We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sofia Arroyo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sofia below.
Sofia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I grew up in Western Massachusetts, and come from a large Latino family. Everyone has significant others and kids; a family so big you know people are piled out the door when we celebrate holidays together. Growing up, my family was that family that would always find the perfect excuse to throw a party! And these family celebrations were some of my best memories. My childhood was spent looking forward to the next life mile-stone and sharing it with the ones I loved most.
The one thing missing from almost all the mile-stones was the right person to capture those moments for us to relive the “good ol’ times”, over-and-over again! Pictures are truly a timeless gift. Mile-stones are so important, they help highlight our life-story. And that is why the Nikon camera my mom bought me when I was twelve, became a gateway to a much bigger dream of mine. I never fell in love with clicking a button, I fell in love with being able to help others cherish their unforgettable moments for a lifetime.
Since our “two-week” shutdown in 2020, my life has done a complete three-sixty for the better! In the past few years I have moved from Massachusetts to Texas, and then from Texas to California. Lucky enough for me, along the way I met my best friend who became my husband not long after! Throughout that time, my interest in turning my hobby of photography into my career grew stronger. Growing up, I had never considered going into the photography industry. Like any kid, my “dream career” changed often. But one thing all of those interests included was a creative aspect.
Fast forward to April of 2022, Covid is settling down and it seems as though life is slowly starting to fall back into place for everyone. The past few years have been nothing but the strangest turn of events, with the sweetest of outcomes. With the encouragement and support of my husband I took the leap and started my own business. I was beyond scared to take that leap with no business experience at twenty-one years old. But I did my homework, l took classes, read about starting a business and networked with people in photography. I worked hard to launch my business, and before I knew it, I was getting inquiries, my work got published on a magazine cover, and I got opportunities to travel doing what I love most!
My mission and dream for my photography business is to create an atmosphere that allows my clients to express themselves authentically and produce emotion through pictures organically! Every project I work on, I insist on providing nothing less than absolute satisfaction as though you are re-living the moment all over again. More than ever our society is embracing the importance of documenting memorable moments, because a “two-week” shutdown is never two weeks. Photographing families, mothers-to-be, lovers and entrepreneurs wasn’t where I thought I would be when I was twelve, but I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I’ve received from taking the chance and believing in me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
During my photography journey I have worked and collaborated on a variety of different projects and photography sessions. I have photographed charity events, concerts, and have helped entrepreneurs accelerate their business with branding shoots. And along the journey I have met editors, models, musicians and other amazing creatives. I have gotten the oppurtuny of having my work on the front cover of a magazine and have been featured/published in numerous of magazines all within the first year of establishing my business here in Southern California.
Although I value and appreciate every experience that has come my way, what fuels my passion as a photographer is getting to photograph family sessions, motherhood journeys and adorable newborns! I have always cherished getting the opportunity to document someone’s story in a creative way that shows who they are and how they got to that special moment, has become what I love doing most.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The best part of what I do, is helping other’s love themselves and feel beautiful inside and out. I have had mother’s break down in tears because they are just so grateful to have good photos with their spouse or children. I have seen smiles paint across people’s faces when I show them their photos! And it makes my day every time.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
In the early stages of creating my business, I had no clue at how many free resources are available in the photography world! A lot of photographer’s have free educational workshops, videos, webinars and more. I didn’t take advantage of these right away which put me in a financial rut quickly. And not long after I learned that getting a tax adviser and accounting team world be crucial to my success. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn that until way later. Now that some time has passed, I always recommend to newer creators to hire a team to teach you the in’s and out’s of running the backend of their business!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sagestudiosbysofia.com
- Instagram: Sagestudiosbysofia
- Facebook: Sage Studios by Sofia