Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Zobrist.
Kristi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have wanted to be a photographer ever since high school. I took a photography class and fell in love. I went to Bradley University and majored in marketing and photography and was taking pictures for clients the whole time.
Straight out of college, I went into business with a friend which ultimately lead me to start my own business, Kristi Lee Photography soon after. My husband and I purchased my dream studio and I’ve been so blessed at where my business has come in 6 short years.
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?
The road to where I am has definitely not been smooth all of the time. Running your own business is something that has its ups and downs.
People say it’s probably so fun getting to photograph all of the time, when in reality, actually taking pictures is a much smaller percentage of what I do.
I would say my first job title is a businesswoman and then photographer. Taxes and bookkeeping and even mowing the lawn at the studio and cleaning are all things that have to be done. It’s hard running a business and having a family and balancing that time.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kristi Lee Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is primarily a portrait studio specializing in babies and families with the occasional wedding here or there. I really emphasize capturing each and every life moment because they go so fast. Because my clients keep coming back to me for each life moment, I feel that this business is so much more then a client/business interaction, but is built on relationships.
I’ve gained so many friends and amazing people in my life and it’s truly an honor to capture their engagement, then the wedding, then their first kid and so on. I really get to be a part of their family.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I actually don’t believe in luck. I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for our life and the good and the bad all come with that. Even the bad times have shaped me as a person and entrepreneur and ultimately made me who I am and this business what it is.
Contact Info:
- Address: 203 W. Jefferson Morton, IL
- Website: www.kristi-lee.com
- Phone: 309-369-4637
- Email: hello@kristi-lee.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kristileephotographer
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristileephotographer
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