Meet Anastasiia Gaines

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anastasiia Gaines a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasiia , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from the people around me. I love meeting new people and being inspired by their journey and stories. Hearing about others’ passions reminds me that everybody has challenges and triumphs, but it’s important to cherish the small moments of life. Traveling is also a big motivator for me. Experiencing different cultures in various cities and in nature reminds me to stay motivated, present, and appreciate life.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a photographer and videographer. I love working in the food and beverage space the most out of any category, and of course the people behind them. For me, it’s not just about taking pictures — it’s about capturing the story and passion of creators. I get excited when I can successfully help a business convey their story in a way that feels unique, real, and makes others want to be part of it.

I recently moved to Las Vegas and I’m building new connections here while still working with my longtime clients in Los Angeles and other cities around the U.S. What feels special about my work is that I always try to combine creativity with purpose — I want my photos and videos to be beautiful, but also have a greater purpose for the people I work with.

Right now, I’m especially inspired by the hospitality scene in Vegas and the energy of people I meet here. It’s a really cool city with a tight knit community. I’m looking forward to connecting with more people and immersing myself in the creative beast that is Las Vegas!

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?

I’m a self-taught photographer and videographer. In the beginning, I didn’t have the opportunity to pay for formal education, so I had to learn through practice, mistakes, and observing others – social media videos were also really helpful. Looking back, I think formal training could have been valuable in the process, but self-teaching made me more resourceful and gave me a unique perspective, creating my own vision.

One of the most important qualities I’ve learned is patience — understanding that this is a journey, not a final destination. Your skills will perpetually change and grow, and that’s something to embrace rather than fear.

Another quality is community over competition. Instead of racing against other photographers, I’ve found it much more valuable to connect, share experiences, and grow together as colleagues. Watching others, asking for feedback, and even taking constructive criticism from people whose mindset inspires me has helped me tremendously.

Finally, persistence and adaptability. Creative industries change constantly, and sometimes projects don’t go as planned. Staying consistent, being open to new tools and trends, and not giving up when things feel slow has been crucial in my growth.

For those at the beginning, my advice is: stay curious, invest in relationships, and give yourself permission to grow step by step.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

I began my career during one of the most difficult times of my life — after losing both of my parents three years ago. I had also just moved to the U.S. and was starting to learn English. Starting over in a new country and learning a new language while facing a devastating personal loss was incredibly hard, but I pushed through and tried to be strong. There was a lot of ups and downs but I used the emotional energy and hardship to grow the best I could.

Even though they are no longer here, my parents left me with the most important lessons: to be brave, to love what I do, to stay honest, to stay curious about life, and to remember that it’s too short not to try the things that truly matter to you. Those values continue to guide me every day in both my work and my life.

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