Meet Keith Esquilin | Videographer, Photographer, Editor, and Graphic Designer

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

Hi Keith, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, I got tired of being boxed into one specific industry. When working for someone else in videography, photography, or editing, you’re usually locked into a niche. Filming the same kind of content over and over gets repetitive. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to branch out and work with various small businesses in different industries. I get to be more selective with whom I work with and take on projects that excite me. That creative freedom is what keeps me inspired.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In almost every job I had before starting my business, I began at the bottom and worked my way up. I went from being a bagger and stocker at a grocery store to managing a department and eventually running the store. Later, I entered the world of sales, starting as a merchandiser. Over the course of four years, I worked my way from the lowest paying position to running the highest grossing sales route.

That kind of experience taught me how to see a business from every angle. It’s one of the biggest advantages I bring into my own company and something I’m genuinely proud of. I’ve learned that understanding every role in the process, not just the creative side, helps me lead better, work smarter, and relate to people more easily. It gives me a different kind of edge. Whether I’m filming, editing, consulting, or planning a strategy, I do it with the mindset of someone who has worked every part of the chain.

Building my business hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges, slow seasons, and plenty of moments where I questioned if it was all worth it. But I’ve learned to stay consistent, keep showing up, and always be willing to learn. What sets me apart is that I don’t just create content. I bring real world experience, hard earned perspective, and a passion for storytelling into everything I do. KLE Visuals is built on hustle, integrity, and creativity. I’m here to tell real stories, build real connections, and create visuals that move and motivate people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Charlotte for a week, we’d start with the essentials like Plaza Midwood, NoDa, and Uptown. Plaza and NoDa have a local culture feel, arts and entertainment included, and Uptown is where you get the real city energy. It’s perfect for walking around, people watching, and catching skyline views that look great through a lens. One of those days, we’re definitely going to Top Golf, too. It’s a solid mix of trash talk and realizing we might not be as athletic as we thought.

Since I’m a huge sports fan, we’re catching a game while they’re here, whether it’s the Hornets, Panthers, or Charlotte FC. The atmosphere in the city on game day is always electric, and it’s the kind of experience that brings people together. Even if we don’t have tickets, there are plenty of sports-friendly bars near the stadiums with some of the most energetic fans in the country!

For food, I’d keep it simple and hit up Optimist Hall. It’s a go-to spot with something for everyone, so no matter what mood we’re in, we’re covered. Good food, a laid-back atmosphere, and a great place to just hang out.

We’d also make time for some scenic adventures. I love recording hangouts with friends when we visit cool places, so we’d take a day to hike Kings Mountain and fly the drone around for some incredible shots. In Charlotte, there are a ton of photogenic places as well where I like to capture pictures of me and my friends.

By the end of the week, we’d have a folder full of videos, some solid stories, and maybe a few clips that’ll sneak their way into my next project.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shoutout my parents. They showed amazing support, especially when I decided to leave the corporate world and start my own business. Not only did they believe in my vision, but they also invested in me both emotionally and financially during tough times. Their support has been the backbone of my journey. On top of that, they raised me and my two older brothers to work hard, stay grounded, and always do the right thing. That foundation has carried me through every challenge and every win.

Website: https://www.klevisuals.com

Instagram: kle.visuals