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Contagious Victories is a community for individuals to share positive perspectives, artistic endeavors and miraculous moments with others. Whether it is through storytelling, art, music or word, the members of Contagious Victories create space for vulnerability and act as an audience for support in creative works. We all have something to courageously celebrate- and even small victories are contagious!
Victoria B. Glass: Welcome to the Contagious Victory Podcast. Each week, we talk inspiration, explore possibilities, and
share insights from creative perspectives. I'm Tori Blackmon and I'm here to remind you that your purpose in life is to celebrate the victories because victories are contagious.
Do you ever feel like you're constantly chasing perfection in your business or other areas in life? Do you feel like you're never truly fulfilled in your current situation? Well, today's interview with Katie Starr from Katie Rad Photography is here to remind you that it's more important now than ever to spend your time being fulfilled where you are because god placed you there for a reason. Welcome back to the contagious victories podcast, a space where creative and conscious people can share their real life victory stories. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Katie Starr, the founder and creative Christian behind Katie Rad Photography.
Katie is a Jesus freak and has been a lifestyle photographer for 8 years. She's been married for 11 and has 3 kiddos. Katie says that she's a lifestyle photographer for the Rad Bride, Mom, and Boss. She's based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. And in this episode, Katie shares her personal story and how she has come to discover the true meaning of surrender.
She reminds us that God made us rad. And with his love, we are equipped and ready to face anything. So I want you to get ready to be inspired as Katie takes us on a journey of self discovery and the power of vulnerability in capturing the raw authentic moments. This conversation is oh so good. And I also wanna give you a little warning to all the moms out there who might have kiddos around, whether you're listening in the car or around your family members. There is a curse word or 2 towards the end. Nothing major. I just wanted to give you a heads up.
Hey. Welcome back to another episode of the contagious victories podcast. I have a very, very exciting friend that I met in Texas at The Heart Conference. We're gonna talk about that. Katie Starr is tuning in today. We're gonna be getting to know her better, and I've got her on the show. Welcome, Katie.
Katie Starr: Thank you. So happy to be here.
Victoria B. Glass: I'm so glad to have you on the show and to get to know you better. Can you start off by just introducing yourself?
Katie Starr: Sure. Totally. So, yep, I'm Katie. I'm a mom. I'm married. I've been married to my husband, Vince, for almost 11 years, and we have 3 kiddos. Yeah. And, I've been a photographer for almost 8 years.
Victoria B. Glass: You're based out of Chilliwack, British Columbia in Canada?
Katie Starr: That's right.
Victoria B. Glass: And I just... I think it's so cool how we met because we met when you were stateside.
Katie Starr: Mhmm.
Victoria B. Glass: Do I remember correctly... Did you win the trip down to the conference?
Katie Starr: Yeah!
Victoria B. Glass: I thought so!!
Katie Starr: Yeah. Yeah. I won this the scholarship. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass: Not only were you at the same conference, but you were there as a VIP because you were the winner of the scholarship.
Katie Starr: Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass: So it just goes to show how, like, God, like, literally can get you to the right place at the right time to meet the right people. And I feel like I'm one of those people who got to meet the right person when I met you. And we kind of bonded at the end of the conference.
Katie Starr: Yes. Yeah. I was so sad about that. I was like, I wish I met you on day 1 so we could hang out more.
Victoria B. Glass: I know! I feel the same way, and I think that is one of the reasons, other than just loving your style of photography and seeing your work and thinking it is amazing. I wanted to get to know you better too because we didn't really get that chance at the conference until the end. And then it was like, woah. Like, hey.
My first impression of you when you introduced yourself, your name is Katie Starr, and it's just a name that sounds like a rock star. Well and then you just recently rebranded, which we're gonna get into a little bit later, and that's where the rag came in. So you said, you know, you are for the rad bride, rad mom, and rad boss. Tell me more about that.
Katie Starr: Yeah. So Rad, I mean, it came from a nickname that I got in high school. It was just something that stuck. I think I was pretty rad in high school, but, I mean, I was a tomboy. I played rugby. I was a musician, and I was in a lot of I was part of a program in my school called Rock School, so I played in a lot of, kind of more like rad bands that year. I did, like, a Black Sabbath set and a Dream Theater set, and I skateboarded. I hung out with a lot of the boys. And then when they found out my last name, the first three letters of my maiden last name are R O D. So they were like Katie Rod, but then they just changed it to Katie Rad, and it stuck.
And, so I promptly changed my Facebook name to Katie Rad, and it stayed like that till I got married, and it changed to Katie Starr. So, I chose Rad, though, because, I mean, ultimately, the rebrand is it's supposed to be reflective of being more authentic and genuine to myself. My previous business name was just my legal first name and my middle name, which is Katelynn Cavelle.
Victoria B. Glass: Ok, that's pretty
Katie Starr: I think it was a very, very posh, very, like, pretty and florals and sunsets, and I was like and parts of that is a part of who I am, and I love that. But there's this other part of me that I felt like I had to squash or kind of minimize to seem more digestible in the photography community for whatever reason, and, which is, like, more of the like, I grew up with a mom and dad that rode Harley Davidson, and my dad's a drummer in a rock band.
And, like, I just grew up with a very, like yeah. Like, just a very more, like, rad kind of upbringing, and, I wanted to start being more authentic to me. That was the biggest reason why I rebranded, but I also wanted to start speaking to people that are kind of a little bit more confusing, like I am. A little bit more weird and eclectic, but can fit. Yes.
I'm a Jesus freak, and I love the beautiful milkmaid dresses and making bread. But I'm also into hard rock, and I like motorcycles and tattoos. And I'm like I just felt like I needed to get rid of that part of myself to fit in, and now I'm like, I believe that God created me that way on purpose, and I wanna market to those people too.
Victoria B. Glass: The most authentic version of yourself is the one that we all want. Like, that's what the world needs because that's why God made you like that.
Katie Starr: Yeah. It's hard to put yourself out that way because especially when you think that you need to fit into a soup certain group. Like, I didn't become a Christian till I was 19. So when I met Jesus and then just really fell in love with him, and I just felt like I had to those parts that would come off a little bit more dark to some people, I felt like I had to get rid of. But I think that I think he creates us all in different ways to be able to speak to those certain groups of people, and I wanted to showcase that in my photography as well.
It started out in grade 5. I start I took a guitar class, and then when I got into high school and they offered a course called rock school. I started off with guitar, but by the time I was in grade 12, I had played bass, drums. I had done some singing and some piano as well. And when I was in middle school, I dabbled with classical too. I played the tenor saxophone and the bass clarinet, but they just were not my heart.
Victoria B. Glass: Holy moly. Holy moly. Gosh. You are so talented. That is incredible.
Katie Starr: Yeah. Well, thank you, but I just not all of them, like, really rocked. I wasn't super great at everything, but I do, you know, my dad's a musician, and I just like, I have a picture of when I was first born. My crib his drum set is right next to my crib, and I'm in there just watching him play drums. So, I feel like I have a bit of that natural, like, rhythm.
So and once you learn the basics of most instruments, you can kind of dabble in. Like, guitar and bass are very interchangeable. And yeah. So
Victoria B. Glass: I love music. My favorite all time favorite like, you can ask Dylan, you can ask my dad, you can ask any friend I've ever told this to. Number one movie, School of Rock. So, like, I am there. I am there.
Katie Starr: Yes!!
Victoria B. Glass: Yeah. It's not for everyone because not everyone can pick up a guitar. And, also, like, so when I was in 5th grade for Christmas, I got a Fender Strat, and it was electric. It was black. I thought it was gonna be so cool.
Took the guitar lessons, could never get it. I have giant hands. They told me it would be perfect for me, and it just didn't click. So I do have a very big appreciation for someone who can play guitar, because that's awesome.
Katie Starr: I appreciate that, you're sweet.
Victoria B. Glass: You can be creative, and then you can be creative in multiple things. And it kind of all does, like you said, bleed into each other a little bit. When you're interested in being an artist, it definitely opens up your viewpoint to be, like, I can be an artist over here, and that way I can be an artist over here in the photography world. I can be, you know so, you know...
Katie Starr: Totally. Well and I feel like creative people can sometimes feel like they have to be stuck into, like, one niche or one market.
Victoria B. Glass: Yeah
Katie Starr: But not every creative outlet needs to be something you do for a job either. I mean, I don't play a lot of music. Like, I play on my worship team in my church for the youth kids. And, you know, I'll play around with the guitar at home with my husband who does worship too. So, like, we'll do it, but it's not... like I used to think because I was good at something, and I was able to pick up a lot of things in the creative, like, realm pretty quickly. And I have this thing that I have to kind of keep in check sometimes, and I think most creatives are are similar this way where it's like, I'm good at this, so I have to do this as a job. And it's like, I like to draw. So and I've done that. I'm guilty of it. I do illustrations on my iPad, and I try to sell them. And I'm like, I don't have to do everything for money. I can just do it because I enjoy it too. So sometimes we just have to surrender that creativeness to the Lord, and just be like, I'm gonna do this for no other reason other than I love it.
Victoria B. Glass: Oh, that's so good. Yeah. You're totally right with that too. Well, I know that, you love photography. You have created a business out of photography, and your photography is beautiful. It definitely stands out. And, it's very polished and very not polished at the same time, like, kinda go on what you said.
Katie Starr: That's what I was going for!
Victoria B. Glass: I KNOW!! But like, also, I just wanna point out, as someone with a camera, sometimes you're like, I wanna get that messy look, and that's harder to get than the posed polish look.
Katie Starr: Sometimes it is!
Victoria B. Glass: So, You do a great job at that.
Katie Starr: Thank you!
Victoria B. Glass: Can you elaborate a little bit about your journey with photography and tell me, you know, maybe when was the first time you picked up a camera? Where where did it start to become a love, whenever the photography, became a thing that you started going after?
Katie Starr: Totally. So I was always that kid that had a camera in her hand. All of my Facebook albums from the 2006 era and up can, like, be my be my testimony to that. I remember the first job I ever had, my stepmom actually made me put 10% of my paycheck away. And at the end of when I quit that job, I had $500 in the bank, and the first thing I did was buy a camera. It's like, I didn't think ever at that time that this was gonna be my job, but I was very in touch with how important pictures were. For me, pictures have always been really important to me. And I grew up before like, the first iPhone didn't come out until I was in grade 12, so the selfie thing was a lot more cringey back then with the big clunky.
Victoria B. Glass: Yeah. The razor or whatever. You know? Like, when you're having to, like, hit that button. I just remember it being so, like, small...
Katie Starr: Gosh. Well yeah. And I would buy, like, a Nikon. Like, the little ones you thought were cool, like, digital cameras, but they're still just, you know anyways, though, so I always had, pictures were just important to me. I don't know why. I just always loved like, I was the girl that was in my mom's room flipping through her photo albums all the time just for fun. I just thought pictures were so special, and so I wanted to to be that person who captured memories of my high school experience mostly. And then, I kind of was just more interested in boys. I was just like, I just wanna be in love. That's all I care about.
So I wasn't really thinking about career. I always did want to do something in the creative realm. First, it was music, Then I felt like I wasn't talented enough, so I was like, maybe I'll try acting. And then I felt like I wasn't talented enough there, and I just kept, like, minimizing the dream over and over again until, actually, I didn't really start picking it up again, until I was pregnant with my first kiddo, Kinsley. My husband was it didn't end up happening, but he was planning to take over at Taekwondo Academy, and I wanted to get professional images going for his social media. So I borrowed a camera.
Victoria B. Glass: Oh.
Katie Starr: Her name's Tanya. If she ever listens to this, I have to give her some credit for helping me start out because she lent me her camera. I wanna say it was, like, close to a year, and I just started to take pictures of everything and everyone that would let me.
And it just kind of built from there. I hit some rocky road eventually where I started feeling like I wasn't taking photos because I enjoyed it anymore. It was because I wanted to make money. And I started comparing myself a lot, and I was really lost my, like I just didn't know how I wanted to edit. I felt, again, along with, like, my Katelynn Cavelle story, I felt like I had to edit a certain way to be popular, to be to be busy for people to book me.
So I started, like instead of doing what I feel like God had I think God gives us all creative instincts, and I ignored them because I wanted to be busy.
Victoria B. Glass: Mhmm.
Katie Starr: I started editing in a way that I thought was more popular, and I started marketing in a way that I thought was popular. And then I just was, like, burning out because I just was, like, I I'm not doing anything that seems authentic to me, and people still aren't booking me.
Victoria B. Glass: Yeah. No. I get that.
Katie Starr: Yeah. And so I was I was riding the struggle bus a long time, with photography as a business. I always enjoyed the passion side of it. But as far as, like, making money and, like, turning it into an actual business, I was like, I just don't know if this is for me because I just get hurt when nobody chooses me, and I can't be authentic, because I feel like nobody likes it. And I just was really, really not in the right mindset to be. And that was also through COVID too. There was a lot going on during that time.
Victoria B. Glass: Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Katie Starr: And so, eventually, not September not last September, so September 2022, I literally just, like, lifted up my business to God, and I was like, it is yours. If you tell me to quit, I will quit. If you tell me to keep going, I will keep going. It's yours. Do with it what you will.
And I felt, like, a lot of, like just, like, no more pressure anymore. It was like, I'm gonna do this because God didn't tell me to stop. I didn't feel like he was like, yeah. You need to put this behind you right now. But I was like, I'm just gonna start following my God given creative instincts, and I'm gonna start editing the way I want to.
I'm gonna start taking pictures of the kind of clients that I'd like to I'm gonna create just to create, not necessarily to make money. And that year, 2022 the 2022, 2023 season was the best year I've ever had as a photographer.
Victoria B. Glass: Wow.
Katie Starr: I was booked, like I'm only part time because I got 3 kids, and I'm a homeschooler. So I was booked, like, every season, and I was so shocked because up until that point, winter in Canada here is just disgusting.
It's just so gloomy and gray and rainy. We don't get a lot of snow. And when we do, every photographer freaks out to try and get the pretty snow. But other than that, it's usually pretty miserable and very windy. And it's just like nobody wants to do that.
But then when I kind of let go and gave my business to God, I stopped. Like, I started doing some studio work. And I used to be so against it. I don't know why, but I just started doing some studio work. So even through the winter and the gloomy season, I was booking clients, and I booked 3 weddings.
And that was I had I had second shot weddings with a real bomb photographer. She's, like, one of my besties. I love her so much. But she's been doing photography, like, my whole life. Plus, you know, she's just really good.
She works out in Kelowna, which is a few hours away from us. But I second shot weddings with her for 2 summers. But I was really afraid to try and do them on my own because I just feel like there are a lot of pressure, and I'm just like, don't know what to do. But I booked 3 of my own weddings last summer, and I, based on client reviews, seem to have nailed it. So that was great.
Victoria B. Glass: That's awesome.
Katie Starr: And so yeah. I just had a soon as I, like, let go of the reins, I didn't, like, I didn't just say, like, okay, God. Let let let the pieces fall where they may. I mean, I still had to work, but I just, like, let go of the control, basically. And I just feel like He rewarded that obedience so much.
And then I got a little sidetracked, which let leads me to The Heart Conference because, I met somebody, and we were talking about doing a photography education business. And I was just I became like this bitter girl boss because I was like, why am I not making 1,000 of dollars all the time? And I was like, I need to start making more ways of making money. So we were gonna start this photography education business. Some stuff happened on her end that she couldn't partake, so I took it over.
And, I just, like, literally did it for a month, and then all of a sudden was like, I need to quit everything. I can't do all of this. I just got so overwhelmed. I was so done. I was ready to, like, move out of country, start a new career, just like I needed to let it all go and get.
But that's when I won the tickets to The Heart Conference. And I like, God is so insane because the girls I met that I was doing the the education we wanted to do an education business for beginner photographers. We met through another Heart University thing. Like, during COVID, Lindsay and Evie did an Instagram live where they would, like, basically, dissect your Instagram post to tell you what you're doing wrong, and they selected for one of them. So that's when me and this girl met was because she started following me after that.
Victoria B. Glass: After they gave your profile or your post, like, like an audit?
Katie Starr: Yeah. It was really cool. I felt I was, like, famous. I was, like, filmed it. I'm, like, oh my gosh.
They're talking about me. Like, I'm blowing up now. I think I got, like, 2 followers. Anyways, though, we connected in when they when Evie and Lindsay announced the HEART Conference in in October 22 2022 for October 2023, for the 1st week, I was like, me and that other girl that were doing this, they're like because she lives in Texas, this girl that she and I because that's where the Heart conference was.
She's like, we need to come to this conference. This is where we can meet. This is where things are gonna blow up. And I was like, yeah. For the 1st week, I was like, I don't know.
I don't care what it takes. I am getting to that conference. But then by the end of the week, between my own insecurities and I believe, like, the devil was coming hard for me at that point, By the end of the week, I was like, I can't do it. I'd I didn't own a passport. I was like, I don't know how I'm gonna make enough money to buy tickets, airfare.
The passport cost money too...
Victoria B. Glass: The passport.
Katie Starr: Yeah. And then at the same time, I've got a brother who's got a family, 2 provinces over from me. I live in British Columbia. He lived in Manitoba, and I'd never flown out to see him once. And I was like, how would I explain that to my brother that I can, like, put money and resources and time away to go to a business conference, but I can't even fly out and see my brother?
So by the end of the week, I was like, I'm not going. Too much money, too much stress can't have can't have it happen. But then I don't know. I think it was the summer of 20 23 where Lindsay and Evie were like, we're gonna put out this heart con or scholarship.
Victoria B. Glass: Yes. Scholarship.
Katie Starr: Yeah. And they were like, send in a 2 minute video of why you need to be at this conference, and we're gonna select 1 winner, and we're gonna get you here. We'll pay for your tickets, basically. And I was like, okay. I was like, I guess I'll try.
I tried filming it a few times, and I was, like, over myself. I was, like, I cannot do this. I sound ridiculous. I look ridiculous. I'm, like, I'm not doing this.
And then my kids were, like, mom, we're hungry. And I was, like, okay. I'm gonna make lunch. I'm just gonna film it one last time. I'm gonna put it put it up
Victoria B. Glass: AHHH, I got chills now.
Katie Starr: I don't have time. I'm gonna film it one last time. I put it up against, like, my microwave as I'm cutting watermelon. And I just tell them, I'm like, I'm I have peace because I know Jesus, and I'm I know that no matter what happens, that's everything for me. I'm like, but I am so overwhelmed and lost in my business.
I'm like, I started up this education business. I've been a photographer for almost 8 years, and I feel totally, like, dark and lost, and just it just doesn't seem like there's any hope left. And, anyways, I remember I sent it in, and I totally forgot about it. Because I was like, at that point, I was like, this is ridiculous, and I'm definitely not gonna win, but whatever. And then I tried.
I tried. Yep. I tried. I was like, I'll just put it out there. If it if it happens, it happens.
And I honestly totally forgot about it. And then all of a sudden, I came home from I don't know. It was summertime. It was in August. And, I saw that I had a message request from Lindsay and and Evie.
And I was like I just, like, threw my phone on the bed, and I was I look at Vince, and he's talking. And it's like, Charlie Brown like, woah, woah, woah. And I'm like, oh my gosh. And he's like, what? What?
And I'm like I'm like, I haven't even read the messages yet, but I know that they're not messaging me unless I won this. I just looked at him. I'm like, I'm pretty sure I just won tickets to go to the HEART Conference in Texas.
Victoria B. Glass: in Texas!!
Katie Starr: He was like, what? So I opened it up, and and it was a voice message from Evie. And she was like, you won. And I was like, what? No way.
I just was like I couldn't even believe it for 2 seconds. I just was floored. And then I just looked they tagged me in their stories. Like, we've been going through them all. We we prayed, and we were just so harshly,
Victoria B. Glass: AHH
Katie Starr: Yeah. And then they they take my Instagram, and I just was like, I could not believe it. I was like, well, God obviously wants me there. I mean, I knew for the 1st week after they announced it that I was supposed to go, but I defeated myself. And I felt like Satan did a good job at defeating me too.
And then, like, several months later, they're like, actually, no. Here's tickets. All you have to do is get here. And I was like, wow. So that led me to my journey.
I got my passport. That's the first time I left Canada. I've never had a passport or anything. It was just like, it was crazy. Yeah.
So it was pretty wild ...
Victoria B. Glass: Well, I mean but that's how the Lord works. And I think about very similarly, all the times I've, like, really just given it my best shot and tried and then said, you know what? If this doesn't work, it's fine. Like, it's fine. And then you almost like, it's almost like a blessing that you do forget about it, that you'll forget.
And then it'll come back, and He'll show you where you need to be. And I feel like you sharing that story is the perfect example of He only wants you as you. Like, if you try to be anything else, like, it's not gonna be attractive. It's not gonna pull in the people and the things that you need to get to that place that He told you you belong. Like, He told you, but your humanness is I do the same thing.
Your humanness is like, 'well, I mean, it is so far away or, like, it is it it would be this thing would need to rearrange for that, and I just don't feel like asking anyone to do that.' And it's like, well, He'll make it happen. Like, sure. You need that person to move. He'll bring something, and it'll it just I don't know where how I'm getting to where it is, but I feel like you know what I'm saying.
Yes. It all gets reworked the way that it's intended.
Katie Starr: The blessings didn't even end there because, like, the minute it was announced, I had a couple people reach out to me, like, we you can stay with us for free. And, like, it just there were so many people that came around that God put in place to make sure that, like, I was getting in that room. And it was just it was bonkers. There were very stressful situations that probably took a good solid 10 years off of my life. Uh-huh.
But, ultimately, every ounce of any of that stress was a 100% worth it. And, yeah, the blessings just were, yeah, they just did not stop rolling. I met so many incredible people, so many people who were, like, so supportive. I felt like the reason why God put me in that room was, actually, a lot less about my photography business and a lot more about, like, Him being, like, I love you. I'm putting you in this room because I need you to tangibly see that I love you, that you are worth so more than you believe that you are.
Because I got in that room, and I
Victoria B. Glass: I'm sorry. I'm like... *crying* Okay.
Katie Starr: No. It just for me, like, I haven't even totally digested all of the stuff I learned for business, because there was a lot. But for me, every single day I showed up, somebody else was like I don't know. Like, when they were like, oh, you're the scholarship winner. I'm like, yeah.
I just feel like I don't even deserve to be here. They're like, why? Why would you say that? Like and that's just that was a reflection of how I felt inside. Like, I just did not I felt like there was probably so many other people out there that deserve come to this place.
The minute I got into that room, instead of being, like, just so excited and blessed to be there, I just felt so insecure and small. And God was like, what are you doing? Like, I brought you here. And I just feel like every single day, He was like, somebody came into my life that was just like, you're incredible. You absolutely needed to be here.
And it was like it was hard because, I'm not very great at taking compliments, but a lot of people complimented me, which was very kind. And I made some, like, lifelong friendships there. I there's this one girl. She's actually part of the reason why I did this rebrand. I have to totally shameless plug her.
Her name's I did. Yeah. Her name's Rachel.
Victoria B. Glass: I knew it was Rachel! I love it. She's so... she has got a brand! I mean, like, talking about, I'm always mesmerized by the stuff she does!
Katie Starr: God connected us because she basically went through this journey, like, a year before I did, which was, like, I'm just gonna embrace fully who I am and see what happens. And it just it she's just been it's been incredible for her. And when I when I came back from The Heart Conference, I decided I was like, I'm gonna start being really real with myself. I'm like, it's time to start being, like, honest about what I want, what what I feel like God's put inside of me.
So I took a social media break. I was off social media for 4 months, and I stopped working for 3 months.
Victoria B. Glass: Yeah. I noticed... Oh, wow. And you stopped working too?
Katie Starr: Yeah. I didn't take any clients for 3 months. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass: Okay.
Katie Starr: And so during that time, Rachel and I talked a lot, and I was just telling her just about, like, what I dream about doing as a photographer, and she really helped helped, like, helped me embrace that. And I just I'm so grateful. And I just think, like, there are so many people in that room that I'm just like, god brought me to Texas to meet these people. You're one of those people. Rachel is one of those people.
There's another girl that, like, just went above and beyond for me. Her name's Joy. She was, like, stay at my house for free. My friend, Micah, she she paid for my whole hotel visit. I had a credit card, and every time, like, we bought a meal, it's $8 US, but it would be, like, $14 Canadian.
She's like, I will buy food. This is ridiculous.
Victoria B. Glass: Oh,Yeah. Yeah!
Katie Starr: Like, just so many people in my life, not just with, like, the physical blessings, but just now with these relationships that I have. And, obviously, Evie and Lindsey were incredible too.
Lindsey, like, I went up to her on the second day, and I was like I'm like, I just feel like I'm total trash, and I don't even know why I'm trying to do anything. And she's like, she's like, you need to get into the Bible and start writing truths about yourself that God tells you about yourself and put them up on your wall and start freaking reading them.
Victoria B. Glass: Yes!
Katie Starr: And I was like, thanks. I was like, I need to do that. So, anyways, I just feel like God got me in there for more than just the business education, which was top tier. But and then at the very end when Holly got up and did her, like, sermon where she basically was like You need to, like, honor the season that God's got you in. You need to be obedient in this season. And that that's why I took a social media break was because I think and this is the last thing I'll say about it because I know I've been talking about it a long time. But, I think we look at our life's achieves achievements on what we do. For me, I was always looking like, why am I not why do I not have 30,000 followers on Instagram and, like, magazines calling me to to book my photography?
You know? And I'm feeling small because I'm not in a 6 figure spot or whatever. Right? And you just feel like you're not measuring up. Social media does a horrible job at that, where you just scroll and you're constantly comparing yourself as a woman, as a mother, as a photographer, anything.
And, anyways, I took that, and I came home, and I'm like, I need a break. And I need to realize that what God was saying to me is that there's nothing more in your life that you will achieve than being a mom. It's gonna get me crying. because, I think my kids are blessings, obviously, but I was constantly looking outside of what he had already blessed me with to feel successful, to feel to feel achieved. And he's like, no. No. No. No, child. Like, listen to me. You will do nothing more important in your life than pouring into those kids. And I just took motherhood as, like, a side gig.
It's like photography was my job.
Victoria B. Glass: Ohhh.
Katie Starr: Being a mom was a side gig. And that includes being a wife too and just being a homemaker altogether. I was like, I am not a homemaker. I'm like, I will do the best I can with that, and then everything else is more important. But he was like, no.
You need to look at this. Like, this is number 1. Your stewardship of these children, of your home, of your husband, this is number 1. And whatever else you do after that is a blessing, and it's exciting, and it's awesome. And he wants us to have those creative outlets and enjoy the things that we do, but this is number 1.
So if I let go of everything else in my life and only solely focused on being in the season that I'm in right now, which is a mom to 3 young kids who takes care of her home, who takes care of her husband, if I can get really, really, really good at that, I will have completed and achieved everything that God has already asked me to do, obediently. And like at the end there, because Holly Weid was the last one to speak, and she was like, you need to be obedient. And it was hard. It was a hard pill to swallow because I was like, that means that photography comes second. That means that, whatever creative outlet that I have that might make us lots of money. Because the thing for me is that both me and my husband grew up pretty poor.
We had a good quality of life for the most part, but we grew up on the poorer side. And I just was like, I have to be a millionaire so my kids don't struggle. I absolutely have to do that. And if I'm not doing that, then I'm failing them. So I was trying so hard, and when I wasn't hitting that point, I just became this bitter girl boss who was like, I'm not measuring up in anything because I can't make any money for my family.
Yet God was like, every second that you spend mulling over your failures as a photographer, you're missing out on the opportunities you have to pour into your kids. And so I was like, alright. So that's I feel like that was the big takeaway that I that I basically was keeping myself very, very small, because of mindsets that I had that were very, very toxic and unhealthy, just about myself. And then, yeah, just what's number 1 in my life, the stewardship of my family.
So, yeah, the the HEART Conference really solidified a lot for me. It was incredible.
Victoria B. Glass: The reason I bring it up, the HEART Conference, on most of these interviews, because I've met so many incredible people at the HEART Conference, but also just to get their perspective. Because I feel like like attracts like. So we're all in this room because we all are going through the same things in different ways, in different places, and at different points. And one of the things I've learned as a Christian, and I have grown up from it, and I got away from it, and then I found it again.
And, so everyone has their own journey with that, but one of the things that, we kind of touched on it a little bit, but God made us to be here. But we're we're pieces of him. But while we're here, you know, it is gonna be that feeling constantly of just that we're not anything because we are separated from Him. So, like
Katie Starr: Right, Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass: In a way, you know, that separation is causing this pain. Yeah. And it's like being away from home. You you just so long to come back home and, you know, we're just so aware of, like, that separation. But that's why he wants us to give it to Him.
And so, like, you know, I feel like being a creative person, you have those highs and lows. You have those moments where you're like, wow. I definitely feel so empowered by him, and I see that I am a reflection of Him. And then there's those moments where you're like, where did you go, God? You know?
Like and I feel like he gives us this life. Like, we're here on Earth so that we can, we can learn from that. And I guess what I'm trying to say too is when you feel good and you're in that, that is the richest you can ever be. Like, you can never be more rich than being aware that you're a child of absolute Creator of the Universe.
Katie Starr: And that's And so much truth. I look at I look at lots of people who are very successful as far as society thinks, and they they're they seem to be very, very sad people. And I do not think for a second, I would not take a $1,000,000 over Jesus or my family. So if that's what it's gonna cost me to be a millionaire, I won't take it. I get to spend every moment, like , quality quality time with my family.
And, you know, my husband too, he works in the school district right now, and he works like a lot of people would think that he doesn't work very hard because he only works 6 hour days. And he gets spring break, summer break, and winter break off. But my kids know their dad. My kids get to see him every single day.
Victoria B. Glass: Yes!!
Katie Starr: My kids will never know that like, they will not have the absent father issue at all, and I'm so insanely blessed by that. So
Victoria B. Glass: I feel that too. And kinda sounds the same way with, like, the scholarship. Like, you would put it out there. You told God what you wanted. God knew where you needed to be.
Yeah. And he made it happen.
Katie Starr: It's amazing because it's totally just changed the trajectory of my life and my understanding of God and how he feels about me. And I just feel so blessed that they offered that because that's what they they were like, we wanna see the videos of people who feels like this will change everything for them if they come here. I mean, I will use the skills eventually in my business that I learned from them, but, like, that's not what the HEART conference was for me. The HEART conference was like, conference was like, this is the season you're in. I love you so much, and, like, buckle up. Let's go. You know?
Victoria B. Glass: The people are the prize. Like, that's what God gives you is I mean, for real. Like, when you're at the top of your game, you get more people, and those people are the treasure. That's what I meant. The treasure. There's nothing here.
Katie Starr: Like Oh my gosh. The treasure!
Victoria B. Glass: And and He's and He's creating them. Like, so these people like you right now are, like, you know, like, I'm seeing not God, but, like, you know, His creation, and that's why.
Katie Starr: It's so good.
Victoria B. Glass: I can't even put it into words. Like, I'm okay.
Katie Starr: There's a little bit of the the miracle work and stuff in it, for sure. That's true. Incredible experience I'm so grateful for.
Victoria B. Glass: Well, I, I wanna talk a little bit about just what you've learned other than just the people and stuff. Is there anything else that you've learned as a creative business owner that you would give maybe to, like, you 2 years ago or you during 2020? What would you say to that person? Because they're listening. If her their name's not Katie Starr.
There's only one Katie Starr! But who what else would you say to those people who are in that place? They're there right now, and they're about to give up. What would you say to them?
Katie Starr: I would say surrender. Surrender. I would say, you need to surrender that up to God. The minute I feel like that's when you hear that statement all the time where he's like, God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called.
I think God calls the surrendered. I think when they surrender, when I like that I see this action of me just, like, lifting up my business to God and being like, do with it what you will. If you say stop, I will stop right now. I think that that changed everything for me. Because the minute I was like, I don't want control over this anymore.
I want I want this to glorify you. And if it's not gonna do that, and if it's gonna bring my family down, if it's gonna bring me down, if it's not gonna add anything to my life or to my clients' lives, potentially, then I don't wanna do it. And so I think that for anybody who's in the that they're riding on that struggle bus, they need to look up. They need to look up and be like, this is your business. And if you don't want me to do it anymore, as hard as might be to close that chapter, then you need to be obedient in that.
And I'm gonna steal that from Holly Wade. I believe I believe that if you are obedient in the season that God's calling you to, He will honor that. I just think that there's honestly, I think people see it as weakness, but I believe that there's nothing more powerful than surrendering. And you're not alone same thing. We're absolutely not alone. And I would say probably, like, 90% of us have been there, so reach out.
Victoria B. Glass: A 100%. I'd say a 100% of people have been there. Well, what where can people go to find out more about you, and where do you want them to go to see your work?
Katie Starr: Okay. So if you wanna reach out to me, or if you wanna follow along on my journey, it's sporadic. But, I am on Instagram as Katie Rad Photography. Facebook, Katie Rad Photography. If you wanna reach out personally to work with me, KatieRadphotography@gmail.com.
All of those areas, you can reach out to me. You can see what I'm up to. And I would love I would love to I would love your support and I would love to support you guys back. So
Victoria B. Glass: Hopefully, one day it'll our paths will cross in person again. I would love that. I really I'm drawn to your energy. I Appreciate your journey. I know now a bit about how you got to where you are.
And the truth that I'm seeing is that you've been rad the whole time. Oh. And, you know, I wish I would have known you in high school. It sounds like you were, like, awesome and really cool. And it sounds like you're even just tying in all of that coolness to your business now and, you know, putting it out there in the world and helping others by capturing their families, by capturing their sweet moments and sweet babies and
kids and families and, but I love that you're focusing more on the boss mom and the brides who just wanna be more authentic and share that that authenticity and embrace it. That's really what I'm what I hear from our conversation is just don't shut it down. Like, embrace it.
Absolutely.
Because that is the coolest part, and people want that!
Katie Starr: Yeah. They need to be they need to be okay with where they're at. Like, one of the things that I really struggle with in my walk is, like, I've got a I've got a bit of a trucker's mouth. I mean, like I said, I didn't grow up knowing Jesus, and my dad was a trucker, my brother's a trucker, and just, you know, words were said. Every other every other word was a swear.
And I sometimes use some of those swears, but the the thing for me is, like, I know that the Bible talks about what come from your heart is coming out your mouth. And, I have yet and I know He will convict me one day on my journey, I'm sure. But I don't believe that me saying shit is gonna, like, make people think, oh, she's not a Christian. She doesn't believe in Jesus. I would rather show that
this is a struggle for me. And it's the same thing that how I'm embracing I wanna say the darker side of me, but, like, it's never away from the light of Jesus.
Victoria B. Glass: Right.
Katie Starr: But like, I am, you know, a rock and roll kinda lady. And I that doesn't mean that I subscribe to all the things rock and rollers do.
Okay? But I'm gonna embrace that part of my personality. I believe that even though my dad and my mom don't know Jesus, they were my parents on purpose. You know what I mean? Yeah.
So, like, what they poured into me, good or bad, is a part of my journey, and God has ordained it. And I am going to bring those pieces out of me unashamedly. And if that has a swear or two in it, when the Lord convicts me, I will watch it. But until then, I'm gonna be me, and that's part of that's part of my journey, and I'm gonna be genuine about it. So and I want to see that in my clients too.
If I'm gonna work with a if I'm gonna work with, like, a a badass boss lady and she's, like, you know, covered in tattoos and I like, I want her to be authentic in her photos. I wanna help showcase who that person actually is so that when you look at her stuff, it's like I know exactly what I'm signing up for with this person. You know? And then just the same thing with, like, brides, like weddings. Like, I used to be so terrified of them.
I like the smaller weddings because I like people who are, like, I want to genuinely spend this day with the people that I know I love, and I know that they love me. So these small weddings with brides that are, like, wearing Converse or Doc Martens, and they got sunglasses on, and they're gonna spend the most epic day with the person they're gonna marry and with the people that they care about the most. I want to make sure that when I'm capturing that, it's not just capturing the day, but it's capturing them and their authenticity. And it's the same thing with families too. Like, I would rather go spend a day at the beach take pictures of you guys building castles and running and splashing in the water than, you know, finding a pretty field that's beautiful.
Of course, I love that. But, like, let's just let's be genuine, and let's be authentic, and you're gonna love that on your wall a lot more than, like, the smile and look at the camera. So
Victoria B. Glass: You wanna see yourself. Like, you want, you know, your photos. I definitely agree. And, I feel like as someone my mom's not a photographer. She's a nurse, but she always had those photo books and whatnot.
Yeah. And you can do the post stuff. Like, there's nothing wrong with that. But when you look at those photos, you're gonna see that moment, and you're gonna be like, man, you know, my butt was itching when I was taking that picture. And that's all I remember from that picture. And, like, you know?
Katie Starr: Totally.
Victoria B. Glass: And so but if you have that moment where you're laughing or you're like like you said, you're just being you. There's a twinkle in your eye that I look for when I'm, like, culling. I'm like, it does this could be the most beautiful picture. There's no twinkle in their eye.
Like, you know, you want that that photo where you see the light in this person, and that is captured.
Katie Starr: Yeah! I think that if you can and that's what I really like to do with my especially with, like, with all of my clients. I will do a fair amount of posing because I like the creative side of things as well, like, where you can make a a photo look really cool and you know what I mean? Pose them in a certain way where it's like, oh, you guys should be in Vogue Magazine. But then, also, like, I know for me, when I look at my engagement, my wedding photos, all the ones that are up on my wall are the ones where I'm, like, laughing my butt off or we're doing something ridiculous, or it's just, like, genuine emotion. And it's all that to me is, like, what speaks to people, and that's why I call myself a lifestyle photographer because I will do post shots with you, but I'm more interested in in grabbing what's real.
Victoria B. Glass: Yeah. Yeah. Me too. And I want that to be just this whole Contagious Victories podcast. Like so I want this whole podcast to be a reflection of just the truth and the overcoming of something difficult, which most of the time is a creative journey for creatives.
It's the, do I make money on this? How can I make money on this? Should I make money on this? I'm not gonna love this anymore if I if I start making money on it. Like, you know, so, it's those things that I feel like the creative has trouble with, and it's so beautiful to realize we're never alone.
Katie Starr: That's how I think that that is the most, the biggest takeaway, like you said, is just for other people to know that they're not alone. Because I think when we get isolated and feel like our our struggles are unique, we then all of a sudden think that, we're incapable. Oh, nobody struggles with it like I do, so I'm just I'm obviously not meant to do it. No, babe. Like, we all struggle that way.
We all do and you you are not alone and that you just need to you need to get over that hurdle. And it's just that's the truth for all of us in in every struggle, not just struggle, not just for the creative. Right? I mean and I've also learned recently that it takes vulnerability for people to feel safe to be vulnerable. So sometimes we have to sometimes we have to sometimes we have to get uncomfortable and be vulnerable with people about the things that we're going through in order for them to be, like, yeah, me too, actually. And it Sucks.
Victoria B. Glass: Yeah Say that again. I like what you said. It rang. How did you say it?
Katie Starr: It takes vulnerability for people to feel like they can be vulnerable, basically. I just feel like I'm not gonna be the first one to put up my hand in a, you know, in a crowd saying I'm struggling with something unless somebody else is doing it too. You know what I mean? And it takes it takes that kind of vulnerability, but that also takes bravery. Right?
To be, like, the first person to put up their hand and be like, yeah. Actually, I'm making no money in my business right now, and I feel like I should just stop and quit because I suck. That's how I feel. Some people might be and there might be more vulnerability, right, where it's like my husband thinks that I suck at doing this. And I have nobody in my life encouraging me, and that, like, I don't even know why I'm doing it. You know what I mean? Like, there's so many examples, and it get that's that's like a business side, but I think it's like that in life for everything. Right? Like, nobody's gonna be the one to be like, I'm having marital struggles, or I, you know what I mean? Like, it's it's tough.
The first person to do it is usually allows other people to be vulnerable too. So I think that's good.
Victoria B. Glass: Well, I have to end on this because I forgot about this until and it just happened, like, 3 days ago. And it was you, sharing a reel of your hair, and it was just so big and just untamed.
Katie Starr: It was out of this world!
Victoria B. Glass: It was untamed in the most fierce and, like, vulnerable way.
Katie Starr: Mhmm.
Victoria B. Glass: And I saw it, and I have this photo on my phone. It's from it was taken probably 3 phones back, but I always airdrop it to myself because I'm like, there's gonna be an opportunity to share this hilarious photo. And maybe I just need to share it on Facebook. Maybe I need to make it my profile picture. I don't know. I probably do because I have laughed so hard and I get so many laughs because I'm like, girl, like, let let me show you what happened to me the other day, and it's like the same thing. And Yep. My hair was wild and unruly, and it's hilarious, and I'm not alone in it. And so I thought it was so brave and vulnerable. And at the same time, it's relatable.
Katie Starr: Yeah. It's just a small scale version of, like, you know, allowing you allow other people to be vulnerable when you're vulnerable.
Victoria B. Glass: That's yeah. And and so, anyways, I appreciated you. You opened up the door by being vulnerable. And you got the cute little buns today, and it's how it managed and beautiful. And I love it.
Katie Starr: Far from what it usually is. I'm blessed to be doing what I'm doing. The last thing I'd love to share is that, for other photographers too, especially if you're a believer, sometimes I used to I used to think that what I was doing wasn't ministry work because you don't take anything with you to heaven. You don't take anything with you to the grave. And I was thinking, like, man, just taking pictures of people seems like pretty weak compared to, like, what people are doing for the kingdom. You know what I mean? And God's really showed me recently that it is we were not created for death. We were not created for time the way that we are created the way that we experience it now. And that's why time and death are so painful to us. I think I think Jesus takes the sting of death because we know where we're going, and we could have that peace. So death isn't the end, but it's still painful, this side of heaven. And I believe that being a photographer is a sacred job because I believe that Jesus has given us this gift to be able to stop time for people. I mean, how do you treasure a picture of somebody who's passed away? How much do you treasure those pictures of your newborn baby that grows like a monster in their 1st year? And you're like, how was my child ever this small?
And when you look back on your wedding day and you think, wow. Like, we're so young or, you know, sometimes they're a little bit older, but that's okay. But you just look at it, and you're like, oh my gosh. Like, I totally forgot that uncle Bob did a break dance in the middle of the you know what I mean? Like, how much does your father in heaven love you that he would give you the treasure of a photograph to remember the time to remember the time that you will never get back?
Victoria B. Glass: Right!?
Katie Starr: So for any photographer who thinks that your job is not meaningful, please, please, please surrender that lie to the Lord, rebuke Satan out loud, and just know that the work that you're doing is actually quite holy, and it's a way I believe that it is a way that God's showing you that he cares about your life on earth. It's not just about when you get to heaven. He cares about you now. So that's what I'd like to share with other photographers anyways.
Victoria B. Glass: That is so good. I hope the the listeners hear that. I hope that your soul just knows that knows that and that, that you have a friend who appreciates it. I I don't wish it on anyone. I don't wish darkness or dark moments on anyone.
You're not alone. And even in those moments, He's using you. And it's just in your whole, like, story today, it's just proof that, like You're just still reflecting His whole purpose.
Katie Starr: Thanks, girl. You too.
Victoria B. Glass: Listeners, you know, I hope hope you go and follow Katie one more time. Thank you so much, Katie. I am blessed to have you on here, and thank you.
Katie Starr: Thank you.
Victoria B. Glass: Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the Contagious Victories podcast. If the show inspired you to share your own victory story, I'm here to tell you the world deserves to hear it. Submit it to me online at ToriBlackmon.com. Review and subscribe if that feels right. Telling your friend about the show helps continue his victories to grow.
Plus, we all appreciate a little sunshine. I'm Tori b. Thanks for listening. I'll catch you soon.