Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Rene Hall.
Kellie Rene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always noticed when I was young that I was different. I grew up excited to study and learn but also aspired to be the fastest kid on the playground. I carried a briefcase to school, would dress up business-casual for exam days, and had a poster of Katie Couric on my wall instead of Britney Spears.
Everyone around me in high school was finding their “lane.” They were the basketball star, the pretty girl, the nerd—I wanted to do it all. I would wake up excited to create a fashionable outfit for the day, anchored the school news for seven years with a blazer and bold lipstick on. I was editor of the yearbook, but would head to track practice the same afternoon and work to be the most successful on the team (with lipstick still on, of course), running a 5:03 mile. Early on, I knew I was multi-passionate. I didn’t want to stay in one lane. I didn’t want to be the brain, fashionista, or the jock; I wanted to do it all.
Embracing multiple passions, I knew I had to do something big with my life. I had always felt strong, confident, and powerful and knew I could attack the most challenging paths. This is what led my decision to attend the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
Throughout my time at the Naval Academy and early on in my career as a Naval Officer, my surrounding peers still warned me about “being too different.” I was told I shouldn’t wear makeup in uniform; I shouldn’t start my own business while serving active duty, and should be less “bubbly” because my sailors wouldn’t take me seriously. I was told that being different would make me less of a leader.
I didn’t listen to any of them.
This is why it is important to find the power within. Embracing who you are — all your gifts, strengths, and venturing down multiple lanes of expertise — will only help you grow. Even though I was “warned” not to become an entrepreneur while serving active duty, I launched my portrait photograph business “Kellie Rene Photography” in 2015 and went on to shoot over 30 weddings and dozens of portrait sessions. In an effort to embrace confidence and prove that femininity and military service are not mutually exclusive, I decided to compete in my first-ever pageant at MISS OHIO USA. I later placed 4th runner up and was voted “Miss Congeniality.” In 2017, I was signed by a professional modeling agency in Cincinnati, Ohio and have modeled with incredible brands such as Secret Deodorant and Bath and Body Works. While balancing these passions, I work full-time as a Navy Lieutenant recruiting doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. In just two years, I climbed my way to become one of the nation’s top recruiters.
These experiences are what led me to not only being a multi-passionate woman but also multi-achieving. Currently, I still balance my photography business, continue to model, and am working to compete in Miss California USA in January 2020 with the dream of winning MISS USA. I passionately believe that femininity is not bound by a specific career field, profession, or socioeconomic background. I hope to empower women to rise above the status quo and to chase their dreams down any — and all — lanes.
My goal is to continue to encourage women to better themselves, I believe this starts by helping them recognize the power within which they already hold. By hosting empowering events, gatherings, and bringing women together, I’ll be one step closer to helping them recognize that power. I ultimately want to land a role hosting a morning show, continuing to share stories of confidence and inspiring others to maximize their potential.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I was attending the Naval Academy, my senior Officers told me not to wear makeup or “Stand out” because it would affect how I was perceived and impact my leadership capabilities. I ignored their advice because I knew my intent: I wanted to be an incredible leader to my sailors while remaining feminine, I loved wearing lipstick and feeling confident in uniform.
When I later decided to compete in MISS OHIO USA in 2016, I received an incessant amount of online bullying from members of the military. “She’s not pretty enough to represent the Navy,” “there are wars going on, why is a naval officer is wasting her time in a pageant?” were a few of the comments that were posted along with nearly 3,000 other remarks and views.
I realized that competing wasn’t something I needed to do for my personal development, but as a representation for all women in uniform. Femininity, intelligence, leadership and military service didn’t need to be mutually exclusive.
As a result of my pageant participation, I have been featured on multiple morning shows, filmed a navy documentary, and have spoken at the National Girl Scouts convention because my participation in Miss Ohio showcases the diversity of women in the Navy.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far? What sets you apart from others?
I started my business “Kellie Rene Photography” because I love photography and people. Photography is a way to connect with people, build their confidence, and make them feel beautiful by telling their stories.
This skill proved to be beneficial because my career now revolves around working with people and telling their stories. As a navy recruiter, I get to meet incredible medical professionals and land them roles in the world’s finest navy. As a public speaker, I get to stand in front of amazing, talented students and professional women and encourage them toward their dreams. As an entrepreneur, I get to continue to work with local brands, showcase small businesses, and share stories through photography.
Who have you been inspired by?
First, my mother. She not only encouraged me to embrace my individuality but also urged me to maximize my potential. I would say that I wanted to be a class secretary in high school; she’d say “Why not be class president?” I went on to be a class president all four years in high school. I would tell her the track kids made fun of me for wearing makeup; she’d say “run faster than them and wear as much lipstick as you’d like.” I went on to place 8th in the state and still wore lip gloss. No matter what I did, she’d push me to do more. It never felt like a burden; it felt inspiring. I would reach goals I didn’t even know I had.
Second, Katie Couric. I first saw her anchor on 9-11, when she was reporting the events of the disaster. She did it with such grace and sensitivity. I grew up watching her on the “Today Show” and when she went on to become the first female anchor of the evening news. I loved that she was bubbly, personal, and professional. I have continued to embrace those qualities in my career today.
Pricing:
- Portrait Sessions $250-$400
- Modeling Rates $50/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: kellierenephotography.com
- Email: kellierenephotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kellierenehall @lieutenanthall @kellierenephotography
Image Credit:
Inphinite Photo, Jonathan Micheals Photography, Edwin Shaw Photography, Brittney Byus Photography, Dani Vivanco Photography
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