Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sofia Paloma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sofia, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
To be successful, you need to be fearless—ready to take risks and act even when you’re scared. You need faith—faith in yourself, in your vision, and in the process. Success doesn’t come without challenges, but it comes to those who persevere, adapt, and stay focused on their goals, no matter the obstacles.
Remember, the most successful people are often the ones who keep going when everyone else gives up. So, trust yourself, stay consistent, and don’t let fear or criticism hold you back. The journey might be tough, but the rewards will be worth it.
Looking back on my journey, I realize that everything I’ve accomplished wasn’t on the traditional list of things I “needed” to do in order to be successful. Success, as I’ve learned, isn’t always linear, and it doesn’t always follow a set plan. Sometimes, the greatest achievements come when you’re open to the unexpected opportunities that come your way.
Today, I’m proud to say that I’m a contributing author in three incredible books:
Business Diva : A project that allowed me to share my business insights, struggles, and triumphs alongside other empowering women.
Hispanic Star: A celebration of the Hispanic community’s achievements and contributions, a project close to my heart that honors our community.
Warrior Women: A powerful book highlighting the strength, resilience, and stories of women who have fought to create a space for themselves in a world that often underestimates them. None of this was ever on my list of goals, but here I am, looking back with gratitude and awe at how far I’ve come. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m excited for what the future holds.
What I’ve learned throughout this journey is that success isn’t always about following a checklist or sticking to a formula. It’s about seizing opportunities when they arise, trusting yourself even when the path is unclear, and having the faith to keep moving forward when things seem uncertain. Life, and business, often don’t unfold as we expect. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected twists that lead us to the most fulfilling destinations. I didn’t know that writing books would be part of my story. I didn’t know that my photos would be on the cover of a magazine. But what I did know is that I wanted to make an impact, and I was determined to find my voice and share it with the world. Success is about growth, learning from every step (and misstep), and remaining open to the opportunities that might not be on your radar. It’s about the courage to pursue what’s true to you, even when it doesn’t fit into the mold you thought it would.
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.
Hi, I’m Sofia Paloma, a Latina photographer based in Chicago and the owner of Fotografía by Sofia. I specialize in capturing meaningful moments, from family events and business functions to professional headshots and more. I also travel to my clients, ensuring that their vision is brought to life, no matter where they are. As the oldest of three siblings—Miguel and Samuel—and with a dog named Juno, I’ve always been surrounded by family, laughter, and lots of memories. Growing up, I was fascinated by old family photos. I’d flip through albums, asking questions like, “Who’s this?” or laughing, “This looks like Tía or Tío, and that’s definitely your cousin!” It was during these moments that I developed a deep fascination with how photos can preserve memories, tell stories, and freeze moments in time. It wasn’t until college that I truly discovered photography as my passion. For a creative course, I chose photography—and little did I know, that decision would ignite a love that grew far beyond the classroom.
The turning point came when I was gifted my first camera for my 18th birthday. From that moment, I knew I had found something that I loved. One of the most defining projects of my college years was capturing the story of the neighborhood where my family grew up in Chicago. It was through this project that I truly understood the power of photography. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about telling stories. Every photo holds a piece of history: where you were, when it happened, and who you were with. Each image preserves the essence of a moment that will never come again. After that, I began taking photos at family gatherings, with friends, and just for fun. Over time, I also developed a love for photographing nature, architecture, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago. I also love to travel, and one of my dreams is to explore the world, capturing moments and stories from across the globe. What started as a simple hobby quickly evolved into a way for me to preserve memories and capture the beautiful details of life. Every time I look back at those photos, I’m reminded not just of the people and places I’ve encountered, but of the stories they continue to tell.
Fast forward seven years, and I officially launched Fotografía by Sofia. Today, I’m proud to be known for my work with businesses, families, and professional headshots for entrepreneurs and creatives. One of the proudest moments of my career was seeing my work featured in Chicago Latina Magazine and displayed on a billboard at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Having my photos published and showcased on a magazine cover was a huge honor and a reminder of how far I’ve come as a woman of color in both the creative and business worlds. What sets my photography apart is that it’s more than just a business—it’s my passion. I’m committed to giving back to my community, supporting nonprofit organizations around Chicago, and using my work to uplift others. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing Fotografía by Sofia, potentially landing contracts with well-known corporations, while always staying true to my commitment to give back. I’m also passionate about helping aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those who may not have access to the resources they need—find their own path or know where to start, and connect with others who can help them achieve their goals.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Currently, I still have a full-time job that helps fund Fotografía by Sofia. Starting a business takes both patience and persistence, and my full-time job has been essential in supporting my entrepreneurial journey. It’s true what they say: your full-time job can help fund your business until you’re able to generate enough income on your own. Once your business is consistently covering your expenses, that’s when you can think about making the leap to full-time entrepreneurship. For now, I’m focused on growing Fotografía by Sofia, and I’m grateful for the stability my job provides as I work toward making my business my sole focus.
One of the things I love most about my photography business is the ability to travel to my clients. Whether it’s for family events, business functions, or professional headshots, I bring my full setup to ensure every session is a success. Over the years, I’ve invested in all the necessary equipment—lighting, backdrops, flashes—and even the small, often-overlooked essentials like extension cords, an iron for smoothing out backdrops, and sandbags to secure cords and prevent any accidents. These details may seem small, but they ensure that every shoot goes smoothly, and that my clients get the highest-quality results, no matter where the session takes place.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
At the heart of Fotografía by Sofia is my mission to give back in every way I can. Whether it’s helping young photographers find their path or supporting my community in meaningful ways, I truly believe in the power of lifting others up.
Building a business, especially as a photographer, comes with its challenges, and I want to be a resource for those just starting out. My goal is to offer guidance, mentorship, and support—creating a sense of community and reminding others that no one has to do this alone. I want to inspire the next generation to dream big and understand that not only is it possible, but it’s okay to dream without limits. Your dreams are valid, and become anything you want to be. All it takes is hard work, faith, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fotografiabysofia.smugmug.com/?fbclid=IwAR2OuyW24JCo4w6-6kdIYzg446eC-bjPIYyAiRNWXhLgtsODKUt4Yayjw1U
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotografia.by.sofia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/FotografiabySofia/61554906794086/
Image Credits
Sofia Paloma: Fotografia By Sofia