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

Hi Kayd, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
I would say the most important decision I made wasn’t necessarily physical, but instead mental. Being reliant on TikTok views in the initial stages of my career, I would get frustrated when the numbers didn’t match what I thought my product was worth. Instead, I’ve recently focused on loving my content first, and letting the numbers be an additional bonus. This thought process has truly rejuvenated my passion for videography, and I look forward to each new project that’s on my calendar.

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.
Following my work at Carroll High School at Tiger Vision, I then moved to Iowa City and went to the University of Iowa. I was lucky enough to get a position with the football team as a student videographer, but I also stuck to my own freelance work on the side. TikTok was still relatively new, and I posted a video from one of my client’s work (a high school volleyball state championship game), and decided to post one of my favorite shots on the app. I woke up in my dorm room to something like seven million views, and ever since I’ve been posting pretty consistently on TikTok while also adding additional freelance clients anywhere from high schools, businesses, and weddings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It all goes back to my junior year of high school when the business/media teacher Mrs. Chelsea Bissen emailed me to join the school’s social media program, which was called Tiger Vision. After initially denying her request, she then approached me again, this time in person, and basically forced me to enroll in her class. Although I wasn’t happy at the time, I now look back and realize I likely wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for her and her perseverance. I don’t know what she saw in my 16-year-old self, but I’m glad she didn’t let me say no again.

Website: https://www.s1lkproductions.com/

Instagram: @nissen17silk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayd-nissen/

Twitter: @s1lkprods

Facebook: Kayd Nissen

Other: Tiktok is @kaydnissen

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