The Santa Experience
With Leslie Kitten, M. CR., CPP
The hustle and bustle of Christmas starts in September for Leslie Ann Kitten, and her staff of elves.
From October to December, Santa flies to Lubbock, Texas to greet hundreds of children in her studio, Savant Photography. Leslie will share her multi-faceted approach to the biggest event of the year. She will share marketing strategies that capture clients who return faithfully, give a new experience and add value through different sets each year, and how she creates an experience that even Dad won’t miss.
Leslie has three young children and protects the value of her time. Her streamlining techniques work to allow a complete client experience and optimize her time so she still has time to bake Christmas goodies with the family.
In June, 2002, Leslie Ann Kitten was asked to do a wedding for $100. Thus, was the birth of Savant Photography. Since that time, she has grown the business into two companies managing both through the pandemic at full capacity and retaining the largest studio in the Lubbock Area..
Leslie graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Interior Design and Architecture and a Master’s in Agricultural Communications, specializing in photography. In 2004, she won Outstanding Master’s Thesis, meaning it was voted best thesis in the nation for the year. She regards this as her highest accomplishment.
Believing in the value of a strong community, Leslie dedicates countless hours to help others. She photographs children pro-bono for the Heart Gallery, a national organization dedicated to finding families for children who have struggled to be adopted. She also photographs for countless local non-profit organizations.
Mrs. Kitten has run through the chairs of her local guild, served on the state level and is currently the Chairman of the Board for American Society of Photographers. Leslie also participates and is a member of Lubbock Women’s Club, PPA, Lion’s Club, and serves as a member of the board for many organizations.
Her pride and joy lies in raising her three children, Georgia June, Ethan Lawrence and Clara Ann with her husband Nicholas. They currently reside as cotton farmers in the South Plains of Texas.
