Meet Rachel Castillo

We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Castillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of self-discovery and self-compassion. As someone who transitioned from being solely an artist to a business owner, I initially grappled with doubts and insecurities about my capabilities. The pervasive belief in the “starving artist” stereotype only fueled my fears, making it difficult to fully embrace my worth as an entrepreneur. However, through the guidance of mentors, coaches, and a supportive network, I learned to challenge these limiting beliefs and expand my mindset. By reframing my thoughts and focusing on my strengths and accomplishments, I gradually began to silence the voice of self-doubt. Embracing a heart-centered approach to relationship building allowed me to connect with others authentically, fostering a sense of belonging and validation. Through this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I’ve come to realize that I am not an imposter—I am a capable, deserving entrepreneur with a unique perspective and valuable contributions to offer.

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?
In the realm of branding and headshot photography, I have found my niche—a space where I can use my superpower to help people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. As a photographer specializing in empowering curvy women over 45, I have honed my ability to capture authentic images that speak volumes to their dream clients.

Many of my clients come to me feeling unphotogenic or dreading the thought of being photographed. But through a deep dive into their brand values and the art of storytelling, I guide them on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By tapping into symbolism, color theory, lighting, and location, I create images that not only reflect who they are but also resonate with their audience on a subconscious level.

Creating a safe and nurturing space is paramount in my approach. I encourage vulnerability and play, guiding my clients through natural-looking poses and expressions that authentically capture their essence. It’s not just about taking a picture; it’s about creating an experience—one that leaves my clients feeling seen, heard, and empowered.

My passion for empowering curvy women over 45 stems from a deeply personal place. As a curvy woman in my 40s, I understand firsthand the vulnerabilities surrounding being photographed and the complex relationship women have with their bodies. Growing up, I noticed a glaring absence of my own mother in our family photo albums—a realization that sparked a desire to change the narrative.

I believe that every woman deserves to feel beautiful and confident in her own skin, regardless of age or body type. By creating images that celebrate and affirm the beauty of curvy women, I hope to inspire a shift in perception—one where women can see themselves in a new light and embrace their unique beauty with pride.

I am proud to say that my work goes beyond capturing moments; it is a catalyst for transformation—a reminder that every woman is worthy of love, acceptance, and celebration.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful: resilience, adaptability, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. Firstly, resilience has been crucial in overcoming the numerous challenges I’ve faced, from balancing parenthood and education to navigating the transition from artist to business owner. Secondly, adaptability has allowed me to thrive in an ever-changing landscape, whether it’s learning new techniques in photography or mastering the mechanics of running a business. Finally, the ability to build meaningful relationships has been instrumental in my growth, providing support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities consciously. Develop resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning from setbacks rather than letting them discourage you. Foster adaptability by staying open to new ideas, approaches, and technologies, and be willing to pivot when necessary. And prioritize building meaningful relationships by seeking out mentors, networking opportunities, and communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals who can offer support and guidance. Remember that success is not achieved alone—it’s built on a foundation of resilience, adaptability, and meaningful relationships.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth and improvement has been in expanding my mindset and embracing abundance. Working with a mindset coach has been transformative, guiding me to challenge limiting beliefs and recognize my inherent worthiness of abundance. Through this journey, I’ve shifted my perspective from scarcity to abundance, allowing myself to envision and pursue new opportunities with confidence and optimism. This shift has impacted my business AND has permeated into every aspect of my life, empowering me to move forward and make decisions with purpose and intention

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Image with black blazer by KIMBERLY WITORT image with red blazer by MOLLY CONDIT All other images courtesy of RACHEL MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

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