Ten years ago,, I boarded a flight from Atlanta to Guatemala, embarking on an 11-month humanitarian journey across 11+ countries. This adventure reshaped my entire perspective on life and set me on a path of creative discovery. Today, I'm excited to share how this journey has influenced my work and life, hoping it might spark something in your own story too.

The Journey That Started It All

From Nicaragua's vibrant streets to Nepal's serene mountains, my travels have profoundly shaped my worldview. Some unforgettable moments include:

Helping to build a school on a mountain in Nepal
Witnessing the most beautiful sunsets in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Learning about the Khmer Rouge regime and Cambodian genocide in Cambodia
Hearing the heart-wrenching stories of women rescued from human trafficking in the Philippines

Witnessing both beauty and hardship across diverse cultures abroad & at home, I've come to deeply appreciate the power of human resilience and connection. These journeys have reinforced my conviction that storytelling is a vital tool for personal growth, healing, and creating positive change in the world.

Today, I use photography, documentary filmmaking, and workshops to help others embrace their journeys, find beauty in their experiences, and overcome life's challenges.

THE POWER OF YOUR STORY

One of the biggest realizations I had during my trip was that we all have a tale to tell, a unique perspective shaped by our experiences. It's not just about grand adventures or life-changing moments - though those certainly play a part. It's about the everyday triumphs, the quiet struggles, the moments of connection that make up our lives.

It's made me wonder: What stories are you carrying with you? What experiences have shaped your worldview, your compassion, your understanding of what it means to be human?

During my travels, I discovered a simple yet profound definition of story:

“a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it.”

To this day, this definition continues to inform my creative process and even my worldview.

Suddenly, I saw everyone, including myself as characters on a journey, facing and overcoming various conflicts that weren't roadblocks but invitations to grow. It caused me to be more compassionate, patient & curious about myself and those around me.

As I look back on the past decade, a whirlwind of emotions washes over me. Where did the time go? I'm in awe of the challenges I've overcome, yet there's a tinge of grief for the paths not taken.

Above all, I'm grateful to still be here, standing strong despite it all.

We've all been through so much collectively. The world has changed in ways we could never have imagined. Perhaps you, like me, find yourself in an unexpected place, having let go of certain dreams and timelines. It's a process that can be painful, yet it often leads to growth we couldn't have anticipated.

What strikes me most is our shared resilience and grit. We grow and change in ways we often don't even realize. Whether you're juggling the demands of parenthood, grieving unimaginable loss, pouring yourself into your career, still figuring “it” out or simply living day to day without much thought to your personal narrative, there's power in recognizing and sharing our journeys.

I encourage you to take a moment today to reflect. Where were you a decade ago? What fills you with the most gratitude? What achievement brings you the most pride? Our stories matter, and in sharing them, we might just find common ground and inspiration in each other's experiences.

Own Your Story : When Life Hands You Lemons…

You know the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"? Well, life handed me a pink slip (twice!), and I made a workshop.

Getting laid off (again) was tough, but it became the catalyst I needed. Everything finally clicked: my love for storytelling, my passion for empowering others, and my love for bringing people together.

That's how "Own Your Story" was born.

A Decade of Honing the Craft of Storytelling : The Workshop I'm Most Proud Of

"Own Your Story" is more than just a workshop - it's the culmination of a decade spent immersing myself in the art of storytelling, engaging with people from all walks of life, and exploring what makes a narrative truly resonate.

This isn't just about telling better stories; it's about living them. It embodies everything I've learned about embracing my own narrative, facing fears, and finding purpose - all crafted to help others do the same. "Own Your Story" is a transformative experience empowering women and young girls to be seen, embrace their unique stories, and cultivate meaningful connections.

Curious to learn more? Check out this in-depth workshop overview and see the in-person experience.

Other Notable Projects

While “Own Your Story" holds a special place in my heart, here are some other projects I've loved working on:

Just Lamar Carter : A short documentary I directed & produced exploring how a former war veteran found joy and resilience through family, creativity, and his own unique spirit, offering lessons on overcoming adversity and living life to the fullest. COMING SOON!! 🙌🏾
Sitting At Their Feet : A 3 part book series I conceived and created entirely, from writing to photography and production. It explores the extraordinary lives of three elderly residents in a nursing home, revealing profound wisdom and challenging perceptions of aging.
Seeing Me - a self portrait series : I’m often encouraging others to step into the spotlight, I decided to practice what I preach by turning the lens on myself and embracing self-portraiture.

Lessons From a Decade of Growth

As I look back on this incredible journey, I want to share some of the most valuable lessons I've learned along the way:

All things come to an end, good or bad. Embrace each moment fully.
Life is about learning to live in the tension. Find balance in the chaos.
It's okay to go at it alone. Don't be afraid to be the only one.
People-pleasing is a dead-end road. Authenticity is your true north.
Seek mentors, ask for support, and don't hesitate to try therapy.
Pride isn't always loud. Sometimes it's the quiet self-reliance that holds us back.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Faith in Jesus is the powerful anchor needed in tumultuous times.
Life moves fast. Do what you need to do to enjoy it.
It's never too late to start over, let go, or try again.
Don't forget to build a life you love outside of social media.

I hope they resonate with you and perhaps offer some guidance on your own path.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This journey would not have been possible without the incredible support I've received over the years.

Your prayers, words of encouragement, financial support, and unwavering belief in me have meant the world. To those who’ve hired me, shared my work, listened to my stories, and pushed me to grow - your impact on my journey has been immeasurable.

This newsletter is not just an update, but a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. 😭 🫂

Looking Ahead & Connecting

As I look toward the future, I'm excited to continue sharing the transformative power of storytelling. I'm actively seeking opportunities to:

Expand "Own Your Story" Workshops: I’m seeking collaborations with organizations, businesses, creative communities, churches and wellness brands to bring these transformative workshops to diverse audiences. Let's connect to explore how storytelling can be integrated into your programs or events. Learn more.
Elevate Your Business with Photography: From portraits, personal branding, event coverage & more, let's create captivating visuals that tell your story. Book a shoot with me!
Explore Other Creative Ventures: I'm always seeking new creative professional opportunities and endeavors. If you have any ideas or collaborations in mind, email me!
Share your own ten-year reflections - I'm all ears!

Drop me an email at hello@kendraharris.com. Let's keep the conversation going!

With deep gratitude and excitement for the stories yet to be told,

💞Kendra

Owning Your Story : A Decade of Growth, Creativity, and Connection