Meet Kelly Horn | Content Creator / photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Horn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Deciding whether to keep going or to give up is one of the hardest, yet most pivotal moments in life. And here’s the truth: only you know the answer, deep down. But ask yourself: Are you still passionate about it? Passion is fuel, and if it’s burning, even a little, keep going; if it’s smoldering, it might be time to reevaluate. Have you given it your all? Be honest—if you’ve put in the work, faced the struggles head-on, and still feel like there’s something worth fighting for, then push forward with everything you’ve got. What’s holding you back—fear? Doubt? That’s natural, but you can’t let fear rule your choices. If it’s fear of failure, know that every successful person has failed a thousand times; if it’s fear of the unknown, then embrace the mystery—it’s where growth happens. But—this is crucial—if your soul is exhausted, if it’s draining you in ways that aren’t leading you to anything better, and you’re losing who you are in the process, then it’s okay to let go. Letting go doesn’t mean failure; it means you’re smart enough to know when something no longer serves you. So, take a deep breath, look inside, and trust your intuition. Whether you push forward or step away, own the choice with confidence. You are always in control of your next step.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a model, photographer, and content creator, my journey has been about constantly evolving, embracing new challenges, and finding ways to express my creativity through different lenses—both literally and figuratively. What sets me apart is my unique ability to balance both sides of the camera: creating compelling visuals as a model and capturing stories as a photographer. I love exploring the intersection of fashion, emotion, and storytelling, blending my experiences to create authentic, relatable content.

I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to build a brand that’s rooted in authenticity. Whether I’m in front of the camera as a model or behind it as a photographer, I always try to bring something fresh and raw into every project. The most exciting part is being able to merge my passion for art with the power of self-expression, and I feel incredibly lucky to share that with my audience.

My journey was far from easy. Like many in this field, I had to face self-doubt, rejection, and the constant challenge of standing out in a competitive industry. What helped me overcome those obstacles was a relentless drive and belief in my vision. I learned early on that success is not linear; it takes patience and persistence. Surrounding myself with a supportive community of like-minded creatives and learning from others’ experiences has been invaluable.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. In both photography and modeling, the industry is always changing. The key to staying relevant is embracing new technology, trends, and collaborations, while remaining true to who I am. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, take risks, and never stop growing.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that I’m always striving to push boundaries and make art that resonates with people. My goal has never been just to create content, but to make an impact—whether it’s through a powerful photograph or an inspiring model moment. Every shoot, every image is an opportunity to share a piece of my journey and my story. That’s what keeps me motivated and excited about the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d kick it off with a hearty breakfast at a trendy café, followed by a day at the beach—whether it’s Venice Beach or Coney Island—chilling, grabbing tacos from a local spot, and then having dinner at an amazing farm-to-table place like The Tasting Kitchen or Lilia. The next day, we’d explore some cool cultural spots like Griffith Observatory or Central Park, grab lunch at a food market, and have dinner at a top-tier spot like Providence or Momofuku Ko. For a relaxed day, we’d hit up the beach again, enjoy fresh bites like those from Gjusta, and grab sunset drinks at a rooftop bar. A day trip to somewhere like Montauk or the Hamptons would be a must, paired with fresh seafood by the shore. The last few days would focus on local hangouts—casual brunches, walking through fun neighborhoods, and making sure we eat at iconic spots like Bestia or Joe’s Pizza. Throughout the trip, the focus would be on great food, beach vibes, and soaking up the local culture with plenty of downtime for just having fun together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m so incredibly grateful for the unwavering love and support of my friends and family, and those who supported me in my move to California from a small town in Indiana. Their encouragement and belief in me helped make the leap possible. I’m also incredibly thankful for those back in Indiana who pushed me to chase my dreams, especially my mother. She’s been a constant source of support and inspiration, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

Instagram: Kellyxhorn

Image Credits
Kelly A Horn