one-stop shop for photographers serious about growing their business. We aspire to make photographers To provide a vast library of resources, access to business coaching, templates to save you time, and affordable online learning to take your photography business to the next level.
business coaching + support
be an open book
one-stop for all business needs
Netflix made me do it. Okay, let me back up...
There's a quote from one of my all-time favorite wild and trippy Netflix series The OA., that states, "No tree survives alone in the forest." For whatever reason (I was probably up editing) the phrase instantly made me think about the photography community and how hard - yet equally important - it is to build a community alongside your business.
Photographers are notorious for hiding their secret locations, editing tips, or business hacks - afraid to share for fear someone would swoop in and steal their ideas.
But I've witnessed first-hand how opening up and sharing my business tips, systems, and been-there-done-that knowledge helps others see success faster and avoid burnout. That's my goal for The Grove. To support you as you step into your purpose and build a successful business that brings you joy.
What's in a name?
WHY I CHOSE "THE GROVE"
building my business
Curious about my business background?
Keep it a teaser and send to a blog post explaining story? Separate section?
Promoted to Officer within the First Hawaiian Bank credit card issuing department, where I oversaw the development, management, and sales goals for our card product suite. Regularly interacted C-Suite of multi-billion dollar bank.
2008
Graduated with my MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Got hitched. Moved to Hawaii for my husband Ryan's first Navy tour flying P-3 Orions.
2006
Graduated from the University of Kansas Journalism School with a BS in Strategic Communications and the highest J-school GPA (hence the flag-carrying gig). #proudnerd #dontbejelly
2003
Left the corporate world to start a family. My daughter Sophie was born and I finally became a mama. Picked up a camera and began teaching myself photography as a creative outlet and possible side-hustle.
2012
Added Fine Art School Photography to my resume. Began selling products. Replaced my corporate salary. Featured in numerous publications and on K-5 Seattle for military homecoming work.
2019
Moved to Washington state and "officially" started my business (a.k.a. paying taxes). Photographed families, babies, weddings - you name it. Charged $350 per session.
2014
Renovated a local studio space and formed Island Light Studio LLC to expand my offerings to local photographers. Hired a team to build up The Grove and launch coaching and education programs.
2021
Doubled my prices during Covid, averaging $1,200+ per family portrait session, with all sales automated through online store. Outlined concept for The Grove as a way to help photographers with the business-side of their work.
2020
2022
2004
Began working at First National Bank of Omaha as a Card Services Product Marketing Manager, handling customer service, marketing resources, product training, and project management for 50+ banking affiliates nationwide. Started grad school.
Launched The Grove Photographer Community - a place where photographers can grow their businesses through coaching, community, education, and support.
2018
Niched down to family photography and doubled my pricing to $650 per session. Launched new website and focused on SEO to grow brand awareness. Ranked #1 in Google rankings for my area.
book your free BUSINESS BRAINSTORM
I'm a big fan of getting to know someone before you work with them. Your Discovery Call helps you get to know me and my coaching style and gives me an overview of your business and the best opportunities for growth.
Our call is a perfect opportunity for you to outline #allthethings that are stressing you out and sucking the joy from your creative happy place. After your call, I'll even follow up with a review of your business and what areas I think coaching with me makes the most sense.
complimentary website review included
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