Storytelling With Impact
How Mindful Media is visually creating its own success story.
As a model, music artist and actress, Kara Elyse Henderson was accustomed to being in front of the camera. Having worked in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and beyond, it didn’t take long for her to recognize a lack of diversity behind the scenes in Austin, Texas. Though inspired to make a change, she wasn’t sure how at that time.
It wasn’t until she picked up a camera to take photos of a friend for a college photography class that things really clicked.
“I felt I had captured her character as she was,” says Henderson, founder and creative director of Mindful Media, a boutique creative agency specializing in dynamic and impactful storytelling. “I realized then that I wanted to do more of that kind of work.”
Being behind the camera lens gave her a fresh perspective. “As a director, I could see how I wanted things to look. I could blend insights from my personal experience to express my creative vision. Capturing my friend’s spirit made me wonder: What other stories could I tell through my lens?”
Entrepreneurship had always been in the back of her mind. Growing up in Cincinnati, she was inspired by her parents, who juggled full-time STEM careers while pursuing their own entrepreneurial ventures in lawn care, cleaning, and, eventually, information technology. With an understanding that diverse perspectives can bring value and creativity to any endeavor, Henderson aimed to start her own business to uplift historically minoritized individuals and unlock their untapped talent.
Launched in 2022, Mindful Media serves clients across numerous industries, from universities and nonprofits to technology, municipalities, and more. Henderson says the agency’s name reflects the team’s intentional approach as well as her interest in sustainability and desire to make a lasting impact.
“I often think about ways to advocate for equity, economy, and the environment. The name ‘Mindful’ embodies these principles and relates to the quality of our work and the broad representation in our storytelling,” Henderson explains.
Like many small business owners, she found it difficult to get a foot in the door at large companies. At her mother’s urging, she obtained nationally recognized certifications through the Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council (SMSDC) and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. After winning an SMSDCsponsored pitch contest, a council employee, Carol Ford, recommended Mindful Media to GSD&M, an Austin-based creative agency that was looking to mentor a local business. In addition to mentoring, GSD&M assisted Mindful Media with the redesign of its website, an important step to help the company scale.
“GSD&M has some of the best and most talented professionals who bring refreshing perspectives and expertise to their work. I can always count on them for honest feedback,” Henderson says. “With their guidance, I’ve learned to be a more effective business owner and how to have more impact with our projects.”
While earning a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, Henderson completed several internships, including one with Austin Woman magazine where she expanded her photography and writing skills.
“These internships placed me in new environments I had never operated in. For instance, during one PR internship, I pitched stories about transformative science which I knew nothing about. Combined, these experiences helped me discover my path.”
With ongoing mentoring and support from GSD&M, Henderson hopes to expand her business and work with larger brands. Mindful Media is also pursuing its first scripted series.
“I pride myself on empowering others through art forms like photography, and I aspire to continue to tell stories that ultimately connect, educate, and inspire,” says Henderson.
