Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Krizia Studios. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Krizia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Oh, man, I know that feeling all too well. Walking into a room and realizing you’re the only one that looks like you – it’s like a punch to the gut, right? Suddenly, you’re wondering if you’re going to be taken seriously, or if your voice will even make a ripple. As a woman and a first-gen immigrant, I’ve danced that awkward dance more times than I can count. But, you know what? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that have really helped me hold my own in those ‘one-of-a-kind’ moments.
Let me hit you with my top 3:
1) Harnessing the Power of Belonging and Assertiveness
First off, I had to get cozy with the idea of belonging and assertiveness. It’s so easy to just fade into the background and avoid the spotlight, but I’ve learned that owning my uniqueness and speaking up is the only way to truly be heard. When you’re the lone voice of a particular group, you’ve got this incredible power to spark change.
2) Becoming Resourceful and Resilient
Next up, I’m all about that resourcefulness and resilience life. Being a first-generation immigrant means I’ve had to get creative and suss out multiple solutions when I’m thrown a curveball. Rolling with the punches, making lemonade out of lemons, and pushing through even when self-doubt and fear are breathing down my neck – that’s been key.
3)Getting Comfortable with Vulnerability and Asking for Help
And last, but definitely not least, I had to give myself permission to be vulnerable and ask for help. I used to think that asking for help was waving a big ol’ flag of defeat, but I’ve come to realize it’s actually a power move. Reaching out for help has opened me up to some game-changing perspectives that have led to some pretty transformative outcomes.
So, to wrap it all up, I’m a big believer in celebrating what makes us different and leaning into the power of diversity. Standing our ground, raising our voices, and making a mark on society – that’s where it’s at.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Absolutely, I’m excited to share more about Krizia Studios!
Krizia Studios is not just a creative powerhouse; it’s a game-changer in the realms of commercial, advertising, headshots, fashion, and film production photography. We’re not just here to snap a few good shots; we’re on a mission for bold, disruptive storytelling that empowers businesses to score big on both aesthetic appeal and measurable results through strategic thinking and drop-dead gorgeous visuals.
Visual storytelling is our jam, and we’re all about turning your vision into a masterpiece by making the art and soul of your message the star of the show. Whether you’re a creative agency on a quest to rocket your clients’ brands into another stratosphere, or a business itching to cause a ruckus in your industry, we’re your partner in crime!
At Krizia Studios, we know that creativity and commercial success go hand in hand. That’s why our game doesn’t end at crafting beautiful visuals. We also flex our muscles in strategy and marketing to drive real, no-nonsense results for your business. From the brainstorming madness of ideation and concept development to the nitty-gritty of production and post-production, we’re your wingman in bringing your vision to life and crushing your goals every step of the way.
In a world where content is king, it’s not enough to be just another pretty picture. It’s about making a bold statement, disrupting the status quo, and driving real, tangible results. If you’re ready to take that leap, it’s time to work with Krizia Studios. Together, we can disrupt the ordinary and create something extraordinary.
So, if you’re ready to break free from the mundane and drive real, impactful results, Krizia Studios is here to collaborate. Let’s disrupt the status quo together!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Oh, wow, this one takes me back! So, funny story – I actually stumbled into professional photography during COVID after getting the boot from my corporate gig. Crazy, right? Five days post-firing, I decided to turn my 7-week photography hobby into a full-blown business. I didn’t have a roadmap or a grand plan; all I knew was that I was done letting others dictate my narrative. I wanted to turn my story from “I got fired” to “I started my own business” – Alas, I had to figure it out on the fly.
So here’s what worked for me:
Fail Fast, Learn Faster: In my first month, I did a whopping 40 photoshoots. I was well aware that there was no sidestepping the ‘hard work’ phase, so I went all in, created a ton, failed fast, and then jumped back in with both feet. That uncertainty, that nagging doubt, it all stems from the unknown. But as I kept at it, making mistakes and learning from them, I found my confidence growing.
Relentless Curiosity and Matching Work Ethic: I practically moved into YouTube University and started with the basics, gradually working my way up to the more advanced technical skills. I never shied away from wild ideas; in fact, they fired me up. I loved the challenge of making the ‘impossible’ possible. It was my never-ending curiosity and determination that opened doors for me.
Embracing Change: Ask any small business owner, and they’ll tell you – change is the only constant. Learning to reframe change from something dreaded to something exciting and fun can be a game-changer. Being adaptable and knowing how to strategically pivot is invaluable.
So, for anyone starting their journey, here’s my two cents:
Embrace the Fails: Don’t be afraid to mess up. In fact, expect it. The key is to learn from each stumble and come back stronger. The faster you fail, the faster you learn.
Stay Curious and Work Hard: Dive deep into learning and don’t be afraid to try new things, no matter how wild they seem. Your curiosity and work ethic will not only improve your skills but also open up new opportunities.
Adapt to Change: Change is inevitable, especially when you’re starting out. Learn to see it as an exciting opportunity rather than a setback. The more adaptable you are, the more resilient your business will be.
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. It’s all about the mindset and the work you put in. Good luck!
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Absolutely, I love this question because it’s something I’ve wrestled with throughout my journey. I am a die-hard believer in going all in on your strengths. Let me break it down for you:
Our strengths are those activities or skills that come naturally to us and, crucially, that light us up inside. When we find joy in something, we’re more inclined to pour our time and energy into it, which, in turn, makes us even better at it. It’s a beautiful, self-reinforcing cycle. And in a world that’s becoming more specialized by the day, being extraordinary at a few things can make you incredibly valuable.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating completely ignoring our weaknesses, especially if they are significant roadblocks to our success. It’s crucial to have a baseline proficiency in a range of skills. However, once we hit that baseline, I firmly believe the returns on investment from trying to turn a weakness into a strength are far lower than doubling down on something we’re already good at.
Let me share a little story. When I first dove into photography, I was clueless about the technical side. I mean, I barely knew what an aperture or exposure triangle was, let alone the intricacies of lighting. My strengths lay in creative direction and vision, but my technical skills were severely lacking. So, I dedicated time to learning the basics, sought mentorship from a professional gaffer, binge-watched hours of tutorials, and experimented tirelessly until I got comfortable. Once my foundation was solid, I shifted most of my energy back to honing my strengths in photography: creative vision, creative direction, and directing models.
Ultimately, it’s all about striking a balance. It’s essential to address significant weaknesses that might be hindering your success, but once you’ve overcome those hurdles, I believe it’s far more rewarding and effective to go all in on your strengths. After all, it’s our strengths that differentiate us from the crowd and make us truly extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kriziastudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriziastudios
- Facebook: facebook.com/kriziastudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriziagaile
