We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Benslay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I really wanted to do something I could take with my anywhere I live. I am passionate about creating and capturing moments in life. By establishing my own business it gives me the opportunity to work from anywhere and bring my ideas and customers ideas to life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about capturing a moment and highlighting the natural setting. Every photo I capture, or painting I create, I really strive to show the emotion in that moment and the ambience. It always excites me to bring a customers vision to life and give them a tangible record of that time. My passion for art started at a young age. I was always doodling or painting when given the chance. As a young adult I second guessed my path as an artist. Time went on and I decided to pursue a business degree in hopes for security. During this time I was inspired creatively and realized that combining art and business wasn’t just a dream but a possibility. Shortly after starting Benslay Media my family moved from Japan back to our home in San Diego. Moving so quickly after starting the business was a challenge , but being back home in beautiful San Diego inspires my art every day. The biggest thing I have learned as a small business owner is patience. There is so much work behind the scenes. Im constantly drawing, painting, or posting in order to reach people. As my business grows so do my dreams and I want bring more people and artistic ventures into my business in the near future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friends were coming to visit me in San Diego I would pick them up from the airport Friday evening and take them to watch the sunset in Coronado. Then we would get burgers and beer at Danny’s on orange ave in Coronado. The history of Danny’s as a speak easy and the military culture of the bar is one of a kind. The next morning I would take them to Garden Coffee in Old Town for a unique outdoor coffee shop experience. The baked goods are one of a kind and the plants and lounging space create a naturesque ambiance. Then I would venture on to Balboa Park to see the amazing architecture and views of downtown. We would have to make our way through the incredible Cactus Garden while there too. After exploring Balboa we would head to the cliffs at Cabrillo National Monument to watch the sunset followed by dinner at The High Dive. A Bar/Restaurant that keeps you engaged with its unique atmosphere, bar games and fantastic menu. For some nighttime fun we would then head over to Wolfie’s Carousel Bar in Little Italy for a drink and spin. Sunday brunch would at Crushed in PB or North Park. Here we would enjoy the creative mimosa options and amazing eggs Benedict. Next, we would hike Mount Woodson and get a shot on Potato Chip rock. After that we could venture up to Julian’s Oasis Camel Dairy and follow it with some apple pie.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Castle Park books owners Christina Boensel & Shannon Felgar approached me in 2020 and asked me to paint their first children’s book. They believed in my art and vision from day one. Without them I would have never taken the plunge to illustrate the ABC’s of PCS a military children’s book about moving and inspiring me to launch Benslay Media. My husband has been a huge supporter of my business since day one as well. He encourages me to challenge myself by pushing my art to new levels, researching different photography techniques, and exploring business avenues.

Website: https://benslaymedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benslayphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084962762332&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: https://benslaymedia.pixieset.com

Image Credits
Profile Photo image credit is David Benslay. All other photos were taken by Kristen Benslay (myself)

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