Meet Brandy Kemp of Huntingdon, Tn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Kemp

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When COVID hit, my photography business, like so many others, came to a screeching halt. Because apparently, global pandemics don’t pair well with wedding parties or close-up family portraits. Faced with the choice of watching my business slowly crumble or figuring out how to adapt, I decided to dive headfirst into the digital world. And by “dive,” I mean frantically Googling, “How to save a business in a pandemic.”

Somehow, that panic-fueled search led me to earning certificates in digital marketing, generative AI fundamentals, and the psychology of marketing. Yes, psychology—because what better way to survive a pandemic than by learning to understand why people buy stuff they don’t need? It was all supposed to be just enough to keep my business afloat.

What started as “just helping myself” quickly turned into “helping friends,” then “helping their friends,” and before I knew it, I was running a full-blown marketing agency. It was like the universe said, “Oh, you’re good at this? Cool. Let’s see how much sleep you can live without.”

Now, three years later and with eight employees on board, I’d say we’re doing something right. My camera has taken a backseat to analytics dashboards, and somehow, I don’t hate it. We’re thriving, helping businesses grow, and yes, I’m still explaining why “boosting” a post doesn’t count as a marketing plan.

Am I surprised by where I ended up? Absolutely. Do I miss the simpler days of just being asked to Photoshop a pimple off someone’s nose? Maybe a little. But hey, if a global crisis can turn me into a marketing pro with a team, I’m not complaining.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With 23 years of photography under my belt, built entirely on guerrilla marketing and a whole lot of hustle, I thought I knew a thing or two about growing a business. But transitioning into digital marketing was a completely different ball game—like going from shooting family portraits to playing in the Super Bowl. Suddenly, my audience wasn’t families looking for perfect Christmas card photos but business owners—tough, resilient, and notoriously difficult to convince they need help with something they think they can handle themselves.

One of the biggest challenges was reaching out to this new audience. Business owners are juggling so much that marketing often feels like just another to-do list item they can’t get to—or something they think they can figure out on their own. Convincing them to trust me with their brand felt like climbing a mountain with a camera in one hand and a marketing plan in the other.

It’s taken a lot of public speaking, relentless networking, and leaning into my old friend—guerrilla marketing—to build a new tribe. I had to make marketing fun, approachable, and, most importantly, effective, all while essentially marketing myself.

But let me tell you, it’s been worth every stumble. My clients are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. They’ve taught me as much as I’ve helped them, and we’ve created a little ecosystem of support through a private group I run. It’s a space where they can share struggles, brainstorm solutions, and hopefully walk away with a little less stress—and occasionally, I even pick up a great idea or two for my own business.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that marketing and photography are two very different games. One is about capturing a single perfect moment; the other is about creating a strategy that captures attention over time. Both require creativity, patience, and the ability to pivot when things don’t go as planned. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade this wild, unpredictable journey for anything.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Kemp Marketing, I focus on helping businesses grow and thrive in the ever-chaotic world of algorithms, trends, and “viral” content that somehow never guarantees to go viral. I specialize in crafting custom strategies, from social media management and website development to SEO, newsletters, and content creation. Basically, if it involves marketing, I’ve probably done it—and done it well.

What sets us apart? For starters, I actually make marketing fun (yes, it’s possible). My approach is creative, data-driven, and sprinkled with just the right amount of sarcasm to keep things interesting. And cookie-cutter strategies? Not a chance. Your business is unique, and your marketing should be too. I’ve even created a private group for my clients where they can share ideas, get advice, and bond over the joys (and occasional headaches) of running a business.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of keeping it real. No over-promising, no fluff—just honest strategies that get results. Whether it’s helping a small business go from invisible to unforgettable or guiding an e-commerce store through the digital maze, I’m all about making a genuine impact.

At Kemp Marketing, I don’t just market—I connect, engage, and even try to make you laugh along the way. We believe if your current marketing feels like a chore, maybe it’s time for a change. We like to create something you’ll actually look forward to—and brag about!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Kemp Marketing wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible people who have supported me along the way. My husband, Corey, deserves a huge shoutout—he retired from his position in August of 2024 to come home and work alongside me. Having him on board has been a game-changer. Then there’s Jodi, my longtime friend who worked with me back in my photography studio days. She’s joined the team and has been invaluable, bringing experience, insight, and a level of trust you can’t replace.

I also have to brag about my staff—they’re simply the best. They motivate me every day to keep pushing forward, and their dedication and creativity make everything we do possible. Funny, most of them are family, and we haven’t had a Hatfield and McCoy moment yet.

A special shoutout goes to my very first customer, Black Sheep Logistics. Not only have they stuck with me since the beginning, but their owner has also become one of my biggest supporters—and toughest critics. We talk almost daily, and he keeps me in check, pointing out things no one else will. Whether he’s giving me a reality check or sharing his own struggles to help me better serve my other clients, his honesty is something I value immensely.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the bond I’ve built with both my clients and my team. We’re real with each other—no sugarcoating. If something stinks, they tell me, and I appreciate that more than anything. It takes a lot to hurt my feelings, and I’d rather hear the truth than a polite lie.

It’s this kind of honesty and openness that has helped Kemp Marketing grow and evolve. Every critique, encouragement, and shared struggle makes us better, and I’m so grateful to have this tribe of incredible people by my side.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brandykemp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kempmarketing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kempmarketing
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kempmarketing