We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vira Aguirre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vira, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Funny enough, the name of my business didn’t come to me right away. At the start of my journey, my social media profile was simply named vira.productphotography – basic, with no real identity. When I moved to Colorado and had a few slower months, I began working on my first website. I knew the old name wouldn’t fit anymore and wanted something that was (a) unique and (b) reflective of who I am and what I do.

As I brainstormed, I asked myself, “Do I have a specific niche of brands I serve?” The answer was no. I work with so many niche brands, and I love challenging myself to adapt to their unique identities rather than steering them toward my personal style.

Back home in Ukraine, we have a saying, “soup with a cat” that playfully conveys the idea of mixing unexpected elements to create something surprising and unique. I loved how this metaphor aligned with my approach to working with a variety of brands, so I simply added studio to reflect the team I’m building – as I am no longer a one-person show.

By naming my business Cat in the Soup, I embrace inclusivity and versatility. It reflects my ability to blend different elements into cohesive, standout results – like crafting a recipe that surprises and delights. Whether it’s products from different industries, styles, or visions, Cat in the Soup Studio takes all the ingredients my clients provide and transforms them into something extraordinary. It’s unique, memorable, and perfectly aligned with my hands-on approach.

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.

I am the founder of Cat in the Soup Studio, a product photography business based in Northern Colorado. My journey here has been shaped by years of dedication, creativity, and perseverance. When I first started, I spent countless hours in my home studio experimenting with anything I could find – food, skincare products, and everyday items – developing my skills and nurturing my passion for photography.

Reaching out to brands in those early days was far from easy. To build my portfolio, I offered free images in exchange for exposure. Despite the challenges, I stayed determined, continuously improving my craft and learning from every opportunity.

Today, I specialize in creative commercial product photography designed to help brands shine. Each image is carefully tailored to connect with my client’s target audience, capturing the heart of their brand in a way that’s both relatable and visually striking. Whether it’s a skincare collection or a handmade product, I ensure every shoot aligns with the brand’s unique story and values.

What I love most about my work is knowing it creates results. Exceptional product photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images – it’s about helping brands build trust, stand out, and drive sales. Seeing my work contribute to my clients’ success and growth is the most rewarding part of what I do.

At Cat in the Soup Studio, every photo tells a story. This year, my focus is on expanding the studio, collaborating with more brands that share my vision, and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in product photography.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

My journey into photography started as a creative outlet while working a full-time office job. At the time, I lived in Midland, TX, and after work, I’d hit the gym, but weekends often felt dull. My husband worked weekends, so I began experimenting with photography to fill the time. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion. I’d spend hours creating, learning, and challenging myself, and soon, I began working with brands and building a small client base.

When I moved to Colorado, I took another office job. While I continued doing photography on the side, it became harder to keep up with client demand as the job consumed most of my time. Opportunities slipped away, and I began to realize I couldn’t grow the way I wanted unless I fully committed to photography.

In 2024, with the encouragement of my husband, I made the decision. By then, I had three years of experience, consistent clients, and a deep love for product photography. I knew I wasn’t the same photographer I was when I started – I have grown, both in skill and in confidence.

In February 2024, I left my office job and went full-time with Cat in the Soup Studio. I restructured everything: how I onboard clients, manage payments, and handle contracts. My goal wasn’t just to deliver exceptional imagery but also to provide a simple but outstanding customer experience from start to finish.

Now, as I reflect on my first year as a full-time photographer, I can confidently say it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, the results I’ve achieved for my clients, and the opportunity to wake up every day doing what I truly love.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing my work in the wild. There’s a special kind of pride that comes from scrolling through social media, walking through a store, or visiting a website and seeing the images I’ve crafted representing a brand. Knowing that my work plays a role in elevating their presence and contributing to their success is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the visuals – it’s about the impact those visuals have in helping brands grow, connect with their audiences, and achieve their goals.

What I treasure most, though, are the connections I’ve built with my clients. Each collaboration is more than just a project – it’s a partnership. I love getting to know the people behind the brands, understanding their stories, and being a part of their journey. Watching their businesses thrive and grow over time, knowing I’ve contributed to that success, makes all the hard work worth it. It’s those relationships and shared wins that truly fuel my passion for what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catinthesoupstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catinthesoupstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catinthesoupstudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vira-aguirre-b47088319/

Image Credits

My headshot was take by Bailee Campbell.