Rising Stars: Meet Kody Mayberry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kody Mayberry.

Hi Kody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was attending Middle Tennessee State University for Music Education. I’d wanted a “real” camera for a while and finally decided to purchase one. I found a used Canon Rebel t3i and began practicing. I’ve always enjoyed photographing pets because of the challenge. You can’t tell them what to do like you would a human subject. They’re quick and unexpected, which makes them exciting.

Fast forward a couple of years and I reconnect with a college friend, Brooke. She had been fostering for Nashville Cat Rescue for several years. While we were dating, I would continue to practice my skills with all of the fosters that came through. A good picture can help get a pet adopted much quicker. We have since gotten married and continued to foster.

Just over a year ago, my mom sent me a TikTok. It was Lauren Kennedy’s video about the Tilly Project.

@laurensmithkennedy

To find an end-of-life photographer near you, OR to join the network as a photographer who offers the service, check out the Tilly Project 🧡 #thetillyproject

♬ You – Petit Biscuit

I immediately felt a connection to the project. Up until this point, photography had just been a hobby of mine. I didn’t actually have a website or a portfolio together. I quickly gathered my pictures, created a new Instagram account, and got a portfolio together. I then sent my contact info over to Lauren and she added me to the website.

Since then, I have built up a larger portfolio, created a website, and began helping with other non-profit organizations. Most importantly, I have continued to provide photographs pet owners can cherish forever.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This type of photography, can be emotionally demanding. It’s 100% worth it when I send that gallery out and hear the responses from the families.

Personally, I would say I’ve struggled with Imposter Syndrome. I’m not a full-time photographer and do this in my free time as a hobby/learning experience, which is partially why I feel that way.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I mentioned earlier, I went to school at MTSU. Brooke and I were both Music Education majors. After graduating, we both pursued other careers.

While attending school, I was working full-time at Opryland Hotel as a bellman. Through this position, I was able to become great at meeting strangers. I never really met one while working there. After graduating, I found a customer service position at KHS America. This is a musical instrument distribution company that sells over 20 brands of instruments/music accessories to dealers all across the United States. After being in that position for a year, I was promoted to an inside sales position. I have been in my current position for almost four years. I believe my time at Opryland helped me to succeed in my current position. It has helped to form meaningful relationships with my dealers.

The younger me would be so proud of where I am. I remember back around 2010, I purchased my first ukulele. It was a Lanikai soprano uke. Fast forward to now and I am working for the company that distributes them. I never would have imagined that would happen. Now, I’m helping get instruments out there that will change a kid’s life. I’m building relationships with people all over the US. It’s been a ride to get here but I wouldn’t change anything about it.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Start with Why – Simon Sinek 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kodymayberry.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kody.mayberry/?__coig_restricted=1