Today we’d like to introduce you to Catie Ronquillo Wood.
Catie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started in photography as a wedding photographer back in 2009. When I realized that I preferred not to work every weekend, I pivoted to photographing senior portraits in 2013. In 2018, I had my son, and photography was on pause for a while. I knew that I was not done with photography, so in 2019, I pivoted and launched personal branding photography for small business owners, which is where I am today. I’ve learned a lot over the years of assessing your situation and being okay with making changes along the way. That’s the beauty of owning your own business!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first moved to Dallas, I only knew my husband. Since I did not have a full-time job at the time, I didn’t even have coworkers to turn to as friends. I had to make my own friends and build my own networks. It was intimidating! As an introvert, putting myself out there was a challenge but worth the effort. It definitely helped build my character and see what I was capable of getting out of my comfort zone.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in branding photography for personal brands – from coaches to course creators to realtors to designers. I love working with small business owners who understand the value of building a personal brand in order to stand out and differentiate themselves. Because YOU are the only thing that sets you apart. You can be in the same industry, doing the same type of work, and selling the same product or service, and the only thing that separates you from your “competition” is YOU. There is only one you.
I’m most proud of having built a business as a first-generation entrepreneur. I have no business background, I don’t have any family members with small businesses, and I didn’t have a personal local network when I first moved here. I’m proud of the business I’m building.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is the time we went to Disneyland for a week. It was back in the day (probably the late ’90s) before Disneyland was as built out as it is now, before Disneyland really had its own hotels, or before Downtown Disney was built. There was something about that trip, I must have been 12 or 13, that just really stands out in my memory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catieronquillo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catieronquillo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catieronquillophoto
- Other: https://www.catieronquillo.com/blog
Image Credits
Catie Ronquillo Photography
