MAD LOVE MONDAY - Ksquared Media
A broad look at Ksquared Media & “Blazing the Trail”, the documentary
KSquared Media is a dynamic feminine powerhouse duo owned and operated by Katherine Bessette and Katelin Popiel based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. KSquared Media is a multi-faceted media company who produces original content and represents various artists and athletes. These two fierce female entrepreneurs have a mission and a big vision. Bonded by blood, these two cousins have a rooted family bond that branches out into deep friendship and blossoms into a directed and efficient business.
Katelin has a background in public relations and media in the fashion industry, while Katherine comes to the business with production and media experience in the music industry. Together, these two entrepreneurial dynamos fuse their respective skills and knowledge to form one unstoppable force, KSquared Media.
The largest project by KSquared media to date is an independent documentary titled “Blazing the Trail: A Canadian Cannabis Documentary” that is currently in production. “Blazing the Trail” tracks Canada’s journey towards legalization as cannabis transitions to fully nationwide legal recreational use. The documentary tracks the rapid unfold and evolution of an industry through the lens of several entrepreneurs, each currently shaping the cannabis industry and climate from the legal, medical and black market perspective. The film aims to break down stigmas and stereotypes surrounding cannabis growth, production, distribution and use by providing viewers with an informed snapshot into the current state of the cannabis industry in a manner that mainstream media can’t or won’t. It’s about putting the power back into the hands of the people by enlightening and empowering viewers to take an active role in shaping the cannabis climate. Legislation is still being written, the container is still being shaped and Canadians can have a say in how Canada tackles it’s big legalization move.
“Blazing the Trail” distills the massive “information overload” and misinformation into knowledge that empowers the viewer to make informed decisions on what lies ahead for Canadians.
What is your business & why that field / service/ product?
We are a multi-faceted media company specializing in film production and talent representation. From music artists to athletes, we are giving an inspired voice to artists and creators doing incredible things! We are the amplified voice that’s spreading the word!
What inspired you to start your own business?
We are cousins and grew up very close. Combining our backgrounds in business, music, fashion and arts resulted in Ksquared Media. We have always spoken about working together and Ksquared is the product of that vision. We were inspired to start our own business so that we could work for ourselves, empower women to do what they love, and create a livelihood rooted in abundance (think beyond money here people!) for, not just ourselves, but other artists and creators as well.
Do you have a go to quote / motto?
“Maturity includes the recognition that no one is going to see anything in us that we don’t see in ourselves. Stop waiting for a producer. Produce yourself.”
“Collaboration over competition”
-KSquared
What’s a personal goal of yours to accomplish? (time frame?)
Face our fears. Push ourselves beyond our comfort zone, evolve our skill sets and learn new ones by doing, knowing that greater professional confidence would be an inevitable result. They say learning is ongoing, right? Well, these are goals to be sculpted over a lifetime! We’re buckled up and in the driver’s seat.
Do you have a professional goal or set of goals for your business?
- To see “Blazing the Trail: A Canadian Cannabis Documentary” circulating national and international film festivals by late 2018/early 2019. We are always looking to further develop our Ksquared brand by looking ahead to what projects and opportunities are next.
Why do you love being an entrepreneur?
We both love being entrepreneurs because being an entrepreneur means constant growth. You learn to push yourself and build yourself up- you have to, no one is going to do it for you. Being an entrepreneur requires a constant shedding of insecurities and a fearless approach to stepping out of your comfort zone. We both welcome this growth and love sharing our “Boss Babe” journey together.
Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?
There have been multiple times on our journey that we have been pushed to the limit. Making a documentary comes with many uncertainties, and with a crew of 11 people, it can sometimes be difficult to manage. However, we have been blessed to have each other to support and push one other through the challenging moments. And each and every time, there has been a gift from the universe waiting on the other side!
What’s your best boss babe moment? (First moment of reassurance).
Winning the best short documentary at “Justice 4 Reel”, a local film festival last fall.
What platform do you find most success / interaction from? (IE. Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook).
Instagram! Our followers are amazing and love to interact with us. It’s fun and playful and a great realtime back-and-forth with the greater community.
Work-life Balance: What you do you do to destress? What is your must-have moment of the day (me time)?
Self care practices are very important to both of us. Meditation, yoga, goddess baths, facials and massages are just a few of the practices we do on a regular basis to keep our minds and bodies rested and balanced.
What are you looking to learn from other YEGBOSSBABES in the community?
We are honoured to be a part of this amazing YEGBOSSBABE community. We look forward to learning more about each and every boss babe to see how we can collaborate and uplift each other. At ksquared media we value female collaboration over competition and are always looking for ways to connect and empower other women to follow their passions and embody their own bosses! We believe women working together and supporting one another is key in creating the paradigm shift where women hold their own power, and in which all of us can succeed!
Interested in being featured? email us at yegbossbabes@gmail.com