Meet Kendal Lovejoy of Lovejoy Studios in West LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendal Lovejoy.

Kendal, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In the midst of college graduation, I had a moment of panic wondering what I was going to do with a BFA degree. Most kids already had jobs lined up so, as I scrambled to get my adult life all mapped out, a good neighborhood friend introduced me to one of DC’s most renowned photographers, Michael Kress. From there, I worked side by side with him for over four years of shooting weddings and events in the Metropolitan area. He was an incredible mentor that taught me almost everything I needed to know about a camera, equipment, techniques, etc. Somewhere within that timeframe, I met my future husband who soon convinced me to move to LA with him for a job opportunity he had. I was quick to say yes as I was ready for some change and three months later, we made the move.

Adjusting to LA culture was no easy feat. I went through a variety of stereotypical Hollywood jobs that never lasted long. Fashion buyer, PR, PA… a real-life version of “Devil wears Prada” if you will. The last job I had before starting my own business was working as a Social Media Manager for a bright and colorful school and office supply company. Not only did I drive all brand, content and social media strategies, but my responsibilities quickly expanded as I created all of the photography used company-wide. It felt good to be back behind the camera. This was when I found my passion for studio photography, drawn to bright colors and shooting consumer product goods.

After a couple of years working with the company, I realized that I could be doing this exact same work, but with a variety of businesses and making more money doing what I love. My husband turned to me and said “as soon as you lock in your first client, you can put in your two weeks.” And that is exactly what I did.

Has it been a smooth road?
I was just a girl with a passion, so I definitely don’t claim to be an expert on starting up a business but, I’d have to imagine that all start-up businesses encounter their own struggles and obstacles. That being said, no… it definitely wasn’t a smooth road!

One of the things I love most about having my own business is being able to sell my own brand. I actually LOVE pitching new prospects… it’s one of my favorite parts of the job. However, “ghosting” is real, people! And it happens to the best of us. You can walk out of a meeting feeling excited about the new client you were just about to close and once you send out that follow up email, you sometimes receive crickets in return. It’s a real buzzkill and I think it mostly stings the ego.

That all being said, it’s important to keep on trucking along and pitching because other opportunities will arise so don’t let them get you down. Starting a company will always have its, “this is the best month ever… I’m absolutely crushing it,” moments and it’s, “what the hell was I thinking, I’ll be eating canned beans the rest of my life” moments.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lovejoy Studios – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Lovejoy Studios specializes in vibrant, eye-catching, highly contagious content to help your brand stand out. I’m so proud to say that I’ve built my network of clientele from the ground up. For me, the differentiator with other competitive business is that I’m a one-stop-shop from the creative strategy, art direction and photography all rolled into one. I like to disrupt the social market with content that drives engagement and conversion.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
One of the reasons moving to LA was such an easy decision was that I’d get to live closer to the ocean. I’ve been here for about five years now and I still can’t get enough of the palm trees everyday. We live just a few miles from the beach and we love the laid back lifestyle on the Westside. My least favorite thing… drumroll… the TRAFFIC! (No surprise there.)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lovejoystudios.com
• Email: kendal@lovejoystudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovejoy.studios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LovejoyStudiosLLC

Image Credit:
Kendal Lovejoy

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