Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Naeesha Aponte. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Naeesha with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up, I always admired how my parents managed to juggle the responsibilities of raising me while still pushing forward in their own lives. They had me when they were both in their teens, and instead of letting that define them or hold them back, they used it as motivation to work even harder. I learned early on that success doesn’t come easily, and it’s all about persistence and independence. My mom instilled in me the value of standing on my own two feet and never relying on anyone else to make things happen. She taught me that hard work, no matter your age or situation, will always open doors—something I carry with me every day. My mom’s resilience and work ethic are woven into the fabric of who I am, and I’m endlessly grateful for the example my parents set.
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?
At 18, I knew college wasn’t for me. I was never the academic type—always more interested in capturing the moments through my lens. Photography was something I’d loved since I was young, but it wasn’t until I stepped away from the traditional path that I realized it was my calling. I picked up my camera, set my sights on building a life and business from it, and never looked back. Fourteen years later, I still can’t believe how far I’ve come. My business, Chosen Photo, grew from the ground up, and I’ve had the privilege of focusing on family photography—capturing maternity, newborns, and those precious cake smash moments. As I look ahead to 2025, I’m setting a new goal: it’s all about “taking the photos” and creating new memories. One of my biggest messages is the importance of preserving those moments with your loved ones. Life moves fast, and at the end of the day, all we have left are the photos to remember it all. Giving families those forever memories is by far the best part of my job. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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?
When I started my business, I had no support, no following, and frankly, no blueprint for success—just a goal. But that goal became my driving force, and it’s what’s helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. My first and biggest strength is my motivation. Even when things got tough, I kept pushing forward because I was driven by my vision. Next is consistency—it’s honestly my secret weapon. I firmly believe that consistency is key, not just in business but in all aspects of life. I tell everyone this: if you’re committed to your goals, you have to show up, everyday, no matter the obstacles. Finally, patience has been essential in this journey. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and I’ve learned to trust the process, knowing that steady progress will lead to meaningful results. These three qualities—motivation, consistency, and patience—have been the pillars of my business, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.Starting a business is not easy, and the road to success is often paved with challenges. To new business owners, here’s my best advice: never give up. It’s going to get tough, and there will be times when you question everything, but pushing through is where the magic happens. Keep your foot on the gas—never sleep on your dreams. Push, push, push, even when you feel like you’ve hit a wall. Set goals, crush them, and then set even bigger ones. Every milestone you hit is just a stepping stone to the next level. You have to be relentless if you want to see the results you’re hoping for. Trust in your process, stay consistent, and remember: if you don’t give up, success is inevitable. Keep climbing, and don’t ever stop.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Running a photography business has been an incredible journey, but one of my biggest obstacles has been learning to set boundaries. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and feel like I need to be available to clients 24/7 to provide top-notch customer service. But over time, I realized that constantly overextending myself was taking a toll on my mental health. There’s this pressure to always say “yes” and keep everyone happy, but I’ve come to understand that good customer service isn’t just about being available all the time—it’s about being present, focused, and providing my best work. Setting boundaries has been a game-changer for me. It’s allowed me to show up for my clients in a way that doesn’t sacrifice my own well-being, and I’ve noticed that my creativity and energy have actually improved because of it. It’s a tough balance, but I’m learning that taking care of myself first means I can take better care of my business, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chosenphotollc.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: chosen_photo
Image Credits
all images were taken by me: Chosen Photo LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
