We recently connected with Caitlin Ciulla and have shared our conversation below.
Caitlin , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Photography and art have been my creative outlets since first learning about and being diagnosed with ADHD, depression/anxiety, and OCD. I turned my photography passion into a business 12 years ago so since then it’s been challenging to find an outlet or motivation. One of the biggest blessings for my mental health and my business was being thrown into a very slow season. During the slow season my mental health took a plunge but this forced me to take care of my mental health instead of wallowing in it. A few things I discovered that really helped me: getting outside, going on walks, investing in my faith, spending time off of screens, working with my hands, eating right and keeping track of what foods had a negative affect on me, being really disciplined in my daily tasks, and learning to properly rest.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an interior design and brand photographer meaning I photograph primarily for interior designers as well as other businesses (product, food, service related). Photography and interior design have been my two biggest passions since I was a kid. I would spend a majority of my time studying floor plan books and drawing up my own future dream home floor plans, picking out “selections” at the local hardware store, and photographing everything (even things like my backyard fence). I went to college for interior design but soon realized that it wasn’t the profession I wanted. A few years later, while still building my photography portfolio, I decided to dive into the world of interior design photography. It’s been really neat to watch my two passions come together after all those years! The most exciting part about my job is literally getting to walk into homes like the ones I’ve only ever seen in magazines.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Work ethic: Find something you absolutely love, grow your talent, and work hard at it. A strong work ethic is not dead. Rest and relaxation are important but you’ll go far with a really strong work ethic!
Consistency: Deliver quality in everything you do, all the time. If you aren’t consistent, people won’t trust you. And trust goes a long way in any industry.
Communication: This is key. Learn to talk about things, ask questions, and own up to your mistakes. Even if you’re running behind on a project, people appreciate communication rather than being kept in the dark.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I’ve learned to be more present in my season. I used to rush seasons and wish for the next thing to come along. I’ve learned that theres so much growth potential and joy in waiting and being present. Everyday can be beautiful if you let it.
Contact Info:
- Website: caitlinantje.com
- Instagram: caitlinantje
- Facebook: caitlinantje
- Linkedin: Caitlin Antje LLC
Image Credits
Caitlin Antje LLC
