Life & Work with Cai Ranáe of Dallas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cai Ranáe.

Hi Cai, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved taking pictures. I saw the world from a perspective that not many did. I appreciated the small things around me – found beauty in them. I started off with just my phone camera and eventually saved up for my first digital camera when I was 16. My photography business never took off the way I wanted it to but I knew I was meant to have a camera in my hand. In 2023, I met Matthew Osborne who has become my mentor/friend. He introduced me to filming just by giving me a chance with his video camera. I fell in love with filming the moment I hit the record button. I was filled with this passion I had never felt before and I knew in that moment, I had discovered my true purpose.

Little did I know that a year later, I’d start my own videography business and even create a docuseries! The series is titled “TETHERED” and its purpose is to highlight the stories of different women while showing that despite our different journeys, we are connected through our strength and resiliency.

Other than my series, I’ve been able to experience so many cool things since I started filming. I’ve had the opportunity to film D Magazine and FGI events, music videos, weddings and various art galleries. I couldn’t be happier with my new career path and I’m looking forward to everything the future has in store for me!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve experienced a lot of turbulence along this journey of mine. I was diagnosed Bipolar in 2022 and have been medicated and going to therapy ever since. I also struggle with anxiety and alcohol abuse. Before I was diagnosed, I would deal with episodes that would last several months. I didn’t know why I would go from being unable to get out of bed and shower to feeling like I was on top of the world. It was exhausting because there was no in between. So I drank to cope and kept that part of me a secret for many years. It wasn’t until I started medication that I was able to manage my episodes better.

Thankfully, I have joined a program that’s helped me create new healthy habits and I’m proud to say I am living a sober life! I’ve tried to get clean before and have failed but I feel in my heart this time is different. I have so much to live for and I realize that now. No matter what life throws at me, I know I will come back 10 times stronger. That is how my series “TETHERED” came about. My own journey has inspired me to give other women a voice and platform to share theirs.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Videographer/Director and I have a passion for capturing moments and storytelling through video! I have always had such a unique perspective of the world and that translates into my work. I see angles and visualize shots in ways that most people don’t. Something like that can’t be taught, I’d like to think I was born with that superpower. Even when I don’t have a camera in my hand (which is rare) my eyes are my lenses and I see things in a way that makes me appreciate them more than the average person. I’m most proud of myself for bringing my docuseries to life. It’s been a lot of hard work from storyboarding to filming to post production to then marketing it but I’ve loved every moment. It has taught me so much about myself and I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible and resilient women. I believe in this project and know that one day soon, it’ll be on some sort of streaming platform for the world to see!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
If not now then when? I ask myself that often. I was let go from my full time job December of 2024. It shocked me and made me scramble. I had rent and other bills to pay and was not prepared for something that drastic to happen in my life. It triggered an episode for me and I really felt like I had hit rock bottom. I took some time to care for myself and got right back up. I decided it was time to pursue my passion and become my own boss. I never looked back and had I not lost that job, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have started my docuseries or been hired to create two commercials for a CrossFit brand or even been featured on two TV shows. Without risk, we limit ourselves. I’m beyond proud of the woman I am today and will never regret the leap of faith I took to start my own business and pursue my passion full time!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cairanae.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tetheredtheseries
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tetheredtheseries

Image Credits
Caleb Maymi, Matthew Osborne, Santos Shoots, DrWordUp