Meet Sonya Kammes | Visual Story-Maker // Creative Director + Photographer

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

Hi Sonya, what matters most to you?
Growth.

It’s has been the guiding principle in my life for as far back as I can remember and, at the heart of everything I do. It’s the very reason why I stretch myself creatively and why I started my business. I have a deeply rooted desire to grow in my relationships, visual storytelling, leadership, and coaching. Living in a space of growth is where I’ve developed clarity about who I am and the confidence to unapologetically chase my dreams.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I describe my career as a slash/career, a term I first heard from the author of One Person / Multiple Careers by Marci Alboher. I believe it’s the most sincere description of my professional life. If you aren’t familiar with the term a slash/career is a multidisciplinary professional.

I am a self-proclaimed visual story-maker. The creative disciplines I use to make visual stories include :: photographer, creative director, interior designer, graphic designer, and content creator. I have a Bachelors of Fine Art Degree in Interior Design and a self-taught photographer/graphic designer/content creator.

What I love most about a slash/career is that each discipline inspires and informs the other – developing and strengthening my creative thinking process.

The ideas I generate are, what I believe, sets me apart.

What I’m proud of is my tenacity, gumption, and perseverance to see my ideas though. When I come up with an unexpected idea and I’m not quite sure how to execute it, I put in the work to figure it out.

It’s the same approach I’ve taken while starting and building my business, and the passion project my husband and I are working on together now. Both endeavors have been hard, in a good way. I consistently stretch myself because as you know, growth, is incredibly important to me.

It took me a few years to develop confidence as a photographer so that later I could pursue the clients I am passionate about working with – small brands who want to play big. It’s taken time for my husband and I to build capital and momentum in our passion project, owning/operating boutique-minded airbnbs. We’ll be launching our first fully renovated space in a few short weeks – @theupperhalfloft in Lake Geneva WI.

There have been countless lessons, far too many to list here but what I will say is that I’ve learned to love the process more than the outcome. That is what moves me through the hard and what I reflect on once a project is finished. I ask myself things like : what did I enjoy most? what did I struggle with the most and why? how might I do things differently? what would I keep the same.

What I care most about is inspiring others to live a big, full life by leading one myself. Chase those audacious and lofty ideas – they are the reason you’re here.

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.
I adore good food, beautiful places, and incredible company – thank goodness this is a week long trip!

We live at the center of three thriving cities – Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. I love them equally for different reasons. They would most certainly be on our travel itinerary.

And, “staycations” are my favorite. So let’s begin.

Day 1 & 2 we would stay local, Lake Geneva WI and the surrounding area.

I love to make my guests feel warmly welcomed so, they’d be greeted with candles lit on the porch, a charcuterie board, fresh cocktail, and a thoughtfully set guest room. I’d let them settle into their room. We’d have plenty of time to reconnect in the kitchen and around the table. Cooking for others is one of my favorite things.

The following morning we’d head out to grab coffee at local favorite Boxed&Burlap. Followed by a few stops to local boutiques downtown, a picnic by the lake, and a late dinner.

The following day we’d book a day pass at a local spa and enjoy the steam room/sauna/salt room, hot tub and more.

Day 3 we’d head to Milwaukee to the Third & Fifth Ward, restored historic districts with incredible art, shopping, and dinning. We’d end the night at one of my favorite tapas restaurants Hotel Madrid – where we’d order the full menu and crafted cocktails.

Day 4 & 5 we’d head to Chicago on the train and book a hotel for an overnight stay. Art, Music, Theatre, and an unforgettable Food Cocktail scene, We’d sleep in the next morning, grab brunch, and take the train home.

Day 6 we’d head to Madison to hit up the Farmers Market.

Day 7 and the final day we’d stay in and recharge from a full week.

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 absolutely love this question.

There are a handful of people who intrinsically motivate, challenge, and encourage me every day. And, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their presence in my life. My husband Nicholas, my son’s Shane & Carter, and my brother’s Tom & Matt.

I am the women I am today because of the unconditional love these five men show me.

Of course, the encouragement doesn’t stop there – I am incredibly grateful to countless people along my professional and creative journey from professors, to mentors, and fellow creatives alike.

Another body of people who deserve recognition here are my clients. They wholehearted believe in my creative process and trust me with their their businesses. An undeniable form of love and support.

Finally, I credit my personal growth to the work I’ve done while being a member of The Life Coach School, founder Brooke Castillo. The self-coaching tools and daily practices have profoundly changed my life.

Instagram: @sonyakammes.com

Image Credits