We’re looking forward to introducing you to Catie Ronquillo. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Catie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to pay it forward and teach and coach other photographers and entrepreneurs. Having been in business for 15 years, I’ve got a lot of experience that I can pass on and share. I used to be afraid of it, but now I’m embracing the next phase and stage of my business.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Catie, and I found my way back to brand photography after becoming a mom.
After having my first baby, I took a break from photography—and when I came back, I was craving more than just pretty pictures.
I was desperate to have conversations with other adults again.
To create something that mattered.
And honestly? Brand photography was the perfect combo of everything I love:
– Strategic storytelling
– Capturing the details that make someone distinct
– And making people feel like the best version of themselves on camera
Networking, creativity, confidence-building…all rolled into one.
I started taking brand photos for small business owners—people who were growing, evolving, and finally ready to be seen.
And I realized: this is it.
This is the kind of work that lights me up and works with the kind of life I want to build.
Now, I help entrepreneurs show up with confidence, clarity, and content that looks like the business they’re becoming.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband is the one who has always seen me for all that I am. He sees my potential and my vision for my business and our family. He believes in me before I do. And when I doubt myself, he reminds me of who I am and my ability.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, I was worried about what other people would think of me or that people might judge me. I feared sharing that I was starting a business because I didn’t know anyone personally who was a business owner (at the time). I worried that if I pivoted my focus, people would think it was because I couldn’t make it. But with time and wisdom of getting older, I realized that is just a lie we tell ourselves to keep us from taking too many risks. And these are not facts, just thoughts. It’s important to stop those thoughts and work on mindset, especially as a business owner.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! As a personal brand photographer, you’ll find me telling clients that a personal brand is not a persona. That it’s important (in my opinion) to be the same person online as you are in real life. You can certainly keep things private, but there should not be a disconnect between who you. For me, what you see online is who you meet in real life.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I will not regret taking time off or away from my business to take care of or tend to my family. I will not regret taking the trip or vacation or experience. I think Americans are way too focused on making money and work, work, work, that they lose sight of the bigger picture. You literally can’t take your money with you when you die, so you should enjoy life and not work all the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catieronquillo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catieronquillo
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/catieronquillo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catieronquillophoto
Image Credits
Headshot & Photos of me: Sophie K Hunter Photography
Photos: Catie Ronquillo Photography
