We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paola Carleo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paola below.

Paola, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I have always been a creative person, deeply passionate about beauty and connecting with others. While I was working as an account executive at Saatchi and Saatchi in Milan, I had a realization: I needed a creative outlet. I was particularly fascinated by the agency’s creative department. This realization led me back to Los Angeles, where inspiration and creativity abound. There, I began studying graphic design and photography. I’m also an actress, and I find immense joy in working with people and telling stories.

When I had my first child, I started capturing moments through photography. This continued with my second child, both of whom are now part of the entertainment industry. Despite being a photographer, graphic designer, and actress, I’ve also embraced the role of a stage mom. Working with kids and capturing their essence became my passion. Having a deep understanding of the entertainment business, I decided to specialize in children’s portraits and headshots.

Simultaneously, I co-run a graphic design studio with my friend and partner, Sara. For over a decade, we’ve been helping companies build and design their brand identities. What I do for graphic design mirrors what I do for headshots photography: I assist in creating their unique personal branding.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Paola, a wife, mother, and visual artist, finding my home between the distinct realities of Rome and Los Angeles. These two environments offer me diverse perspectives and inspire my creative vision. Photography and design fuel my passion. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family, cooking together, and taking leisurely strolls along the beautiful beach.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I manage two social media accounts: @paolacarleo reflects my life as an actress and personal experiences, while @berrybeephoto showcases my photography portfolio. My primary focus is on @paolacarleo, where I share insights into my life, work, and family. On my photography account, I connect with mainly women who share a passion for photography, including clients. I’m part of a women photographer community, and I engage in photo contests, and various instagram activities. Being part of this community provides me with valuable support. Additionally, my Instagram page serves as a platform to showcase my photography style and track my progress and changes over time. Many of my clients discover my work through Instagram, emphasizing the importance of social media for my business.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My primary source of new clients undoubtedly comes from my collaborations with entertainment agencies and my active involvement in the entertainment industry, along with referrals from friends and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://berrybeestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berrybeephoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolacarleo/
• Other: personal instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paolacarleo/

Image Credits
Ettore James Baccari, Dante Chris Baccari, Isabel & Annabel Fan, Abu León