We were lucky to catch up with Anastasiia Soltysiak recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasiia, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

It all started when I was 18 and could spend hours in Photoshop editing photos. I loved it—bringing images to life, playing with colors and details. It wasn’t just a hobby; it felt like something I could get lost in.
At the time, though, I was earning a living doing permanent makeup. I did that for about 13 years, and while it was steady work, I started feeling like I needed a change. I wanted to do something different, something more creative that felt more “me.”

In 2018, I decided to try filming videos. I started with just my phone and quickly fell in love with the process. I spent about a year filming everything I could, learning, and experimenting. One of the biggest inspirations for me during this time was my close friend Julia. She became my muse and supported me in every way. She was always up for any shoot I wanted to try, no matter how crazy or experimental my ideas were. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to keep going and growing.

Eventually, I felt the need to take things to the next level. Even though phones can produce great results, I dreamed of working with a camera. Around 2019 or 2020, I finally got my first camera, and that’s when everything clicked. It felt like a fresh start. I dove into photography and videography, learning as much as I could and developing my own style.

What started as a hobby has now become my passion and my career. It’s something that brings me joy every day, and I’m forever grateful to my friend for believing in me and helping me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! I’m Anastasiia @nastyasolt, a photographer and videographer. I specialize in capturing authentic moments and bringing my clients’ unique visions to life through photos and videos. My work is fueled by a deep love for creativity, a commitment to quality, and the belief that everyone’s story deserves to be told beautifully.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive equipment to start. You can begin with what you have – even just a phone – and upgrade as your business grows and generates income. Of course, if you have savings, it’s helpful to invest in better gear right away as it can make the workflow easier. However, the tools you need depend on your style and the results you aim to deliver. For example, there are lenses for $100 that can produce amazing results, and even second-hand cameras can be a great option to start your journey.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t just about inspiration – it’s a mix of hard work, patience, and constant learning. While it may seem like we just “feel” our way through projects, there’s a lot of trial and error, problem-solving, and refining behind the scenes. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s deeply rewarding.

Another challenge is the emotional investment we put into our work. Each photo or video isn’t just a product – it’s a piece of ourselves, our vision, and our interpretation of someone else’s story. That’s why we pour so much effort into making it perfect.

For anyone stepping into a creative journey, I’d say this: it’s not about being “gifted” or knowing everything from the start – it’s about persistence, passion, and being open to growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soltphv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solt.phv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solt.phv