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

Hi Kristen, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My love for all things creative and design dates back to childhood. From the time I was 8 or so, I would find a way to re-arrange my bedroom every few weeks. It got to a point where my parents and brother would hear the sound of furniture being slid across the room and that they’d say “she’s at it again,” and would come in to lend a helping hand lol. When I wasn’t dragging furniture across my bedroom carpet, I would spend my time drawing floor plans in the paint program on my parents computer. In high school, I signed up for drafting class specifically to have access to AutoCAD. I would rush through the object modeling assignments each day so that I could spend the remainder of class designing house floor plans and rendering them. When I began my college career, I originally wanted to pursue a dance degree. After three years, I realized that I Ioved dance but not enough to pursue a career in it and so I decided to go a different route. One day, I sat down to think about what exactly I wanted to do and remembered something that my father had told me a few years prior. “Be sure to get your degree in something that you are going to love to wake up and do each day.” That gentle reminder landed me in the Interior Architecture program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and although I pretty much had to start over (because it was a 4-year program) I am so happy that I made that decision! And little did I know that stepping into this field of study would indirectly prepare me and fuel my passion for another creative career that would begin just a few years upon graduating—photography.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Here at 29th & 11th, we offer three creative services: Photography, Film & Interior Design. Our photography/film business specializes in weddings and portrait + lifestyle. Our Design Service specializes in e-Desjgn which is 100% virtual, so we get to work with clients all over the country! In a nutshell, we aim to create beautiful experiences for our clients, whether it’s visual imagery of beautiful moment of something they’ve experienced (through photography) or whether it’s creating a beautiful space for them to dwell in. I’ve googled and googled and googled other businesses that offer both Photography + Interior Design and I came across one, lol, so I’d have to say that sets us apart—offering those two unique services in one business model.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you ever find yourself in the triad area of NC, there are a few eateries that you should definitely check out! The first is BarTaco! I was recently turned on to them and man, I haven’t stopped talking about them since! I’m sure everything is amazing but I can 100% cheer the Verde Chicken tacos along with the Verde Chicken Rice Bowl. They have two locations here in NC—one in Chapel Hill and the other in Raleigh. I really wish they’d come to Mebane! Speaking of Mebane, there’s a great restaurant downtown by the name of Junction 70. Their pizza is absolutely amazing! Both places have great, chill atmospheres.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve gotta shoutout a few people who have been instrumental to who I am today! First, my parents—I think it goes without saying that without them, I wouldn’t be lol. But even more so, I am so grateful for how they have supported me over the years and encouraged me to pursue the things that made my heart smile. I am also grateful for the spiritual foundation that they laid for my brother and I! To my brother, you have that creativity engraved in your DNA as well and I have always looked up to your ambition and passion for all things art and creativity. You inspire me to go hard and simply make things happen! To my husband—man. You have literally rooted for me since we met back in 2014. With each endeavor, you are right there by my side to keep me focused & keep my perspective where it needs to be. You don’t ever hesitate to lend a hand. Where you see a need, you find a way to fulfill it. And your joy—you keep me laughing and make sure that I don’t forget to enjoy every moment! And to my baby boy, Titus—you are just perfect! You have become one of my biggest why’s! And last but most certainly not least—to my God. Jesus, none of the above would be possible without Your love, Your will and Your plan! Thank you for your guidance and your grace. I love You!

Website: www.image2911photography.com & www.thedesignbarat2911.com

Instagram: @29thand11th

Linkedin: Kristen Russell

Facebook: 29th & 11th

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