BOSS Spotlight Feature: Kyndra Kennedy
What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? An obstacle that we faced is funding our productions. In the beginning we had to pull from personal savings and favors from friends and family. In addition, with limited resources, it was difficult to create a competitive portfolio to show potential client’s our ability to create industry standard, high-quality film production. Also, it was difficult building a client base that can sustain our companies longevity. We had to offer extremely low priced services, to build the portfolio and client base. We slowly had to increase prices for sustainability, which alienated some of our earlier clients who couldn’t afford the new prices.
What inspired you to break into your industry? For as long as I can remember, I was always a creative, driven by a desire to entertain and tell stories. I attended UC Berkeley and did a semester abroad at the American University of Paris, where I studied screenwriting. In my late twenties, I got a job as a project manager and business analyst for an IT software company. As much as I dreaded having to work in a non-creative environment, I surprisingly enjoyed it. It instilled a strategic and organizational mindset I learned the fundamentals of how to run a successful business and realized I had a natural ability to lead a team and manage large projects. This inspired me to explore the business side of the entertainment industry, where I can utilize both my business and creative strengths.
What motivated me to start KYNA Media Films was a burning desire to address the lack of diverse representation and authentic storytelling in the film industry. I observed a glaring underrepresentation of people of color, women, and marginalized communities both on screen and behind the scenes. I recognized the transformative potential of cinema to challenge stereotypes and promote positive change. I started my own company, so that I could tell the stories I want to tell without waiting for validation or permission from the powers that be.
Becoming an entrepreneur in the film industry allows me to have full creative control and I am able to tell the stories that matter to me. It enables me to build a platform where marginalized voices could be heard and celebrated, creating a space for other creatives from underrepresented backgrounds to share their stories authentically.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? I am still learning the art of balancing the personal and professional life. As a creative often driven by passion and survival, it’s easy to over book, overextend and burn out. I started implementing a straight-forward solution. With the exception of the occasional times when we have to “burn the midnight oil” or work weekends to meet a deadline, I keep a strict 9am-5pm Monday through Friday schedule. At 5pm I clock out and take care of my needs. I make sure that before and after business hours, I carve out time to tend to personal relationships and self-care routines.
I also make a point to take mini vacations a few times a year, because the years seem to go by so fast these days, I don’t want to miss them. Plus, as a creative it’s important to take time to live and let life inspire new projects. More life experiences can lead to deeper perspectives that can inspire fresh ideas.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by? “Whether you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right.” This quote is simple yet so profound. Often consumed by imposter syndrome, thinking I’m undeserving of success, this quote is a reminder to never underestimate the power of your beliefs. Your beliefs can either motivate you with confidence to take action toward your goals, or they can hold you back with fear and doubt, stopping you from ever taking the first step. It all starts with a mindset for success.
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way? My parents, family and friends have been my faithful, loyal support circle through it all. They were literally in all my short films both on screen and behind the scenes when we first started out and even to this day. When I release new projects on social media, my circle rushes to the comment section and enthusiastically shares our work. Without their support and encouragement, (and free labor) I would not have been able to succeed and take the many risks that I took to get the company of the ground.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? A passion for creating new ideas. A strong actionable plan to bring those ideas to life. A competent team to execute all the required tasks. We must have fun and enjoy every step of the process.
What is your definition of a BOSS? A self-motivated leader with a vision and ability to set goals, execute and delegate tasks, lead a team, make hard decisions, and ready to take on any challenges that may arise.
Provide us with two words that describe you. Independent Filmmaker
Learn more about Kyndra Kennedy:
Website: http://www.kynamediafilms.com
Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/kynamedia
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/kyndrakennedy
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyndrakennedy
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kynamedia4107
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/kynamedia
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