Meet Cassandra Colon Fontaine

We recently connected with Cassandra Colon Fontaine and have shared our conversation below.

Cassandra, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’ve come to realize that confidence and self-esteem are like most things in this world; it doesn’t just happen and like muscles, it requires regular exercise and maintenance as upkeep. For me, developing these qualities has been an ongoing journey rather than a one-time achievement.

From a young age, I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone was essential for growth. Whether it was speaking up in class, taking on challenging projects, or trying new activities, each experience added a new layer to my confidence but it’s important to note that it wasn’t, and still is not, a linear process. There were many times when I didn’t feel confident or doubted my abilities and during those moments, I reminded myself that persistence and consistency are key. Things like community, mentorship, and external validation are so helpful in building confidence and self esteem up but, I have learned they cannot be your only ways to measure your success and ability.

I make it a habit to celebrate small victories and reflect on my progress regularly. Just as you would track your progress in any other skill, I tracked my personal and professional growth and this has helped keep me focused on continuing to build and adapt, reaching goals and creating new ones.

It’s important to know that there will always be fluctuations. Some days, I feel on top of the world; other days, not so much. But I believe that showing up, even when you don’t feel on top of your game, is crucial. It’s in those moments of breakdown and vulnerability and challenge that true growth happens. Every time I choose to show up, I choose growth and experience and that has been essential to me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Cass and I am the person behind Koa & Kai Photography! I am based out of Southern Maine but my joy is usually found when I am traveling (I have a bad case of wanderlust!) My husband and I are originally from Massachusetts but relocated to Maine in 2020. While I have my master’s degree in mental health and worked in the mental health field for almost a decade, like a lot of people that I’ve connected with in the industry photography started out as a hobby for me. I got my first crop sensor camera when I was 14 but the fire really ignited after two major events in my life; the tragic loss of a cousin who was like a sibling when he was 20 and the birth of my second child. Both of these events made me come face to face with the impact of losing a loved one and the impact of almost losing my own life to pre-eclampsia. Brushing with death in those ways really showed me the value of photos and photography. I knew that I wanted to leave my children something more than an unorganized plethora of digital images that are most likely going to be forgotten about or lost because they’re in the digital space or a handful of photos printed off of a phone where you can’t see the laugh lines around my mouth or the way my eyes glisten looking at my boys. With cameras in everyone’s pockets and so easily accessible, I could see the gaping hole left behind by printed photos and albums and I wanted to do for others what I do for my children; create true and tangible heirlooms to be passed down. The kind that allow them to remember the smell of the grass on a summer day or the way they felt wrapped in the arms of their parent and have it all captured in a creative and artistic manner. So I made it my goal to deliver the album and wall worthy art that I believe people truly want for their homes. The ones that show connection and (as cliche as it might sound) tell their story.

With that in mind, I began to move from hobby to business, a transition that is 3 years in the making. I find the most joy in photographing motherhood and creative sets. I love providing a service that allows others to not only be able to authentically document their life and love stories, but also to visually be able to express themselves in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing and adventurous. This, in my own words, is what I mean when I say “life with rose colored glasses.” This really contributed to my decision to invest in a client closet of high end photography gowns. It offers my clients of all sizes and abilities choices. While they may choose to dress in casual clothing that may be closer to their daily style because it is familiar and comfortable, the option for two outfits that comes with most of my collections allows them to try something they may not otherwise. It has really allowed people to have the best of both worlds and to step outside of the typical coastal New England style and add some dramatic flair. I find many love the casual look for their albums as a more day in the life feel, while the images with the high end gowns I offer become their yearly wall art. I also take the awkwardness out of arriving to a session not knowing who or what to expect by providing my clients with in person session planning and try on which I have found to be integral in allowing genuine connection to flourish.

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?

Looking back, three key things have really shaped my journey: the support from community and loved ones, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the ability to work through changes by trusting myself.

First, the support from my community and loved ones has been absolutely essential. Their encouragement and belief in me have given me the confidence to take risks and pursue my passions without fear. They’ve been my rock during tough times and my biggest cheerleaders during moments of success. Second, education and a commitment to lifelong learning of my craft and being open minded to new things have played a huge role. Staying curious and constantly expanding my knowledge has opened up new opportunities and kept me on my toes. Embracing a mindset of continuous curiosity and learning has helped me stay adaptable and ready for whatever comes my way. Finally, the ability to quickly adapt to challenges and changes by trusting myself has been crucial. Believing in my instincts has allowed me to pivot when necessary and seize new opportunities that align with my goals and things I want to achieve.

For those just starting out, here’s my advice:

Trust Your Inner Voice! Your inner voice is your biggest asset, especially in creative endeavors. It’s where your unique vision and creativity come from. While it’s important to learn from others and stay open-minded, remember that your instincts and personal experiences are what set you apart. Trusting your inner voice will help you create work that’s truly authentic and unique. Also, it helps to remember that while creativity is not a finite resource, it is also not an on demand skill so give yourself a bit of grace during times of being uninspired. The secret to getting out of lack of inspiration is not to seek out what others have done but to sit with boredom and discontent until your creative muscles step in.

My next piece of advice: Never stop learning. Even if you become the best in your field, there will NEVER come a time that you will know everything. The world is always changing, and staying curious will keep you ahead and unique (and true success comes from not following everyone else). Whether it’s picking up new skills, exploring different perspectives, or diving deeper into your field or other adjacent fields, education is a powerful tool that will keep pushing you forward and innovative.

Finally, surround yourself with people (in your field and in your personal life) who believe in you. Truly, fully, and wholeheartedly even when they can’t see your vision. Their encouragement and support will be invaluable as you navigate your journey. Build and maintain these relationships, and be a source of support for others as well. A strong support network can provide the strength and motivation needed to overcome obstacles and celebrate successes.

By focusing on these areas and always keeping in mind your why (even if it changes), you can build a fulfilling and impactful career. Your unique talents and instincts are what will make your work stand out, so embrace them fully and let them guide your path.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who is curious, emotive, and adventurous. They have a whimsical side, a love for nostalgia, and a romantic soul. They’re the kind of person who gets lost in stories of life and love and appreciates the beauty of imperfection. They seek authenticity in everything they do and understand the value of romanticizing life.

I love working with clients who aren’t afraid to explore new ideas and embrace the unexpected. They bring a sense of wonder and excitement to every project, and their passion for life is contagious. These clients are open to creativity and aren’t afraid to let their emotions guide them.

If you’re someone who cherishes memories, loves a good story, and finds beauty in the little things, then we’d be a perfect match. Let’s create something magical together, something that truly reflects who you are and what you love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://koaandkaiphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/koaandkaiphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koaandkaiphotography

Image Credits

Koa + Kai Photography LLC