Life & Work with Kianna Forbes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kianna Forbes.

Hi Kianna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been creative for as long as I can remember. Creativity has always been an important part of my life. It is a way for me to express myself without judgment. I never thought that I would be integrating my creative passions into my business pursuits, but I am happy that I am able to do so!

I have always been told that being creative would not take me far financially. I would think to myself, “Yes, that may be true, but that does not mean I cannot pursue it. I can just find ways to accommodate my passions!”

My entrepreneurial journey initially started as a photography business in November 2018. Fast forward to almost four years later, I have expanded my business to include social media marketing services, which I am also very passionate about.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! I think it was more of an internal struggle than anything. I was juggling with the feelings of the need for job security and fully pursuing my passions. One of the hardest decisions I had to make was deciding to put aside creative pursuits and try my hand at working in a nonprofit (which was geared towards my International Studies major).

While working for a nonprofit organization in Durham, I started doing social media marketing. This also allowed me to be creative and increase my skills in social media marketing – my newfound career. It was like killing two birds with one stone! I found that I did not enjoy working in the nonprofit environment, but I found my new passion for social media marketing.

This in turn also sparked my new goal of pursuing both social media marketing and my creative pursuits at the same time! Along the way, I stumbled upon a lot of roadblocks. I was essentially learning how to grow a business while also transitioning into adulthood. Both of these experiences were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were times that I would struggle financially and it would greatly affect my mental health. Thankfully, I have been able to push through due to my faith, family, friends, and my ability to find beauty in the madness.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been doing photography for the past five years. I specialize in nature, landscape, portrait, urban and abstract photography. I am most proud of my growth and my keen abilities to get the “perfect shot” (whatever that may mean to me at the moment).

What sets my work apart from others is that I take a holistic approach to photography. Everything is photogenic. Even the most distorted and “unappealing” visuals can be artistic and photogenic when I snap the picture.

I would also like to note that I own a one-woman social media marketing agency Kianna Moon Marketing, LLC, which I established in February 2021. It is safe to say that I have found a good medium between my day job and pursuing my passions when I am off the clock.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I have learned along my journey? Ask for help! There is no shame in reaching out and asking for help from those who may have more knowledge in a particular area.

Our ego has a way of making us feel differently, but it is fulfilling to work on our goals alongside people who genuinely want to see us succeed.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://aurian-dancer-photography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiannalalune
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Wm48TkvQ8pbgY6MrUBhZg?app=desktop
• Other: https://kiannamoonmarketing.godaddysites.com/