My dad bought my mother a video camera right after I was born.

Ironically, the first ever family video documentation is me as a baby rolling around on my parents unsettling peach carpet. My mom, behind the viewfinder, said, "Katie, give me a smile." 

My parents filmed us growing up, until the day I could fit my little hand around the body of a camera. I took that camera with me everywhere around the house - filming my siblings doing anything and nothing. From our awkward choreographed dances to dressing up as Presidents of the United States - I captured it all.

My love for film and the media started at a young age, and it just happened to follow me with time. 

I started White Shutter Media in October of 2017.

After working as a news reporter for a couple years, then in the marking department for a corporate company in Lincoln, I knew I wasn't fulfilling my potential. So what better way to try and find my potential than becoming an self-made entrepreneur?

I quit my corporate job and within 24 hours I had a logo designed and my business cards sent off for printing. After the rush settled that evening, I suddenly became crippled with fear. What have I done? How will I make an income? How do I get clients? Can I even make this work?!  I was crying on the couch when my husband came in and said, "Stop crying." I was a little taken aback by his abrupt demeanor - but I respected it. After all it was about time I put on my boss pants. He said, "Get up. Let's go pitch your business." I said, "I don't even know the first thing to say."

"Who cares, let’s go." 

So I got up and we walked down the street to the local and only market in our town of 900 people. I approached the owner and after a little stumbling, I asked her if they needed any media work done. I had no portfolio, no sense of pricing, and no real idea what I would do next if she said yes. 

Long story short - I was rejected. But it was the best feeling I have felt in a long time. I was so empowered - like now would be the time I suddenly find out I have super powers, burst into costume, and shoot out through the roof leaving a trail of smoke. That feeling of empowerment took me through the proceeding rejections and struggles—

because I just knew this what what I was supposed to be doing.

I started doing commercials all over Nebraska making money that barely filled my gas tank - but I was loving every minute of it. Commercials became documentaries and one connection led to more connections.

I am inspired by people and their stories. I have found that everyone, regardless their background, has a story to share. Even the most simple are worth sharing.

So after almost three years of business and some incredible clients, I am filled with joy at the relationships I have made and the space I have covered. I like to say that I made this business work by myself, but that first night on the couch reminds me there were always people rooting for me - and I wouldn't be here without them.

-KateLYN A. Littrel