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.

FullSizeRender.jpg

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.

IMG_3310.JPG

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 

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Tracey Jazmin Photography

We go Q&A style with the talented Tracey Jazmin. Her answers are so genuine and relatable to so many of us YEGBOSSBABES across any field.  Thank you for you sharing your journey with us! "I’m Tracey Jazmin, and I’m a wedding photographer and brand photographer. Since I was little, flipping through old photos has been one of my favourite things to do. I love getting to see what people looked like and did before I knew them. When I was 14, I got my very own camera and you could say the rest is history. Putting my two loves together, I had created a dream job doing what I love. I want to be able to document and capture genuine and intimate moments for couples so that they, their kids and their kid’s kids can flip through old photos the way I used to when I was younger. As a brand photographer, my why has always been the hope to inspire others and see them being successful doing what they love. If I can help in that process, thats when I feel genuinely fulfilled."

image-1

1. What inspired you to start your own business?

I wouldn’t say I was ever “inspired” to start it on my own if I’m honest. I had so many others believe in me before I believed in myself to make my photography career my own business. Starting my own business more or less came about because I was getting so many bookings, I had to. It was then, that I started getting inspired and became the business person I am today.

2. Do you have a go to quote / motto?

Everything happens for a reason. This quote has been what I fall back on when my faith in myself, my business or my work waivers for the past five years.

3. What’s a personal goal of yours to accomplish? (time frame?)

In the next year or so, I hope to purchase an acreage with my other half. Being a business owner, it’s always tough to have financial institutions take you seriously so we’re working hard at making that a possibility.

4. Do you have a professional goal or set of goals for your business?

The list of goals for my business is always forever long but the big one right now is to book a destination wedding in Greece or Italy!

5. Why do you love being an entrepreneur?

The freedom it gives me. I’m a rebel at heart so I have always loved getting to make my own schedule and be my own boss. There is truly nothing better than that all while getting to do what you love.

6. Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?

I have, and I did. When I moved from my small hometown to Ottawa, I packed my camera away in the back of my closet and had decided I was done taking photos. It was persistence from friends and family, that brought it back out again. However, that break allowed me to fall in love with it again and to date, I take the feeling of getting burnt out very seriously and make sure I only take on what I know I can handle.

image-2.jpg

7. Whats your best boss babe moment? (First moment of reassurance).

When Style Me Pretty emailed me and asked to feature my work! I remember feeling like I had made it when I received that email. Getting published, especially on larger publications, is a feat and having them reach out to me gave me so much reassurance.

8. What platform do you find most success / interaction from? (IE. Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook).

Definitely Instagram! I’ve booked many brides from Instagram. Of course, I think it helps that it’s mostly a visual app but I also love telling stories in my captions that will educate brides and inspire them to plan a wedding that’s “them”.

9. Work-life Balance: What you do you do to destress? What is your must-have moment of the day (me time)?

My three favourites for de-stressing are mid-day dance parties, watching Ellen because she always makes me laugh and of course who doesn’t love a good bubble bath. Being a rebel at heart, I love mixing up my schedule every day so I’m not sure I have one. Some days it’s a morning coffee, other times it’s walking the dog and the next it will be reading a book.

10. What are you looking to learn from other YEGBOSSBABES in the community?

I want to learn how to grow my business past the size that it is now. I’m a solopreneur and I love the idea of having a team! I’m nervous, but so interested!

image-3.jpg

Interested in being featured? email us at yegbossbabes@gmail.com 

MAD LOVE MONDAY- Justine Martinson | Lipstick Empire

We dive into the world of  Cosmetic Laser Services from business owner, Justine Martinson. How a passion to be creative turned into her business of "doing magic" with makeup and skin enhancement treatments. Her business is not just about aesthetics - it's about creativity, relationships, razzle dazzle, and self love. We asked Justine to reach out to a past client so we can hear about their experience with Cosmetic Laser Services to gain a better understanding of this unique field of work. Thank you Kim for sharing your experience with us:

“I was introduced to Justine and Lipstick Empire through my sister in law. I was in a motorcycle accident 4 years ago that lead to a change in my appearance which has been a struggle for me. It is a very hard thing to wake up one day and not look like yourself anymore. After my first Sublime radio-frequency facial contouring procedure at Lipstick Empire, the difference was astounding. Such a drastic change with little to no downtime. Justine and I both cried when she handed me the mirror and I caught a glimpse of the old me in the mirror. My dad even cried the first time he saw me after my treatment as he was so impressed. The increase in my self love and confidence since meeting Justine is incredible. Not only does she offer life changing services she is also the kindest and most supportive person I have ever met. She will bend over backwards to help you and make you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.”  -Kim S.

"There really isn't anything more fun or rewarding than using my energy to create something beautiful; whether it is doing so with the magic of makeup and skin enhancement treatments or a transformative act that celebrates relationships between myself and others by creating a lasting relationship and common bond.

I have been fortunate as a woman entrepreneur to bring my creative energies to my work. My name is Justine Martinson and I am the sole owner of Lipstick Empire LaserSpa on 124th Street in Edmonton. Lipstick Empire is a full service Medical Spa offering the very best in cosmetic services, promoting skin health and innovation by using the most advanced cosmetic laser devices and skincare on the market. We offer everything from Facials, Chemical Peels, Makeup Applications, and Waxing to Laser Hair Removal, Skin Resurfacing, Botox and Fillers and so much more-  like some amazing make-up products showcasing a rich palette of colours– created by yours truly. Did I mention I love all things Beauty, the colour pink and anything sparkly?

Several of my clients are successful business women and men who recognize the importance of presenting a polished image, not just from the perspective of others who might be assessing them, but from that quiet inner confidence that comes from knowing that whatever you were blessed with has been given an opportunity to shine. I take joy in contributing to this confidence.

There is something joyful to loving pink and sparkly things, but owning your own business is hard work and takes a great deal of time, dedication and above all else; perseverance. Cosmetic Laser services require rigorous training and adherence to standards: designing lipsticks and makeup and sourcing out the highest caliber of equipment and products requires a both scientific and aesthetic understanding. Creating a warm and welcoming spa environment requires good communications business acumen and a loving spirit not to mention an excellent staff! Oh, and let’s not forget to mention; all of my clients are greeted with a hug and nobody leaves without one…. I mean, nobody!

GIRL POWER

Is there a separation between Justine the professional and Justine the person? I don't think I really make this distinction – friends and family make up part of the multi-facets of my life side by side with my professional initiatives. And, well, the more facets the more sparkly the gem! But at times I have to choose – expand the business? Focus on personal life and relationships? Take my nieces and nephews to a concert? Spend more time with family – Family is everything and my family is extremely supportive. These are dilemmas we all face and finding that balance is important.

Owning my own business has been a great adventure but not without difficult moments. When I think about those moments I realize that a lot of them stem from people underestimating me and taking advantage of my youth which at first glance can be deemed as “inexperience.” I love turning skeptics in to believers and razzle dazzling people with my intellect and vast knowledge of my field of work. Ialso realize some difficulties stem from my underestimating myself! Where I am right now took courage and persistence: the courage to make myself vulnerable by trying what I was/am not certain of and learning new things by engaging in a process of understanding rather than knowing . Because, let's face it, whatever you think you know is ever changing and ephemeral. My goals are not so much about achieving a static point on some ladder of success, they are about becoming – becoming an increasingly more informed practitioner and creating an exemplary transformative environment for both clients and staff. Thank you to my beautiful friends, family and clients; who are one in the same, for letting me share my magic and do what I love more than anything.

Roald Dahl said “Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

XOX,

Justine Martinson

Owner/ Operator

Lipstick Empire LaserSpa

10830 124th Street, Edmonton, AB

587 523-5477

www.lipstickempire.ca

@lipstickempire

Interested in being featured? email us at yegbossbabes@gmail.com