423: Behind the Lens: Balancing Art and Impact with Brandon Watts

Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce, Caleb Talley, and Jeff Amerine sit down with Brandon Watts, founder of B. Watts Collective and the nonprofit Kidz N Cameras,  to dive into Brandon’s unconventional journey from a traditional college education to forging his creative path as a commercial photographer and entrepreneur in Northwest Arkansas. Brandon shares how his love for photography grew out of flipping through his parents’ old photo albums and his desire for career independence. What began as a side hustle quickly turned into a thriving business, B. Watts Collective, where Brandon specializes in commercial and event photography. He emphasizes the importance of networking, understanding one’s target clients, and positioning oneself strategically to meet potential business contacts. The episode shines brightest when Brandon discusses Kidz N Cameras, the nonprofit he launched in 2023 to empower kids (especially those facing challenges) to express themselves emotionally through photography. He tells touching stories, like a young student who used photography as a means of healing after leaving behavioral health care, ultimately winning a contest with a deeply personal nature photo. Brandon outlines Kidz N Cameras’ workshops, summer camps, contests, and community partnerships, all aimed at giving underprivileged youth creative opportunities he wishes he’d had growing up. Balancing his thriving business, nonprofit work, and family life, Brandon exemplifies how merging passion with purpose can create real impact. For anyone curious about entrepreneurship or using creativity for good, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt motivation. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (08:57) Photography Workshops and Future Plans (15:58) Balancing Photography and Nonprofit Work (22:00) Crystal Bridges Creative Opportunity (26:01) Fundraising Journey: First Year Challenges (31:45) Building a Youth Photography Program (36:38) The Importance of Expressing Yourself (38:55) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Jeff Amerine Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Brandon Watts Kidz N Cameras B. Watts Collective