Some people fall into their work.
Kylie Ivers chased hers with a camera in one hand and a coffee in the other.

Before she turned 24, Kylie had already dropped out of film school, launched her own photography brand, built an archive of work that rivals seasoned creatives, and somehow still found time to build a lifestyle brand around Sunday drives with her dad.

She’s not your average car creator. Where many lean on image, Kylie leans on impact—documenting motorsport culture with precision, building community around shared rituals, and choosing connection over clout every step of the way.

Kylie doesn’t just work in the car world. She belongs in it.

The Path to Purpose

Kylie didn’t grow up with a plan to be a professional photographer. What she did grow up with was a dad who loved cars, Sunday coffee runs, and time spent driving through backroads. That weekly ritual sparked a love for automotive culture.

Eventually, she picked up a camera to document it—and something clicked.

“Photography started as a hobby to capture these adventures. Once I started sharing what I was capturing, it became an obsession nothing else could fill.”

As she watched the rise of online creators, Kylie had a thought:
If they could do it full time—why couldn’t she?

The Dropout Decision

Sometimes, a single moment is enough to shift everything. For Kylie, that moment came in the middle of a lecture in film school. It didn’t click. She was already taking on clients outside of class. Already putting in the reps.

She dropped out that day.

“I truly couldn’t fathom returning for part two of that lecture. I dropped out the same day… never looked back.”

She bet on herself—and started building.

Built One Frame at a Time

There’s a misconception that Kylie doesn’t work—that all her content is adventure and aesthetic. But behind every shoot, every road trip, and every perfect frame, is someone who taught herself everything.

Not just photography. Branding. Websites. Client work. Community building.

“I taught myself how to run every piece of my business… Whale Tail Media started because I had a dream, and I wake up every day choosing to chase it.”

Even now, she keeps building quietly behind the scenes. Her next venture? A lifestyle brand called Sunday Rituals—born from those early memories with her dad, now grown into a movement for people who find freedom on the road, not just online.

The Plain Pillars

Impact First

“Building community through Sunday Rituals. Hosting cars and coffee events and drives.”

Identity is Earned

“My portfolio is one of the things I’m most proud of. Thousands of photos, some never shared, that show how my style and craft has developed.”

Small Bets, Big Ideas

“I taught myself how to run every piece of my business.”

The Middle of the Journey

Right now, Kylie is in the uncomfortable, exciting middle. The foundation is built. The portfolio is there. The vision is clear.

Now she’s navigating the hard part—finessing the rest. Pushing hard, without burning out. Believing in herself, even when recognition is lagging.

“The uncertainty is eight times a week these days… but I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world.”

If she could whisper something to someone about to start?

“Life is short and opportunity doesn’t wait.”

That’s how she shows up. With grit, with humor, and with her signature line—
“That's cute.”

Follow Kylie: @kylieiverss
Learn more: whaletailmedia.com
Nominate someone: plain.club