Meet Kristy Hampton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Hampton.

Hi Kristy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Like many others, the pandemic created a dynamic of uncertainty and I found myself laid off from my dream job as a result in April 2020.  I didn’t allow myself to focus on not working, instead, I channeled my energy and promised myself I would do three things each day.  I committed to doing something that aided in professional growth, some type of self-care, and something creative or fun.  If this life event taught me nothing else, it taught me that I never wanted to be completely dependent on a job for financial stability.  Needless to say, this sparked me to start my photography business.

I shared my plan to start a business with my mom and as always, she was 110% in support of it. She gifted me my first camera for Christmas that year, but this wasn’t just a gift to me; it was an investment into my future.  Photography is now my way of giving back to my community.

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?
As any business owner will tell you, the road is not always smooth, but I will say it has been rewarding. Starting out, I signed up for an internship with an amazing local photographer, a digital photography course at the local community college, and let my creativity lead me.  There was of course trial and error, financial investments, marketing, legal documentation, and many other things that I had no idea about. It was certainly overwhelming at times but with the support of my family and community, I’m full of gratitude!  I never imagined that I would be completely booked months in advance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
By day, I’m a Compliance professional working in State Government and currently pursuing a Doctor of Health Administration at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). My professional career has included quality and compliance roles within the behavioral health, biotechnology, and human service industries and I’m definitely a self-proclaimed compliance nerd.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
There are several qualities that I feel have contributed to my success personally and professionally.

I have to start with the way I was raised, by a strong single mom and super supportive family who has always shown unconditional love.  This is the foundation of who I am.  I’m also blessed to be surrounded by the best group of friends, brilliant colleagues, and successful creatives.

My natural desire to lead, attention to detail, problem solving skills, and motivation instinctively drive me to be the best I can be. But what I hear from others is just an amazing ability to connect with people.

This actually goes back to why I love photography so much. Aside from the creative outlet, it excites me to give people a moment of motivation, joy, confidence and an overall great feeling even if it’s just for a couple of hours out of their day. It means a lot to be chosen to be part of their captured memories, milestones, and celebrations.  Every day, no matter what I’m doing, I aim to positively impact at least one person’s day.

Pricing:

• Packages start at $175.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@hamptonstills.com
• Website: www.hamptonstills.com
• Instagram: @hamptonstillsphotography
• Facebook: @hamptonstillsphotography

Image Credits
Elizabeth Ashley & Co(photo of Kristy) and Hampton Stills Photography