Meet Trailblazer Kristen Schellenberg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Schellenberg.

Kristen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started with a pipe dream – I just wanted MORE. I was working in Ad Sales, searching to find a way out, hoping to stumble across some great passion that, at the time, I didn’t have. When people would ask about my passion, my answer would essentially be nothing. What kind of life am I living if my answer is ‘nothing’? I wanted to be the person who can’t stop their list of passions because their life is so fulfilled. I was determined to make a change. With a lot of networking, a thousand questions over coffees and a little kick in the ass, I made the choice to leave my cushy sales job at Viacom. I went to an unknown start-up in social media where I convinced them that I could build out their creative and marketing department with the little experience I had. Fake it til you make it, right? Resourceful was my middle name. I hit the ground running and did everything I could to prove myself and shine. Two years into the role – which I loved – I created a department within the creative department, focused on creating strategic social content for brands, aptly dubbed the content studio. We hired a photographer for the studio and I was to oversee her work.

Being the person that I am, I knew that in order to be her boss, I needed to learn photography basics. I bought a book and started reading. I was completely intrigued but I was also completely cameraless. How do you really learn about photography without using a camera? For someone like me, who is a hands-on learner, I knew I had to take the next step, but hesitated. Cameras are pricey and I had so much self-judgement at the time, that I thought, I was silly for taking this as far as I did. Impostor syndrome is no joke, people. BUT, here’s where the magic comes in. Clearly, the universe had a different opinion because literal weeks later, I FOUND a DSLR Nikon camera in my house. My husband had bought it years ago, forgot about it and left it in a storage box in the garage. I immediately started putting my research into practice and took the camera with me everywhere I went. After months of taking pictures, friends and my husband convinced me to take it to the next level and buy a real deal camera. I bought the Canon 6D and my mind was blown with the quality.

I thought I loved photography, but this sealed the deal in my mind – I was going to be a photographer. I posted on NextDoor saying I wanted to build a portfolio and would shoot anything for any price. I got a bunch of gigs right away as in was Q4 and people needed content – from Christmas cards to social images. For 7 months, I worked during the week – at times until 10 pm – and then would shoot on weekends. I knew one day, I wanted to have my own business, but the timing was perfect once we found out we were having a baby.

I had been at my job for almost 4 years at that point and though I was sad to leave, I was ready for the new adventure. I had planned to just do photography for brands when I initially started my business, but there was a demand for social strategy and I saw an opportunity to create a niche deliverable. There are photographers, and there are social strategists, but rarely are there both. The Atelier LA (which means workshop) was born. I now do social-focused creative concept, photography and consulting for lifestyle brands. I literally wake up everyday feeling incredibly lucky to have my own business and work with my amazing clients that have become friends.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think just as it goes for everyone, there are times when you think to yourself “that was easy” and there are times when you wonder how you are going to be able to handle all the stress that comes with having a new business (and in my case a new baby). I think the biggest struggles have honestly been my self doubt. Being self taught is wonderful on one hand because you learn to be extremely resourceful and open. On the other hand, I find myself at times questioning and comparing my work. To remedy this, I just try to continually learn by teaching myself and by being around possible mentors and positive people in the creative community. It’s absolutely vital to try and build a “tribe” that supports you. My advice is just go for it. I think we hold ourselves back and truly don’t see our own potential. I would also say, if you really want it – make it happen. Be willing to go the extra mile.

We’d love to hear more about The Atelier LA.
The Atelier LA is a social-focused creative shop. I do creative direction/concepting, photography/content creation and social consulting for brands and influencers. With my photography, I focus on content that will perform well and get high engagement on social media while speaking to the brand goals. When doing consulting for brands, I teach “lessons” on platform best practices, influencer marketing, social marketing campaigns, content guidelines, editing/photography for social and more. What sets me apart is my dedication to my clients, the relationships we build, the energy I put out there and my open, very honest nature.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’m lucky to have a lot of bad ass females in my life, but I’ll keep it short and sweet with: First, my mother, first and foremost. She always taught me the importance of a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and to help the underdog. Because of her, it’s in my nature to think about what I can do for others, especially every time I succeed. Next, my sister who is a total bad ass – she has 2 kids, works a full-time job running a team and goes to school getting her masters degree. She doesn’t let anything hold her back and believes so strongly that women can do literally anything. She also is a great teacher when it comes to perception – she has an amazing ability to differentiate between what she calls real and fake stress. Lastly, right now I am very inspired by a best friend of mine who is going through a hard time but somehow still seems to have the biggest heart of anyone I know. She chooses to see the good in people no matter what she is dealing with and it reminds me that showing kindness in everything you do is invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theatelierla.com
• Email: kristen@theatelierla.com
• Instagram: currentlykristen

Image Credit:
The Atelier LA’s Clients: Coolhaus, Livestrong, Week Night Bite, Palisociety

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