We recently connected with Thevi Cao and have shared our conversation below.

Thevi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The motto for Thevi Studios is, ” Embrace your Identity.” I felt like I had a foot in two different doors growing up. Many first and second-generation Asian-Americans dealt with trying to assimilate to American culture while also preserving their heritage. I started to dive deep into hip hop going into high school. Listening to these artists tell their stories about their struggles trying to break into the industry while remaining authentic helped me deal with my identity crisis. I realized that I shouldn’t be ashamed of having a foot in two different doors; I should embrace it.

My mission for Thevi Studios is to encourage people to take pride in who they are. When I take a picture of any client I am shooting, I want that picture to represent them to the fullest. Another goal is to build a community from different walks of life and tell their stories. Though we may not come from the same background, we all share the same struggles. Having that level of relatability
creates empathetic people who are not as quick to judge others, and we could always use more of those in this world.

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

I grew up in a small town called Fallbrook, located on the border of San Diego and Riverside county. There wasn’t much to do in town, so you played sports or skateboarded. I collected Transworld and Thrasher magazines and would look through all the photos in amazement. I would try to replicate the shots with my point and shoot with lackluster results.

The summer I graduated high school, I purchased my first camera. I was excited to start using my camera, but I started my first year at community college shortly after purchasing it. Due to a family tragedy, I realized that life was too short, and I needed to make a difficult decision to make myself happy. So I dropped out of college to pursue photography. Eight years later, I am thankful to be in a position to pursue my freelance career full-time. Though it is daunting because of the inconsistency of work, it keeps me motivated and cognisant of how I utilize my time.

I cater to most photography needs, from traditional family portraits, graduation photos, engagements, and various types of studio work. My bread and butter is music photography, ranging from doing promo shots to cover art for albums and live shows. I am fascinated with the music scene in San Diego, especially in the House and Techno scene. You will always have a great time, whether at a CRSSD event or a local underground show. All the events I go to feel like a family reunion, and I am thankful to be a part of a community that aligns with my mission for my business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

At the beginning of 2021, the company I was working at was going through significant changes. A change in management within my department shifted the culture in a negative direction. Near the end of the year, my manager kept dangling a carrot in front of me with this “raise.” At this point, I had been working at this company for almost five years and told myself that if they weren’t going to compensate me for the amount of work I did, I would quit.

My manager presented me with this raise, which was a decent bump in pay. He told me that I was capped out and would not see any more significant raises. That was the final straw, and I put in my two-week notice shortly after.

This experience was unpleasant, but it made a tough decision easier to make. I could have stayed at this company for a consistent paycheck or taken the risk to build up my own business. I’m happy that I chose the second choice. I believe that when you commit to something wholeheartedly, the universe will respond positively and guide you to where you want to be.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My end goal in my journey is to start a non-profit in honor of my mom. She is my biggest motivation and always taught my siblings and me to help others every chance we get. Money and fame have their advantages, but leaving a legacy is the most admirable.

Kobe Bryant once said, “You are responsible for how people remember you—or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.” It is essential to live a life where you inspire those around you to be the best version of themselves. That is how you create something that will last forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: thevistudios.com
• Instagram: @thevistudios

Image Credits
Henry Young