We had the good fortune of connecting with LeAnna Morgan Key and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LeAnna, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was raised on a family farm in rural Harris County, Georgia.
After school, my daily routines consisted of caring for livestock, or helping my parents with whatever farm tasks were on the agenda for that day, so needless to say, a strong work ethic, and the ability to utilize every resource available to you was instilled in me from a very early age.
In 2005, just a year before I graduated high school, my late Uncle, Lon Marlowe, along with his wife, Lynda, built Oakhurst Weddings and Event Venue, on family land in West Point, GA, and the rest is history!
I started out coordinating and working staff for events there in 2005, and in 2012 when my older sister, Jennifer, was pregnant with her son, Jasper, I quickly found my love for photography, and that’s when Key Moments in Time (KMIT) was born.
KMIT quickly grew into a full-time photography business a few years later, that specializes in lifestyle and wedding portrait photography. My clientele mainly consists of weddings and special events on the weekends and sessions like children’s milestones, families, seniors and engagements, during the week! So, I can honestly say that I have spent the last 20 years of my life perfecting my creative and leadership skills, that have ultimately gotten me to where I am today in creating, coordinating and capturing life’s key moments.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although I was a good student, and kept straight A’s all throughout my school career, it was pretty evident growing up that sitting in a classroom all day was not my strong suit, so I knew if I was ever going to be successful in this world, I had to find a skill that I not only loved, but that could be “self-taught”, and not let anyone or anything stand in my way of achieving that.

From event coordinating, to photography, to now owning multiple venues, I can honestly say that 100% of my career in the event industry has been self-taught. These business ventures have been some of the most arduous, yet those experiences have also allowed me to learn the importance of patience, master the art of tenacity, and acquire an incredible amount of wisdom, confidence and faith that I graciously share with fellow entrepreneurs. Most see my young age and think I’m an overnight success, when little do they know, this has been 20 years in the making, sometimes working 7 days a week, 16+ hours a day, and I’m still not even close to where I want to be!

What I hope everyone that tries to take on the entrepreneurship world understands is there is no “step-by-step” or “right or wrong” guidebook because everyone’s situation is different. What I do know is that it has taken endless prayer, continuous work, and a strength like non other – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially, and with the unending support of my amazing family, friends and community, I’m ready to take on any task that comes my way.

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.
With so many businesses under our belt, we very rarely have much room for downtime, but when we do take a little break, we love to visit Callaway Gardens where they have a beautiful garden area to bike, with multiple tourists attractions and my husband and sons’ favorite past-time, golf, then grab a bite to eat at Luke’s Pub and Steakhouse that is locally owned by wonderful family friend’s of ours!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have such a wonderful support system, from my family and friends, to those that I may have only met once. Everyone, in some way, shape or form, has played a part in helping me to become the best possible version of myself as a young, female business owner.

Website: https://www.keymomentsintime.com

Instagram: @keymomentsintime

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmkey/

Other: I also own and operate two event venues, Oakhurst Farm Weddings and Events and Olde Whitesville. More details can be found at these sites: https://oakhurstfarmweddings.com and https://www.oldewhitesville.com

Image Credits
Tori Greathouse Photography
Joanie Clay Photography
Key Moments in Time

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