Daily Inspiration: Meet Kellie Worthen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Worthen.

Hi Kellie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started ‘District 86 Co.’ in 2019, bringing a modern, organic approach to Interior Photography and small business websites. I have an eye for sleek designs and realistic, natural portrayals of your space or business. I have worked with many amazing Clients; ‘Dorn Homes,’ ‘The Scott Resort & Spa,’ and ‘The Arizona Grand Resort & Spa.’ In college, specifically relating to what I do now, I took digital photography and a coding class, which I enjoyed. I loved how so much of my studies were visual arts courses!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In some form or another, I always had this gut feeling that I would either be an Actress or a Singer or something like a ‘one-man-show.’ I knew I wanted to do something great but on my own. I always felt this pit in my stomach of knowing there was something out there that I’ll be great at, but I was afraid of that feeling because it was bigger than me, whether it was not knowing what that ‘thing’ was yet or not feeling confident enough in myself or my skills. It’s funny when you’re young how people will say; “Follow your God-given talent” or “Whatever’s meant for you will find you” Well, for one, it doesn’t feel that way when you’re uninterested in getting a degree or when you’re working a full-time job to give half your paycheck to your credit card debt. When I was younger and aware of planning my future, I always expected these sayings from my elders to happen magically. Where I was going to wake up one day, and I will know without a shadow of a doubt that I was MEANT TO BE whatever it was. I’ve always been a dreamer, and it gets in the way of reality sometimes, and my reality was coming to terms with the fact that sometimes you have to do what you HAVE to do to do what you WANT to do. I know God has a plan for me. I just had to realize that everything comes in time and seasons. I had a season of major credit card debt, jumping around to different jobs, and dropping out of college, but during those same seasons, I was out taking pictures for free of my friends ‘Airbnbs or my Aunt’s properties. People need to understand that life isn’t ‘either-or.’ It’s concurrent. I had to go through seasons of working 7 am-4 pm (to pay off credit cards) and then photographing homes (for free) from 4 pm-6 pm. Of course, I would have instead gone home and watched tv, but I was naturally drawn to wanting to learn Interior Photography. Then my business happened.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
District 86 Co. specializes in photographing interiors in a modern, organic way. We don’t use any fancy lighting or crazy camera lenses. We believe in capturing a space’s natural aesthetic and representing it as-is or capturing its true ‘vibe.’ We don’t over-edit either! We are known for creating editorial-worthy photos and capturing spaces in their best light! We are proud of our recent partnership with ‘The Scott Resort & Spa’ and ‘The Arizona Grand Resort & Spa’! It was a blast photographing for ‘Classic Hotels,’ and we hope to do it again in the future! We also offer two online courses to teach women with creative businesses to elevate their Interior Photography; one is for iPhone users and the other for digital camera users.

What characteristic of yours would you give the most credit if you had to?
In a world filled with people pretending to be someone they’re not, it’s most important to be yourself, as cliche as it sounds. Your personality will go far with others – and more times than not, it’s what lands you the job over the next person.

Pricing:

• Collection One | Marketing Projects starts at $1,200
• Collection Two | Commercial Projects starts at $2,000
• Collection Three | A La Carte Projects starts at $800

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.district86co.com/
• Instagram: @district86co
• Facebook: @District86Prescott
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/district86/district-86

Image Credits
Photography Credits: ‘District 86 Co.’ and ‘photosbyary’