We recently connected with Katrin Kocsis and have shared our conversation below.

Katrin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I remember very clearly one particular day I was sprawled on my apartment floor, feeling completely overwhelmed.

It was an uphill battle every day – I was barely making money and didn’t have many clients. I tried to stay productive every day, but always felt it wasn’t good enough. I ended up overworking myself to burnout, and I still couldn’t see any results. I thought about my friends back home with ‘regular’ jobs, I thought of the concerned looks from my family asking me when I’m going home.

I stared at the ceiling trying to fight back tears, and I really asked myself – how do I want to build my life, what do I want to spend my time on, and what battles would I rather fight? Because no matter what decision I made, it wouldn’t be easy. I thought about if my friends back home were all that much happier than I was, or if the grass was greener on the other side. I shrugged off the guilt and shame of pursuing the path that I felt was right for me. I took a step back and looked at all the progress I had made up until that moment.

This was not just a one time struggle, and there have been so many moments where I have felt panic to fall back into what is comfortable and what feels safe. But I intentionally chose to continue along this path for as long as it makes sense to ME, not anybody else, just to ME. And now when I look at the progress I’ve made, I feel so satisfied and proud of myself. I’m still not exactly where I want to be, but I finally can see the results of sticking to my decision to build something of my own.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Katrin Kocsis, and I’m a freelance photographer from Toronto, Canada, currently based in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. I hold a Masters in Documentary Media, where I developed a deep appreciation for the impact of visual storytelling and the ways in which narratives are shaped and presented. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on exploring the history of the Caribbean region and its significant role in shaping the contemporary world, despite its frequent underrepresentation and erasure in traditional literature.

Presently, I sustain myself as a freelance photographer and videographer in a rapidly expanding beach town on the north coast of the island. I bring a genuine and dedicated approach to each client, ensuring that every person or business I work with understands that by choosing my services, I provide a platform for them to express the stories they wish to convey through my camera lens.

In my leisure time, I pursue personal projects aligned with my interests and educational background, seeking out stories around the island that captivate me.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

One thing I’ve learned as a freelancer is that the most successful way to guarantee a steady stream of income is to capitalize on all of the skills and opportunities I have at my disposal.

Because of the fluctuating nature of my photography business, I also work in property management which is a simple way to make extra income in the place I live.

That has also led me to gain more clients for real estate photography, which opened up a whole new stream of income for me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The ultimate goal I have for myself is to be able to provide for myself financially and live comfortably (humbly, but comfortable) while combining all of the skills and passions that I’ve gained along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kayteekayphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaytee.photo/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNi6OoidvK09VDbVW2J0wkw

Image Credits

Katrin Kocsis