Seek MORE with Kaitlyn Courtney

This Fall, meet our new intern, Kaitlyn Courtney, who is part of the MORE Magazine team. Seek MORE by reading her story on who she is and why she chose MORE Magazine.

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My name is Kaitlyn Courtney, and I am a recent graduate of the Kelley School of Business at IU Indianapolis. I majored in Business Management with a minor in Legal Studies, and I currently own and operate my photography business, @kulturekreator on Instagram. Although I come from a business background, I have loved the arts and creating since I was a kid, and that passion has shaped many of the choices I’ve made in my life.

I was adopted from China at the age of two and brought to the United States, where I grew up in Southern Indiana. Growing up in a predominantly white community as an Asian adoptee taught me resilience, compassion, and drive, among other things. For a long time, I struggled with identity and belonging, because I didn’t always see myself reflected in the people or communities around me. One of my reasons for seeking MORE is because I’ve always been curious about other cultures and backgrounds, especially after feeling unseen and unheard when it came to my own. Creating a space where everyone has the opportunity to share their story fosters growth, empowerment, and understanding within the community. To me, stories are powerful because they connect us, and part of my journey has been learning how to share my own more openly.

Transferring to IU Indianapolis from IU Bloomington was definitely challenging, but it was also a life-changing experience. Since moving to Indianapolis, I’ve encountered new people, places, and opportunities like never before. I’ve had the chance to meet individuals from all different walks of life, and each conversation has expanded the way I see the world. I firmly believe every outcome of each decision we make happens for a reason, and every day we have the choice to design—or redesign—our lives however we see fit.

Throughout my life, everything has been pre-planned to a certain degree. As the daughter of two educators, I grew up in an environment where expectations were high and achievement was emphasized. That structure gave me discipline, but it also made me cautious about taking risks. Something I’m actively working on is being more confident and intentional with my decisions. Choosing to believe in myself is crucial to me because I’ve struggled with self-doubt in the past. I knew I didn’t want a typical 9-to-5 job since high school, but after graduating, I felt the pressure of societal norms pushing me toward that path. For a while, I questioned myself and wondered if following a different route meant I wasn’t good enough or wasn’t doing what I “should.”

After several months of deep reflection and self-discovery, I began to rediscover who I am and what I genuinely enjoy doing. Photography has always interested me, but I never imagined it could become a real business. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome led me to step away from it multiple times. I often thought a creative career wasn’t practical or attainable, and I worried that pursuing it would make others view me as unrealistic. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that I want to live for myself and tell my story—not someone else’s version or expectation of it.

Owning a photography business has challenged me to grow as both an artist and a businesswoman. It allows me to merge creativity with strategy, to use the skills I developed in school while honoring my artistic side. Through my camera, I get to capture people’s individuality, confidence, and stories. That act of creating something meaningful for others is what inspires me to keep going, even on days when doubt creeps in.

For me, “Seeking MORE” means constantly pushing past limitations—whether they’re placed on me by others or by myself. Everyone should have the ability to share their own story. That means leaning into curiosity, valuing diverse voices, and embracing the possibility that our lives can take paths we never expected.

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Connect with Kaitlyn on LinkedIn