We recently connected with Tatiana Valerie and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Tatiana 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?
Where Do I Get My Work Ethic From?
People often ask me where my strong work ethic comes from, and the answer is rooted in my upbringing. I was born and raised in Eastern Europe, where the cultural and educational systems set a very high standard for children from an early age.
One of the most interesting examples of this difference lies in something as simple as writing tools. Did you know that in Eastern Europe, children in preschool and elementary school typically use pens, not pencils? Mistakes weren’t meant to be erased or corrected; they simply weren’t supposed to happen. The expectation was clear: what we wrote needed to be perfect from the start. This wasn’t just about neat handwriting—it was about discipline, focus, and the mindset that mistakes could and should be avoided through effort and precision.
In contrast, the approach in the United States reflects a different cultural perspective. Here, children are encouraged to use pencils, because making mistakes is seen as a normal part of learning and growth. Mistakes are erasable, a signal that it’s okay to start over, try again, and improve.
While there’s something beautiful about embracing the freedom to fail and learn, the environment I grew up in emphasized a different value: accountability. From a very young age, I was held responsible for my actions, my work, and the standards I was expected to meet. This sense of accountability shaped me deeply and instilled in me a belief that great work ethic is essential to success in life.
This foundation has stayed with me throughout my career. The idea that excellence comes from focus, preparation, and accountability drives the way I approach my work. While I’ve come to appreciate the balance of learning from mistakes, I carry forward that core principle: to aim for the best possible outcome in everything I do.
So when people ask about my work ethic, I think back to those days of writing with a pen, where precision, effort, and accountability mattered. It’s a reminder of where I started and why I work the way I do today.
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?
My Story and My Focus Professionally
I am the founder of ApplePix Pro, a media production company providing B2B photo and video services for corporate clients (corporatephotovideo.com). I’m also the creator of ArtVesta Studio (artvestastudio.com), my luxury wedding and event photo and video brand, serving clients who value elegance, artistry, and timeless storytelling.
My journey started in Ukraine, where I grew up in a culture that instilled a deep sense of discipline, precision, and accountability—values that continue to influence the way I approach my work.
I started my own company because I noticed a clear gap in the photography and media production market. On one hand, there were incredibly talented photographers who lacked the organizational and business skills to run a reliable operation. On the other hand, there were companies with exceptional marketing and business acumen, but they didn’t always deliver the most creative or high-quality results.
Having an artistic background paired with a Master’s degree in economics and marketing, I wanted to blend the best of both worlds: a studio that is known for great work ethics, reliability, exceptional quality, and fair pricing. That’s the foundation on which I’ve built both ApplePix Pro and ArtVesta Studio.
What Excites Me About My Work
What excites me most is the opportunity to tell raw, emotional, and authentic stories through my lens. Whether it’s capturing a luxury wedding with ArtVesta Studio or producing engaging, high-quality media for a corporate brand with ApplePix Pro, I believe in delivering work that is timeless, meaningful, and impactful.
At ArtVesta Studio, my focus remains on creating classic, clean imagery—the kind of photos and videos that will look just as beautiful decades from now. I’m deeply committed to capturing fleeting, genuine moments with precision and artistry.
At ApplePix Pro, my goal is to help businesses communicate their stories, enhance their brand presence, and connect with their audience through professional, polished, and engaging media.
Exciting News
Recently, I was honored to be featured on MSN as one of the top 10 photographers to follow in 2024. I’m also expanding my collaborations with corporate partners and wedding vendors to produce high-quality content for social media and marketing purposes. This direction allows me to merge creativity with strategic storytelling, helping businesses and couples alike shine through photo and video.
At the core of everything I do, my mission is simple: to go beyond “good enough” and deliver work that reflects great ethics, artistry, and reliability—whether for businesses, weddings, or special events.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities and skills have been the most impactful in my professional journey:
1. Discipline and Accountability
Growing up in Ukraine, discipline and accountability were ingrained in me from a young age. I was taught to take responsibility for my actions and strive for excellence in everything I do. This mindset has been a cornerstone of my career—meeting deadlines, delivering consistent quality, and holding myself to the highest standards, no matter the project.
Advice: For those early in their journey, practice discipline in small, manageable ways. Start by honoring your commitments, whether it’s showing up on time, meeting project deadlines, or consistently improving your skills. Accountability builds trust, and trust is invaluable in any business.
2. Balancing Creativity with Business Acumen
I realized early on that success as a creative professional requires more than talent—it demands strong business skills. My Master’s degree in economics and marketing gave me the foundation to not only produce great work but also to run a successful studio. Understanding marketing, sales, and client management allowed me to bridge the gap I noticed in the industry: talented creatives who struggled with business and organized businesses that lacked artistic quality.
Advice: If you’re a creative, invest in learning the basics of business—whether it’s marketing, pricing your work, or client communication. Books, courses, and mentors are excellent resources. Conversely, if you’re business-minded, make room for creativity and innovation. The ability to blend both worlds is what sets you apart.
3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving
The photography and media production industries are fast-paced, and no two events, weddings, or projects are the same. Challenges can (and will) arise: weather issues, equipment malfunctions, last-minute client requests—you name it. My ability to stay calm, adapt, and solve problems on the spot has been critical to my success and my clients’ satisfaction.
Advice: Develop your adaptability by embracing challenges as opportunities to learn. When something goes wrong, ask yourself: How can I fix this? What can I learn from this situation? Over time, you’ll build confidence in your ability to problem-solve, and clients will trust you more for it.
For those just starting their journey, my advice is simple:
Be disciplined and show up for yourself and others.
Learn the business side of your craft—it’s just as important as your talent.
Stay adaptable and resourceful, because challenges are inevitable, but growth happens when you rise to meet them.
Success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent, reliable, and committed to continuous improvement.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Who Has Been Most Helpful in My Journey
The people who have been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the qualities I needed for success are my grandparents. They were my pillars of strength and the source of the unconditional love that shaped me into who I am today.
My middle name, Claudia, is a tribute to my grandmother. When I became a U.S. citizen, I chose to change my legal name to honor my family heritage. My original Ukrainian last name was difficult for many to pronounce, so I adopted my father’s first name – Valeriy – as my last name, which became Valerie. In this small way, I carried both my father’s and my grandmother’s legacies forward with me.
What my grandparents gave me went far beyond practical skills or advice. They provided me with what I needed most: a safe, accepting space, a place where I was always loved, no matter what. That emotional foundation gave me the strength and resilience to pursue my dreams, knowing that even if I stumbled, I had a place to fall back on.
Even though they are no longer with us, their love lives on in my heart. In moments of crisis or despair, I still find comfort in the mental, virtual place they created for me – a space of love, support, and calm. It’s as if they are still holding me up, whispering words of encouragement when I need them the most.
Their presence in my life taught me that success isn’t just about skill, discipline, or ambition. It’s also about having the emotional strength to keep going, and for me, that strength came from the deep love my grandparents gave me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.applepix.com , www.artvestastudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artvestastudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/artvestastudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatiana-valerie/
Image Credits
Tatiana Valerie
