Meet Catie Ronquillo Wood | Brand Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catie Ronquillo Wood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When you’re an entrepreneur and small business owner, it’s never going to be a cut and dry 50/50 balance between work and life. When you own your own business, the two intertwine and sometimes it can be difficult to separate the two. Instead, I like to think about work life balance like a rhythm and flow.

When you’re at the start of your business, the rhythm and flow will be different from when you’re a couple of years in. You may spend a majority of your time working on building the momentum in your business. Once that foundation is built, there’s a little more room for taking time off.

Work life balance is all about setting up boundaries in your business and life. Since having children, my work life balance has changed a lot. I don’t have all the time in the world to work on my business. I have specific pockets of time (nap time & preschool hours) to get things done.

As with everything, it’s a season in my life and it won’t last forever. I think it’s important to savor all these moments with my kids as they won’t be little forever. It’s okay if my business slows down in order to spend more time with them.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a photographer who specializes in strategic brand photography to help small businesses and personal brands attract their ideal clients.

I see small businesses struggle with photos in their businesses. Either they don’t have quality photos, they only have photos they have tried to take themselves, or they are using stock photography that isn’t cutting it anymore. In order to stand out from the crowd, people have to know who is behind the business and what your business offers. An unclear message leads to an unclear audience.

I help small businesses attract more of their ideal clients through purposeful photography.

It’s been a long road in business. I started out doing wedding photography, pivoted to seniors portraits, and now I specialize in brand photography.

The best way to overcome challenges and obstacles is to learn more – either through a course or mentor.

Business is always evolving. It’s okay to change you trajectory. That’s the beauty of owning your own business – you call the shots.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Apparently, my perfect itinerary is all food!

– Detour Doughnuts
– Cookie Society
– Cris & Jon Vietnamese Street Food
– Tender Smokehouse
– Emporium Pies

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely want to thank my husband for his unconditional support throughout this journey as a small business owner. I also want to thank the photographer friends I have met along the way who have shared ideas, tips, tricks, and have filled the gap of “coworkers” that entrepreneurship lacks.

Website: www.catieronquillo.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/catieronquillo

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/catieronquillo

Facebook: www.facebook.com/catieronquillophoto

Image Credits
Catie Ronquillo Photography