Exploring Life & Business with Kevin Menendez of Katchlight Media LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Menendez

Hi Kevin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started far from where I am today, both geographically and metaphorically. I was born in El Salvador but spent most of my childhood in Punta Gorda, Belize. After finishing my freshman year of high school there, I moved to the United States—a transition that profoundly shaped me into someone adaptable and resourceful from a young age.

Initially, I pursued computer classes at Instituto Tecnológico Centroamericano, laying the groundwork for my future interest in technology and innovation. Over time, however, my passion for storytelling, photography, and video production grew significantly. Being largely self-taught, I relied heavily on YouTube tutorials and hands-on practice, gradually transforming this passion into my professional career.

In 2019, I took the leap and founded Katchlight Media, a commercial video production company based in Los Angeles. From day one, my focus has been on creating authentic and compelling visual narratives, aligning with my personal drive to capture meaningful stories.

Recently, I’ve become deeply intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence to transform the creative industry. Katchlight Media is now actively incorporating AI tools into our production workflows—from scripting to editing—to enhance efficiency, creativity, and scalability. We’re transitioning into an AI-powered creative agency, blending our traditional expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver innovative and impactful content solutions to our clients.

Parallel to this journey, I’ve launched a YouTube channel under my Instagram handle, KevinKreate. Through this platform, I’m documenting our ongoing integration of AI into video production, sharing my own experiences, actionable insights, and personal storytelling. The channel’s mission is to inspire other creators and entrepreneurs, helping them realize that with small, intentional steps powered by AI, anyone can amplify their creative potential and achieve their goals.

Looking ahead, my vision extends beyond just business growth. Ultimately, I aim to expand our impact by developing sustainable ventures in Belize, honoring both cultural heritage and environmental responsibility. At its heart, my story—and the story of Katchlight Media—is about leveraging innovation and storytelling to leave a lasting, positive mark on the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey definitely hasn’t been smooth or straightforward; it’s been filled with plenty of ups and downs, both professionally and personally. Starting Katchlight Media right before the pandemic introduced challenges I never anticipated. Almost immediately, I faced uncertainty, disrupted projects, and a steep learning curve around running a business and managing client expectations. There were many sleepless nights worrying about cash flow, securing consistent clients, and finding ways to differentiate myself in an extremely competitive industry.

One of my biggest hurdles has been navigating the balance between creative freedom and commercial viability. As a creative entrepreneur, it can be tough to find clients who value authentic storytelling and are willing to trust your vision. At times, I’ve had to make compromises, which was challenging because I deeply value authenticity in my work.

Financially, there have been periods of significant strain—especially in the early stages, when each project felt like it determined the survival of my business. Managing budgets, overhead expenses, and cash flow was incredibly stressful, and learning how to price my services accurately and fairly took time.

On a personal level, transitioning into entrepreneurship meant constantly dealing with feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. There were days when I questioned if I had made the right choice, or whether I was even qualified to lead a creative business. Staying motivated through these doubts, especially without formal mentorship or guidance, was tough.

Currently, integrating AI into our workflows presents a new set of challenges. The technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning, adaptation, and experimentation. Balancing client expectations while implementing innovative, unproven methods can be risky—but it’s a risk I believe is worth taking.

Despite these struggles, each setback has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance. These experiences have become foundational in shaping both my personal and professional growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business, Katchlight Media, is a commercial video production company based in Los Angeles. At our core, we specialize in crafting authentic, compelling visual narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. From branded content and commercials to storytelling-focused campaigns, we work closely with brands, businesses, and creators to bring their vision to life through high-quality video content.

What sets Katchlight Media apart is our hybrid approach. We’re actively integrating cutting-edge AI tools into traditional video production workflows. This unique blend allows us to optimize processes like scriptwriting, editing, color grading, and audio mixing, making our work not only more efficient but also more creatively dynamic and personalized. By leveraging AI, we can deliver projects faster, provide greater value to clients, and empower them with innovative content solutions.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our transparency and willingness to share our journey openly. Through my YouTube channel, KevinKreate, I document how we incorporate AI into video production, including both successes and challenges. I believe deeply in educating and empowering other creators and entrepreneurs, and this openness has become a defining characteristic of our brand.

We’re not just another video production company—we’re evolving into a future-focused creative agency that helps clients navigate and embrace the rapidly changing landscape of media production. Our service offerings include traditional commercial video production, AI-enhanced creative consulting, training workshops, and custom AI workflow automation tailored specifically for each client’s needs.

What I really want readers to know about Katchlight Media is that we’re here to guide businesses and creators in harnessing the incredible power of AI-driven storytelling. Whether you’re looking to produce engaging commercials, streamline content creation, or explore new ways to captivate your audience, we’re committed to delivering exceptional results through innovative, authentic, and impactful visual content.

Ultimately, Katchlight Media is driven by creativity, innovation, and a genuine passion for storytelling. I take pride in our ability to help brands communicate their messages in meaningful ways, always prioritizing authenticity and quality above all else.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is authenticity—both personally and professionally. I deeply believe in creating work that genuinely reflects who I am, what I value, and the stories that truly resonate. Authenticity guides every decision I make, from the way I build relationships with clients and partners to the stories we choose to tell through Katchlight Media.

On a broader scale, what also matters deeply is the impact my work has on others. Whether it’s inspiring fellow creators through my YouTube channel, helping a client communicate their vision effectively, or eventually supporting communities back in Belize, I’m always mindful of how I can make a meaningful difference.

This focus on authenticity and positive impact stems from my own experiences of navigating diverse cultures and overcoming challenges. It’s taught me that being true to yourself and genuinely connecting with others is incredibly powerful—it’s the key to creating lasting change and meaningful relationships.

Pricing:

• $8500 – Katchlight Premium Video Marketing Retainer
• $5000 – Katchlight Video Marketing Starter Package
• $1600 – Katchlight DIY Video Toolkit & Strategy Session

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katchlightmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinkreate
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkreate/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kevinkreate