Meet Vira Aguirre

We recently connected with Vira Aguirre and have shared our conversation below.

Vira, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Let’s not forget, we are only human. And as humans, we get tired, overwhelmed, and burned out.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been creative: spending endless hours cutting pictures out of magazines and assembling them into murals, drawing, coming up with clever ways to overcome obstacles, and so on. One common thing in all of this was that I would always step back, take a break, and look at my work from different angles. When I returned to my projects, I’d come back with a fresh perspective, a new opinion, or sometimes an even better idea.

The same applies to product photography today. To keep creativity alive, I take breaks.

And I’m not just talking about taking a day off from social media or skipping a day in the studio. I mean a complete break—no client work, no creating, just time to recharge. We, as creative individuals, need space for clarity.

My most recent vacation was a full week long, and when I returned, I was brimming with ideas—not just any ideas but a clear vision for what’s next for my business and studio.

This is what helps me stay creative and continue helping my clients and their brands grow!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the proud founder of CAT IN THE SOUP STUDIO – a product photography business, based in Greeley, CO that represents years of hard work, persistence, and an unwavering love for creativity. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am today. When I first started, I spent all my free time in my studio, experimenting with food photography, skincare products, or anything I could find around the house.

Reaching out to brands in the beginning was tough. I offered free images in exchange for their products to build my portfolio, but I faced a lot of rejection. Despite the challenges, I stayed committed, learning from every experience and kept working on my skills.

Today, I specialize in creating vibrant, professional product photography that helps brands stand out. Every shot is carefully crafted to make products look relatable to my client’s target audience. My goal is to capture the essence of each brand in a way that’s eye-catching, unique, and memorable. Whether it’s a skincare line or any beautifully crafted product, I tailor each shoot to align with the brand’s story and values.

What excites me most is knowing that my work not only brings joy but also real value. Exceptional product photography is more than just aesthetics; it’s a powerful marketing tool that builds trust, strengthens brand identity, and drives sales. Helping my clients attract their ideal audience and grow their businesses is the most rewarding part of what I do.

At Cat in the Soup Studio, every photo tells a story, and I’m passionate about making each one count. This year, I’m focused on expanding my studio, working with more brands that align with my vision, and continuing to refine my craft to create even more compelling visuals. Helping brands thrive in a competitive market drives everything I do, and I’m excited to see what’s next!

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?

Here are my top 3 areas that are most impactful and important:

1. Never Give Up

I faced significant rejection when reaching out to brands but I didn’t give up. Instead, I used the setbacks as learning opportunities, continuously improving my skills and staying focused on my goals.

Advice: Rejections are inevitable, but they can be stepping stones to success if approached as learning experiences. Set clear goals and remind yourself why you started, especially during tough times.

2. Creative Thinking

I made the most of what I had, practicing with whatever products were available in my home and refining my skills through trial and error. This resourcefulness helped me build a strong foundation and develop a distinctive style.

Advice: Start with what you have. You don’t need the best equipment or perfect circumstances to begin – practice and experiment with what’s accessible to you. Over time, your creativity and skills will evolve.

3. Adaptability

I dedicated time to perfecting my skills, learning from each project, and tailoring my work to each brand’s story and values. My ability to adapt and refine my approach has been key to my success.

Advice: Prioritize continuous learning and improvement. Take time to understand the specific needs of your clients or industry and adapt your skills to meet them. Invest in honing your craft and be open to constructive feedback – it’s essential for growth.

For those just starting out, remember that progress often comes from persistence, creativity, and a willingness to adapt and grow. Stay patient with yourself, and trust that every step, even the challenging ones.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is an established, forward-thinking skincare, beauty, fragrance, or wellness brand with a strong market presence and a clear vision. These brands value high-quality visuals not only for their aesthetic appeal but also as a powerful tool for storytelling and addressing their audience’s needs. They understand that impactful photography is an investment that drives engagement, builds trust, and converts viewers into loyal customers.

What sets my ideal client apart is their collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. They come to me with clear goals, ready to share their brand story, values, and creative vision. They recognize that my role goes beyond creating beautiful imagery – I bring their vision to life in a way that deeply resonates with their audience.

I particularly enjoy working with clients who are thoughtful planners – brands that reach out well in advance to ensure their campaigns are executed seamlessly. My ideal client is respectful, professional, and values the time, expertise, and creativity I bring to the table. They prioritize quality over shortcuts and trust my pricing and process because they recognize the lasting value of exceptional content.

Ultimately, my ideal client seeks more than just “pretty pictures.” They want strategic, thoughtful, and impactful photography that helps them stand out, connect deeply with their audience, and grow their presence in a competitive, ever-evolving industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catinthesoupstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catinthesoupstudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vira-aguirre-b47088319/

Image Credits

My headshot was captured by Bailee Campbell from Raw Honey Photo.