Today we’d like to introduce you to Karlie Deitrick.
Hi Karlie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started KarlieDoesDallas in 2018. At the time I was a hairdresser that hated their job. I used to wake up, go to work, come home and do it all again. I was so bored. When I was 25 I moved Downtown from North Dallas and I knew nothing about the city even though I am born and raised in Dallas. I didn’t know where to go and my friends from North DFW never wanted to drive into the city. So one day I just got sick of it! And one day I started venturing out on my own. And then I started taking pictures. Back in 2018, Instagram was very different. There weren’t the massive influencers and brand deals. Everything was square, poorly edited pictures lol I never started my page because it was cool. My friends actually made fun of me. But it got me out of the house, made me more independent, and I enjoyed being creative. And slowly it built. I started learning about photography. Then I went viral. Then I started meeting people. And within a couple years I had created a business that allowed me to quit the job I hated and be creative full time.
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?
GOD NO, it hasn’t been easy. Just like with any small business, I work 24/7, I answer emails at 3am, there are days I absolutely doubt myself, and days I want to quit. But there are days that make it all worth it. Like being around friends at the Dallas Museum of Art, being able to travel across Texas and experience new things across this amazing state and city, and meeting people who recognize and follow me cause the me in 2018 could never imagine that!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I don’t think many followers know that I actually created a business beyond my page. My page is truly my recommendations and if I don’t enjoy it, I don’t post it. But I actually am a freelance social media manager, photographer, and I do influencer marketing. I work with local hospitality businesses to grow their online presence and also create photography for yes, social media but also menus, websites, and events.
And it’s always a massively proud day when my photography gets published! My photography has been featured in a local magazine, The Dallas Morning News, and more.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Social Media is constantly evolving! When I started, Instagram was very much about having an aesthetic feed and I’m very bad about not wanting to let that go lol Right now social media is becoming much more people focused and very real life. I’ve gotten a lot better about putting myself on camera more! But I am truly curious how AI is going to shape social media and our culture a lot. Especially being a photographer too. I personally believe that you can never replace someone with a god-given talent but I’m not sure where AI will land!
Pricing:
- Please add my email to contact me! [email protected] . I don’t think I want my pricing public but I’m more than happy to answer any inquiries 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karliedoesdallas?igsh=azJ3enV6NTluZWhs&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E65pxgxDf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Karlie Deitrick
