Check Out Kelsey Walsh’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Walsh.

Hi Kelsey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sure! I’ll try to keep this short and sweet! I was born to a single mom who taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. At 5, I won a modeling contest that took me to California for Disney and other networks where I discovered, not only did I love acting/modeling/film, but that I was good at it! Unfortunately, timing was not right and my mom and I could not move to CA. My brother and I were raised by my mom and dad in Louisville KY where I went to Catholic schools and turned to volleyball as a competitive and passion filled outlet through college. However, that 5yr old girl was still inside me craving creativity. I told my parents I would finish college but knew what I wanted to do after – which was move to pursue acting. My parents were extremely supportive and continue to be to this day, making me understand the meaning of true unconditional love and support. While in college I also lived abroad in Spain and traveled Europe where I fell in love with traveling, learning about other cultures, and immersing myself in adventures every day. Continuing to chase my dream led me to Atlanta after college which is where I have been for almost six years now!

Since moving I have worked numerous jobs to pay the bills while continuing to chase the dream. I’ve had to navigate through a lot of life’s ups and downs in the process as well. Learned a whole lot about myself, met and lost amazing people, and am still here going after the dream after all this time. And I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! Absolutely not!! It has been windy and bumpy (and still is) but that’s part of what keeps you going. Nothing good comes easy. The struggle, the obstacles, the journey along this road is worth the happiness it brings me.

The most recent obstacle was just months ago but had been brewing for a year. Once Covid hit my world really shifted. Creative outlets really became shut down and created a shift that I wanted to build a future that would be stable instead. I started to seek what the world tells us we need to be labeled as successful: money, trips, houses, cars, etc. It was a terrible trapped mindset to have. Yes, those things are great, but they should be a bonus not the goal. The goal should be your own happiness – to get to show up and work on things that set your soul on fire. I took a few jobs over the last couple of years and kept finding myself being miserable despite the security. I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning. So, I quit my last job without a backup, got back in touch with nature and refocused on what gets me excited – creating. This perspective and mind shift were HUGE obstacles to overcome and quite terrifying, but being pushed to remember what does make you happy is necessary. Everything else is better when you are intrinsically happy. No external thing or person is responsible for your happiness – you are. And if you keep seeking approval through social media, or “things” of the world to label you successful, you’ll just end up disappointed. Live out your happiness every day because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Don’t chase happiness, live it out today. Even if you have to create the opportunity yourself. There’s always a way. I promise. Just believe in something bigger than yourself in the process. Let go and trust the process, even if you can’t see the whole picture. Two weeks after quitting my job I got a phone call asking me to work on a set from an interview I did over 6 months prior! God is good!

I went from the corporate world back to the film world and doing my photography and baking businesses. Life is good, and now that I am happy again, I can give more of myself in all areas of my life. Creating is not easy but it is worth it. And I thank God for realigning my perspective to what my soul desires the most. Now onto the next obstacle ahead! Whatever it will be, I’m ready to take it on.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Absolutely! So currently I am on an undisclosed set working with a team in regards to logistics and operations. My goal is to move into more creative roles such as directing and get back into acting! Outside of the film industry, I run two businesses. One is more of my hobby and the other is something I have always wanted to do and am creating a space to make that happen. The first is my baking business called: Short Cakes. I make all kinds of desserts but specialize in, you guessed it, CAKE! I love doing cupcakes and cakes for special occasions and seeing people’s reactions when they see and taste it! My favorite ones I’ve done were my pizza cake and airplane cake because of how realistic and detailed they were.

I also am super excite, and anxious, to share I am launching a photography business called: Ville Photography. I absolutely love photoshoots and cannot wait to do some creative shoots I have planned, and continue to grow and meet new clients! Be gentle, I am just starting my page, but it’s something that really encapsulates everything I love to do: exploring cool places, artistic visions, directing/coaching clients/models, editing and getting into the gritty details, and making people smile and love themselves in their own skin! I love doing traditional shoots as well as crazy artsy/moody shoots! I am most proud of all the research I have done to really get this off the ground. I’ve been learning and putting in hours each week to grow and get better, and learn cool tricks. I’m hopeful people respond well to my vision and hope you use me for all your photo needs!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Get involved and get someone to hold you accountable! I have a couple of mentors who are very successful in their own fields and who both push me in different ways. I have a female mentor from church who really pushes me to keep the right perspective and check up on goals in all areas of my life. Then I have a male mentor in the film industry who keeps me calm and accountable on my portfolio and work. Having older mentors who have walked through more of life’s seasons is very reassuring and filled with wise advice!

I also have friends who are fellow actors as well that I have met through mutual people, places, or projects. This group has allowed me to talk with people who are experiencing and going through similar obstacles, feelings, etc. AND we are working on a series together right now as a way for all of us to grow and push each other while making something amazing that hopefully, we can share one day! Surrounding yourself with people who are reaching for similar goals is so empowering and reassuring. It’s nice to know you are not alone and there are people in your corner who will be there for you even if you fail. But remind you that even in failing – you only truly fail if you didn’t learn something.

Pricing:

• Ville Photography Sessions: (Please keep in mind these are startup prices that are subject to change soon!)

• • • * Louisville Package – $249 –  includes: 1hr, 1 location, 1-2 outfits, 20 edited photos
    • * Seville Package – $329 – includes: 1.5hr, 1 location, 1-2 outfits, 30 edited photos
    • * Doraville Package – $419 – includes: 2hrs, 1-2 locations, 1-3 outfits, 40 edited photos
    • * 30 min add-on to any package – $70
    • * Add a location to any package – $100 (plus $.50/mi if 15min outside 1st location)
    • * Extra Edited Photos – $10/photo

• * If you want a location that charges you are responsible for that fee

• • Short Cakes
    • * Dozen Cupcakes – $25
    • * 8” Cake (3 layers) – $45

• * 10” Cake (2 layers) – $55
• * The above are the most popular orders. Specialty Orders please DM – this includes special decor, fondant work, etc.
• * Example: Pizza Cake on Insta was $100 + delivery * Delivery Fee is $25 unless outside Atlanta then depends on milage

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @kelsey_rose_walsh

• • •     @villephotography
    •     @shortcakesdesserts

Image Credits
Kelsey Walsh @villephotography