We’re so excited to introduce you to Karly Palczewski, our current E-Team Spotlight YPN member. In addition to being an active YPer, Karly runs KP Photography, a professional photography business she started when she was 16, and works full-time at First Western Bank & Trust in Bismarck.

Generous with her talents and time, she also volunteered to take our 2019 CINCO Anniversary Celebration photos which are S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G. Click here to check them out on our YPN Facebook page. 

Let’s learn more about Karly!

Name: Karly Palczewski

Age: 22

Hometown: Bowman, ND (Living in Bismarck now)

Education: Bachelor of Science – Marketing (University of Mary)

Name of Business: KP Photography – By: Karly Palczewski

Business Type (partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.): Sole Proprietorship

How did you get started?: In high school, I picked up my mom’s camera, put it in automatic mode, and took some photos for a family who wanted “one Christmas card photo.” One session turned in two, two turned into 10, and within a year, I had a Facebook page and a website. I never aspired to be a photographer, but when I realized there was a need in my community, I decided to go all in. Here I am 6 years later!

What I do every day: Monday through Friday, I work at First Western Bank & Trust as their Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist. My evenings and weekends are spent taking photos, editing, and working with my photography clients.

Successes (the best part): The best part of owning my own business is getting to meet new people and capturing memories that they can cherish forever.

It has also been super rewarding to say I started KP Photography at 16. Running a business through high school and college allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge in real life scenarios.

Challenges: Time management is my biggest challenge. Although I want to work with everyone who inquires with me, I do have to turn potential clients away to make sure I can have enough time for my marketing and photography work. 

Advice for other YPs: If you have a hobby or skill that you can capitalize on, do it! There is nothing more rewarding than using your talents on something you love.