Meet Jessica Kepley | Videographer/Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Kepley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks can be scary! However, I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not taken any. When I first started my business, I was super nervous to do any big changes at all, especially once it got established and I started getting actual clients. I was afraid to raise my prices, I was afraid to put myself out there, and most of all, I was afraid to quit my day job to focus on building my business because it wasn’t guaranteed that I would actually succeed and stay afloat financially if I did.

I worked a full time job as a veterinary technician while using nights and weekends to build my business. I was limiting the amount of clients I booked because I was afraid I would overbook and not be able to keep up because of my full time job. But I was also afraid that if I quit the Vet Tech job, I wouldn’t be able to book enough video clients to keep me financially stable.

It was when a family member gave me an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. He saw my potential and knew my dreams. He knew how hard I had been working on my business and he got to a point in his own business to where he needed a full time photographer and videographer. So he offered me a job working with him to replace the Vet Tech job. He said he would pay me what the veterinary job paid me, but would only need me to work a fraction of the time, giving me time to build my business and find more clients. After lots and lots of thinking and planning, I took the step! I quit my job as a Vet Tech and started working full time as a videographer. It was literally that decision and step that got me to where I am today. I don’t know if I ever would have had the courage to do it otherwise.

Although I adored helping animals, working as a Vet Tech took a toll on my mental health and I knew that stepping away from it would be better for me. Kudos to all of the veterinary workers out there. It takes a very strong willed and special type of person to do that job.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My love for filming came when I was in High School. I took a Media Concepts class where I met some of my best friends. We would write and film little skits and we would film the morning news for the school. I loved the class so much that I took it again, and decided I wanted to go to college for film. I went to college at Watkins College of Art and Film, concentrating in Cinematography. College was tough. I was the only girl in most of my classes and didn’t exactly “fit in”. My professors would tell me I would have a very hard time succeeding in the film industry solely because I am a female. They were just being honest, no hard feelings there, but that made me want work harder at it.

I made it to through my Junior year of college and unfortunately had to drop out early due to financial reasons. I just couldn’t afford school anymore and had to get a full time job to keep afloat. But I was NOT giving up on my dream just because of that.

I saved up money and bought my very first camera set up in 2013, and that same year I filmed my very first wedding, FOR FREE! It was for a family friend. I had so much fun with it and got amazing feedback on the final video. That’s when I decided that this is where I belong. I was able to learn all I needed from college to start a videography business, even though I didn’t graduate!

I officially started my business in 2017 and went full time with it in 2022.

What sets me apart from others is that I do video and photo and have experience in many different settings. I have filmed Weddings, Burlesque shows, Dirt Racing, Job Fairs, Quinceaneras, Conventions, Wrestling Tournaments, and more.
I have done content and branding shoots for Tattoo Artists, Estheticians, Real Estate Agents, Food Bloggers, Hair Stylists, and Dirt Racing Drivers.

I am most excited about our new Studio opening soon in Murfreesboro! It will be available for rent for Photographers and Videographers and can also be rented out for events. This is an investment I have been dreaming of for the past few years and I am so excited that I finally have it.

Getting to where I am today was definitely not easy. It took years of working 7 days a week with just a few days off here and there. My biggest set back for me was my lack of self confidence when I first started. I used to think I wasn’t the type of girl that could have and run a business. I was always told in every job I’ve had, that my lack of self confidence was hindering my career growth. Over the years of doing video work, my clients really hyped me up. Honestly it has been them that has brought out my confidence and helped me believe that I am capable of being successful. They encouraged me to be proud of my work.

I want other people to know that if little ol me can do it, so can you! I was able to do it with hardly any money, without a college degree, and without much coaching. As long as the desire is there, keep going. Take risks. Make little steps and big steps. Work for it. You will learn along the way and be shocked at just how capable you are.

I love using my work to tell stories and to help businesses show off their hard work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting the area, I would recommend firstly that they take a day to walk around downtown Nashville. Enjoy the views and visit some gift shops. Then I would recommend that they plan a picnic or just a relaxing day at Centennial Park where they can also see the Parthenon. Another fun adventure I would take them on is the General Jackson. Especially during the 4th of July event! Also, can’t forget a day at Cheekwood!

Places to eat: I would recommend at least one rooftop experience. Maybe Acme Feed & Seed. The Assembly Hall is a lot of fun and has many amazing places to eat in there. Another important experience in my opinion is some good southern comfort food, so definitely the Loveless Cafe!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few people I would love to give a shoutout to!

First, my brother in law, Austin Kepley. Austin is the one that gave me the boost to go full time with my business and I can’t thank him enough.

Second, Chelsey with Skin Confidence. She is a client and friend that I have worked with for several years. I do all of her professional photography and videography for her Med Spa and her team. She has taught me so much about owning a business as a woman, and about the importance of putting myself out there and being active within the community. She has been a HUGE supporter and has helped me bring in more clients. We actually just partnered up and will soon be opening a Photography Studio + Event Space in downtown Murfreesboro called Studio 226! Stay tuned via IG- @studio226boro

Third, my dad for being another huge supporter and believing in me. He has also helped me get my foot in the door with some of my clients and I can always count on him being there, routing for me on the sidelines.

And finally my husband, Ryan. Thank you for routing me on and always being willing to help me when needed. I couldn’t do it without you!

Website: https://www.blackmoonvideo.com

Instagram: @blackmoonvideo + @studio226boro

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackmoonvideo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackmoonvideotn

Image Credits
Jess Dani Photography