We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mateo Duchier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mateo below.
Hi Mateo, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
Tess and I met while traveling through Sri Lanka, both deeply passionate about photography. As we explored new places, we found a unique way to fund our travels…surf photography. Working at stunning surf resorts in remote destinations, we captured unforgettable moments for guests because, really, who wouldn’t want a photo of themselves riding waves on the trip of a lifetime?
As our portfolio grew, we started reaching out to brands we loved, offering to trade photos and videos for items like stylish surf suits or handcrafted jewelry. This not only expanded our creative work but also sparked a new passion;Tess stepped in front of the camera as a model, while I honed my skills behind it.
Eventually, we settled in Tess’s hometown of Lahaina, Maui, ready to plant roots. But just a few months later, COVID hit, and we both lost our jobs. I found myself digging trenches under the scorching Lahaina sun for Tess’s uncle’s construction company. Hard, exhausting work that made me question my path. Although we had both gone to college and worked in the medical field, neither of us felt drawn to that career anymore.
That’s when it hit me-why not turn our passion into a business? We had spent years building a portfolio by collaborating with small businesses, and now, we could use it to launch a creative agency. Without telling anyone, we took the leap, reaching out to brands around the world. To our surprise, the response was overwhelming!
One of our first big clients was CamelBak, and I still remember the thrill of knowing a major brand wanted to work with us. From that moment, Tess and I became a true creative team—I handled photography, videography, and editing, while she took charge as our lead model, stylist, and creative director.
After just a year, Hawaiian Lifestyle Studio took off, and we haven’t looked back since. We’ve worked with hundreds of businesses, both big and small, near and far, pushing ourselves to new heights every step of the way. Looking back on how it all started, we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built—a business born from passion, perseverance, and the love of storytelling through our lens.
Mateo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
At Hawaiian Lifestyle Studio, we go beyond just capturing stunning visuals—we bring creative visions to life. Whether you’re a small business or a major brand, we handle every detail, from concept development and talent coordination to location scouting, wardrobe selection, and props.
Our services span across photography and videography, covering everything from brand content and marketing to family portraits, weddings, elopements, surf and water photography, and more. Few photography businesses offer such a wide range of services, and we take pride in keeping our pricing affordable, making professional content accessible to all. Quality content is essential for every business, and we’re here to help you stand out.
One of the things that sets us apart is our incredibly fast turnaround time. Most clients receive their photos and videos within the same week, sometimes even within 14 days, a rarity in this industry. So if you’re on a tight deadline, we’ve got you covered!
When it comes to editing styles, we don’t box ourselves into one aesthetic. We lean toward bright, airy, and natural tones, but we’re also flexible and adaptable to achieve the specific vibe you envision.
When you work with us, you’re supporting a family business. We’re a husband-and-wife team with a young baby, and we pour our hearts into every project. Behind the scenes, we work tirelessly to ensure the best experience for our clients because we genuinely care about your success.
Let’s create something incredible together!
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
At Hawaiian Lifestyle Studio, client satisfaction is everything. We foster brand loyalty by putting our clients first—no task is too big or too small, and as I like to say, “your wish is my command!” We work closely with each client, ensuring clear communication about their needs and expectations. If there’s ever something outside our scope, we’re upfront about it and always find the best possible solution.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to retain many of our original clients for nearly five years, a testament to the strong relationships we’ve built. We send out occasional newsletters with exciting updates, but more often than not, our clients stay connected through social media, keeping up with our journey and returning for more.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is waking up every day and doing what I love. What started as a creative outlet has become my full-time career—one that allows me to set my own schedule, provide for my family, and make time for the things that matter. Not many people can step away from work in the middle of the day to catch a few waves, but I’m grateful that I can!
Even more exciting is that this career still lets me travel for a good part of the year, often to remote destinations—while getting paid to create!
That said, it’s not always easy. We put an incredible amount of time and energy into our work. There are moments when I envy friends who can simply clock in and out without taking their work home late into the night. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it—because I wouldn’t trade this passion-driven life for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hawaiianlifestylestudio.com
- Instagram: @hawaiianlifestylestudio
- Linkedin: Hawaiian Lifestyle Studio
- Youtube: Hawaiian Lifestyle Studio
Image Credits
First picture of us in wedding dress by: Bree from Parallel 33 photography