Meet Kaycie Timm | Founder of KE Creative and Serape Media

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

Hi Kaycie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey to business ownership started early, although I’m still on the journey to making my dreams reality. As a high school sophomore, I began writing articles for magazines as a freelancer in pursuit of a future career in journalism. The freedom to choose my own assignments and make money on my time appealed to me immediately. Throughout college, I continued freelancing as both as writer and photographer, slowly building my portfolio while earning my degree. After graduating, I found a job I loved and dove in, leaving my business ownership ideas behind.

However, when COVID led to job loss and a need to re-evaluate my career options, I fell back on freelance writing and photography to fill the gap. Although I have held full time positions both with a non-profit and a publishing group since then, I continued building my own business on the side until January 2023, when I stepped away from my role as a magazine editor to fully pursue self-employment.

Making the leap from a salaried job with benefits and insurance is never easy, but I found greater joy in working with clients of my choosing and dedicating my time to projects which inspired passion in me than I ever had in the traditional workplace. As a creative, I’ve found my work thrives best when I’m able to structure my own schedule, without the limitations of a traditional office setting, and pursue what I love most, rather than tackling tasks assigned by superiors who may not always share my passion.

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.
When people ask me what I do for a living, my answer is a bit more complicated than the usual 9 to 5 -type answer. My work encompasses all-things content, from photography and videography to web design and digital ads to public relations and social media management, and my clients range from small business owners to major brands to social media stars and musicians at all levels of fame. Although my offering is somewhat broad, I pride myself on offering customized services that help each individual client meet their unique goals. Since my expertise spans several areas of digital marketing. I can almost always create a package that fits a client’s needs without outsourcing, which allows me to offer a one-on-one, personal approach to what has become a commonly hands-off service.

Through my time working for national publishing groups, I learned that even the largest of brands and agencies appreciate a personal touch, and that taking the time to get to know the person you’re working with as well as the brand they represent creates an environment where goals are more achievable. The digital space allows people to reach customers around the globe, which can benefit anyone from a fledging business owner to a musician just starting to develop their style. However, I’ve grown to understand the importance of establishing a relationship with client before sharing their art or service with the world so I can ensure they’re reaching the right audience and staying true to their core mission. With a relationship-first mindset, I can capture the essence of the brand or individual I’m promoting in everything from marketing materials like a website or business cards to photographs and videos shared on social media.

Like many business owners, my journey hasn’t been easy. But, my experience enables me to identify with the adversity and even doubt faced by some clients who feel overwhelmed by the many facets of running and promoting a business or image. Nothing brings me more joy than stepping in and providing a road map to achieving goals that often seem so daunting without guidance.

My businesses, both KE Creative and Serape Media, are still growing, and I’d love to be further along in my own journey right now. However, I am grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given and every client who puts their faith in my ability. It’s never easy taking a leap of faith into unknown waters, but the rewards continue to outweigh the fears that could have held me back. To anyone considering launching their own business or sharing their art on a larger platform, I’d simply say, “don’t hesitate.” Find the people who support that dream, keep them close, and don’t look back. It’s worth every sacrifice!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not a DFW native, but by the time I permanently moved to the metro in 2022, I’d been traveling to the area long enough I felt right at home. There’s truly something for everyone here!

My first suggestion would be to find some live, local music. DFW is jam-packed with talented musicians sharing their craft. The Stockyards is great place to find dive bars, dance halls, and country tunes—a true Texas experience—or you can venture outside of town to one of many fantastic bars and restaurants offering live music.

If you’d like to stay in the Stockyards, Hotel Drover offers a high-end, boutique feel (if it’s in your budget). Personally, I’ve always enjoyed finding locals with host homes through services like AirBnb or VRBO. There’s nothing like coming back to a place that feels like home after a day of adventures!

For food, be sure to check out some of the locally owned establishments. There are phenomenal tacos, pizza, and so much more to enjoy in DFW! For a fancy night on the town, try The Capital Grille in Dallas. You won’t be disappointed! For a chill, fun environment, try the Velvet Taco for unique Mexican-inspired offerings and great drinks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe my success to the unending support and love of more people than I could ever name. First and foremost, I’m grateful to my family—especially my parents—for always believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. I’m also surrounded by an incredible group of friends who encourage me every single day. Without my circle of loved ones, I’d have given up years ago.

Throughout my career, I’ve received invaluable guidance from fellow professionals and mentors turned friends including Jennifer Paulson, Jennifer Denison, Erin DeLong, and so many others. I’m constantly inspired by fellow business owners and creatives who are chasing their own dreams, and I’m thankful for every opportunity I’ve been given.

Last but not least, I’m inspired by my clients. From small business owners who need a little help growing their online presence to musicians and artists focused on expanding their reach to major brands that rely on me for content creation, I’m honored with the opportunity to showcase each of their unique offerings.

Website: https://www.serapemedia.com; https://kecreative.media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaycie.timm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaycie-timm/

Image Credits
Headshot – Photo by Karly Katherine Photography All other images by Kaycie Timm (shot for various clients)