Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Thomas.
Hi Kim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a lifestyle blogger and photographer based in Memphis, TN. Launched in September 2010, my blog KP Fusion provides fashion, style and beauty tips with a little Memphis flavor thrown in. The goal with my blog is to keep people in the know about the cool happenings in the city and beyond, and I’ve been able to partner with brands like Ulta Beauty, IKEA, Macy’s Shea Moisture and Maison Margiela Fragrances to help inspire others to be creative and take on beauty and fashion on their own terms.
Launching my blog gave me a much needed creative outlet, so I wanted to learn how to take better photos for it. In doing so, I was able to connect with and start working with other creatives, and now I specialize in lifestyle photography for small businesses, interiors designers, creatives + influencers. Some of my clients include Stock&Belle, Carmeon Hamilton, Quita Tate, The Shops of Saddle Creek, and Textures Studio Salon. I’ve also had work featured in (print) Edible Memphis, Architectural Digest, HGTV Magazine and (digital) on I Love Memphis Blog, House Beautiful, My Domaine, and Apartment Therapy.
Being able to help creatives and small businesses bring their brand visions to life is fun, and I still can’t believe I get to do it every day!
In addition to work I am a aunt and have been blessed to be born into a really close knit family. I also have an amazing group of friends who love to travel, explore Memphis, and try new experiences every day, so my life is very full and fun!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no. With photography, deciding to niche down and specialize in lifestyle content meant that I had a slow build when it came to clients. It took years for me to build up my clientele to the point of being able to do it full-time. Social Media Marketing and “Content” falls under the Branding umbrella, but it’s handled a little bit differently (the pace/need is much quicker), so it took a minute for creatives and businesses (outside of bloggers) to catch on and want to work with someone regularly to create content.
With blogging (or influencing, which is what most people consider it now), your follower account used to be the main focus, but now it’s really about quality content, an engaging community and consistency. Thankfully, I’ve been doing this for so long, so even with a small following I’ve been able to work with some amazing brands and businesses (and actually be paid for it!).
Both industries work in tandem with each other, so I get to be creative every day!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professional/Career answers in previous question.
I’m most proud of the fact that I was able to create my own lane and build a career that I love AND that I get to work with friends. It’s rare to be in a position like that and I don’t take it for granted.
What sets me apart from others? I’m really easy to communicate with and work with. We’re taking photos, not curing cancer, lol, so I try to keep my sessions fun and my clients comfortable. How you make your clients feel really goes a long way and I pride myself on being really good at making them be comfortable in front of the lens. Yes, you have to be talented at what you do, but if you’re hard to work with, it can make growth difficult.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I work incredible hard, so I don’t necessarily believe luck played a part in that. I will say that I was very intentional with how I approach blogging and photography, so I always try to stay in alignment and ‘do what makes sense”. It made for a much slower build (which was scary because, you know, bills, lol), but the reward is that I have great relationships with my clients and I get to have some amazing experiences working with brands.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kpfusion.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kpfusion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KPFUSION
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kpfusion
