We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Cunanan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I’ve taken significant risks both as a Freelance Photographer and as a co-founder of the Women in Business Collective. First, let me talk about my journey as a photographer. The creative field, especially photography, is incredibly saturated, making it easy to doubt your decision to pursue it as a career. However, after graduating a year early from SDSU with a marketing degree this past May, I felt I owed it to myself to take that leap. I wanted to use this year to embrace risks and explore new opportunities.

I knew that choosing this path came with uncertainty—especially regarding job security compared to a conventional 9 to 5. I weighed the risks: Would I jeopardize my chances of landing a full-time position? Would I miss out on diving straight into my marketing career? Was I putting the hard work I put into my degree at risk? Yet, in just six months, I’ve gained invaluable experience as a photographer. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot events like the Insomniac Music Horizon Festival and work with artists such as Marshmello and Brody Jenner. I’ve also collaborated with social media stars like Sienna Mae and Brynn Rumfallo, as well as brands like JuneShine and various local businesses in San Diego and LA.

I won’t lie; taking risks is challenging, and the temptation to step back from photography often crosses my mind. But I remind myself to keep moving forward, one step at a time. I trust that my dedication will ultimately lead to rewarding outcomes.

Not only did I take a risk as a photographer, but I’m also embarking on a new journey as a co-founder of a Women in Business Collective. This past August, my friends Talia, Kendra, and I launched this initiative with the goal of establishing a national organization for women in business clubs at colleges. While starting a business certainly presents its challenges, I believe that passion helps to mitigate those risks. When you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your goals, it empowers you to face the obstacles that arise along the way!

I firmly believe in the quote, “Everything that is slow to grow is long to last.” In that gradual journey, you must become comfortable with taking risks. However, if you act with intention and dedication, success becomes nearly guaranteed.

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.

Like a lot of creatives, I started out in photography as a hobby. I just loved capturing moments. My drive comes from a real passion for the art. Sure, I’m proud of the photos I’ve taken, but what really means the most to me are the stories and memories I’ve been able to share. Whether it’s a personal moment I capture or a memory I help preserve for someone else, that feeling is something else!

I’d say my passion for photography isn’t always linear. I definitely go through phases where I’m all in, and other times when I dread picking up the camera. But I’ve found that no matter how much I try to step away, an opportunity always finds its way back into my life. It’s totally okay to take breaks—especially as a creative. Sometimes you need that space from the work to recharge and come up with fresh ideas.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As a photographer, I try to schedule one or two unpaid shoots each month. It gives me the creative freedom to experiment and work with people outside my usual client circle. Having fresh concepts and faces on my socials often leads to more opportunities and new people discovering my page. I’ve noticed that after doing a free shoot, I usually end up with a few clients wanting to book!

Turning your hobby into a job can sometimes make it feel like it’s no longer about the fun, but just about the money. It’s important to always remember to create art for yourself, too.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Circling back to my experience starting Women in Business Collective, I met my co-founders, Talia and Kendra, while we were all at San Diego State University. We were deeply involved in the SDSU Women in Business club throughout our college years. We saw this experience as more than just a college club; it was a community we were passionate about. Unlike most clubs, Women in Business never became a national organization with unified chapters across schools. After graduating this past May, we decided to change that by launching Women in Business Collective. Our goal is to grow it into the national organization for all Women in Business chapters across the country!

Going into college, I never would have imagined I’d leave with such inspiring friends—let alone business partners!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kaylacunanan – https://www.instagram.com/kaylacunanan/ @wib.collective – https://www.instagram.com/wib.collective/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylacunanan/