EPISODE SUMMARY with JENNEFER WILSON
We’re so excited to have Jennefer Wilson on Dare to Develop. You might know her because she’s not only a photographer, a podcaster, and an educator, but she’s also the creator of Kindred Presets.
Jennefer is going to talk all about the Kindred community and why she created the presets. She dives deep into how it has really helped her business and paved the way for so many photographers.
JENNEFER WILSON OF KINDRED PRESETS DARES YOU:
Do the work of being introspective and not be afraid of what you find and then answer back. Honestly, I think that’s the best thing and that we can, anyone can do, especially right now is to take the time, to really dig into what you need and be okay to ask for.
I don’t know all the things that can make it possible so that you can be successful and find joy and be happy. And don’t be afraid to ask for help and do big things.
FAST FACTS ABOUT JENNEFER WILSON OF KINDRED PRESETS:
What do you shoot with?
It’s changing as we speak. I’ve been a Canon girl my entire career and the only reason I chose Canon from the get was I liked the way that the lenses turned opposite directions.
I was Canon forever and then R6 came out, which is what I’m currently shooting with, but I’m in the process of getting myself the brand new Sony.
I also have the Contax 645. The Canon 1V, it was my first film camera. My husband got it for Christmas for me and I cried. I’ve got this cute little Holga that I love for black and white film photos. Basically, if it’s a camera, I probably have it.
What’s your favorite post-wedding or event snack?
There’s a coffee shop that’s local, and I think they actually branched out recently to California.
It’s called La La Land. They’ve got this latte with this stuff called La La froth on it, which I’m convinced is just really thick whipped cream. That’s always fun to have ordered in.
What’s your favorite wedding/creative pump-up jam?
That has been something that has evolved with time as I’m sure yours has too currently, what helps get me in the mood for work is actually the Daily Drive playlist on Spotify.
It takes me through my NPR news, so I can be up to date on current events.
It takes you through your favorite and most-listened-to songs on Spotify. So at the moment, after getting my news fix, I then am recently fed directly into Billie Eilish and Caroline Polachek. You have to check her out. Then there’s Sigrid, who is an amazing European artist. I also like female pump-up jams, really anything I can sing.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of your business?
I love to cook, interior design and to sing. I also honestly just really love being a mom, which right now means I have to love learning about dinosaurs.
What’s the best education you’ve learned from?
Life and doing it myself. I didn’t have a mentor and I didn’t have anyone alongside me really teaching me. I feel like whenever I got into the industry, it wasn’t community over competition. It wasn’t welcoming, it wasn’t warm. It was very competitive and very hostile. While I did have a few friends, even then it was still like, I need to get that booking and I’m going to do everything I can to get it.
I learned a little bit in college with my two classes, which was great. My biggest and most transformative lessons were learned by having to walk through my shit by myself, which is hard, but that’s why Charla and I started Develope Academy is we don’t think that that’s fair.
She did a lot on her own too. So we just wanted to change that narrative for people and give them a less depressing answer for a question like this.
What is one daring leap you’ve taken in your business?
Most recently, it would be closing down my own wedding business. I’ll still do portraiture, of course, but that was pretty daring. Then, starting a female-owned preset company in a male-dominated market.
Then Kindred in general was this giant leap into darkness. I had no idea how to run a business of that scope. I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea how much customer service would be needed. I had no idea what was going to happen. That’s probably one of the scarier things I’ve ever done.
What is one thing you feel like you’re really great at in your business? I will tell you I’m not full of myself, but I am proud of myself. I honestly think approaching everyone, whether it be Kindred customers or photography, clients with compassion, empathy, and intention as my number one motivator. Those have been the most sustaining life force of every single business that I’ve ever been a part of.
I’m obviously remaining the expert, but being a good listener and replying and listening with intention and compassion and empathy. I very much pride myself on that.
Do you have any special announcements for our listeners:
You can use the code KINDREDLOVE for 15% off our presets.
JENNEFER WILSON’S RESOURCE LINKS:
Jennefer’s website: https://jenneferwilson.com/
Jennefer’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenneferwilson/
Kindred Presents: https://kindredpresets.com/
Develope Academy: https://developeacademy.com/
Kindred FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/388025684962190
OTHER D2D EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE
We dare you to check out the other Dare to Develop Podcast episodes including 000: Welcome to Dare to Develop where you get to meet your hosts Kristine Herman and Ashley Baumgartner. Check out other photographer focused episodes here.