Meet Alli | Chief Executive Officer | Director of Media

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alli, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The loss of my father in April 2019 was a turning point that reshaped my outlook on life and career. Determined to honor his memory and make him proud, I set my sights on achieving notable success in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. I believed that climbing the corporate ladder and securing prestigious roles would serve as a tribute to his legacy, given that at one point, he was number one across the nation. Over the next several years—even as the world grappled with the upheaval of COVID-19—I worked tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs to gain experience and prove my worth.

My perseverance paid off as I ascended from a Research Analyst to a traveling appraiser for a private appraisal firm, with assignments that frequently took me to the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite the professional growth, I found myself increasingly disillusioned by the culture that surrounded me. The office was dominated by stereotypical older men who believed their corner offices overlooking the Denver Tech Center granted them the right to dictate the rules and belittle those beneath them. Enduring the classic “mean boss” archetype, I reached a breaking point. I realized that success, as I had defined it, was not bringing me fulfillment—only exhaustion and frustration.

Taking a leap of faith, I left my projected six-figure position and transitioned to a new role as a Property Manager for a prominent CRE firm. I hoped this change would bring a fresh perspective, but I soon discovered that the toxic dynamics of the industry persisted. After another year of navigating office politics and emotionally volatile leadership, I began to question my path. My father’s words echoed in my mind: he had always emphasized the importance of happiness and pride in one’s work, cautioning against the pitfalls of the “rat race.” He encouraged my siblings and me to seek out opportunities to create or lead our own businesses, rather than simply climbing someone else’s ladder.

One particularly difficult day, after yet another encounter with a mood-driven boss whose demeanor set the tone for the entire office, I reached my limit. I found myself in tears, venting to my partner and family for what felt like the thousandth time. The cycle of mundane tasks and belittlement by higher-ups had worn me down. In the real estate world, it’s all too common to encounter egotistical and stressed individuals who take out their frustrations on those they perceive as less knowledgeable, even more so as a woman, someone in the LGBT+ community, and a POC. Despite their claims of leadership, their actions often created a toxic environment that stifled creativity and growth.

With the unwavering support of my loved ones, I made a bold decision: I put in my two weeks’ notice and set out to build something of my own. Drawing on my lifelong passion for storytelling and visual media, I launched a new media services company specializing in photography, videography, and social media management. My love for creative expression had been a constant thread throughout my life—from making short films and music videos with friends as a teenager to producing content for local artists and student organizations at Colorado State University. There, I took on leadership roles in media for Greek houses and various clubs, honing my skills and discovering a true calling in the process.

Today, I am proud to say that I have found both success and happiness by charting my own course. My journey from grief and corporate disillusionment to creative entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the support of those who believe in us. My father’s legacy lives on not just in my achievements, but in the courage to pursue what truly makes me proud. Platinum X Studios now works with multiple, notable brands and artists both in and out of Colorado, ranging from Southern California all the way to Seattle, WA and beyond!

What should our readers know about your business?
Transitioning from Los Angeles, CA—specifically Santa Clarita, where nearly every household boasts a budding photographer—to Denver, Colorado, was a culture shock in more ways than one. In LA, it’s common to bump into someone with the same professional gear as you at any event, but Denver’s creative community felt more exclusive, with sky-high prices and a guarded vibe. As a “California girl,” I entered each interaction with openness and optimism, but found that connecting with other creatives here could be hit or miss.

Determined to succeed, I faced my fear of rejection head-on, embodying the mantra, “Fake it till you make it.” I reached out to friends with side hustles—artists, makeup enthusiasts, entrepreneurs—and took on every project that came my way. I even showed up at sporting events, zoom lens in hand, blending in with the media teams to expand my portfolio. With each new project, my confidence and body of work grew, and I began cold-messaging companies and brands, hoping to land official gigs. The road was tough: I was ghosted, led on, and rejected more times than I can count.

But persistence paid off. I shifted my focus to the brands I truly wanted to work with—those whose values and vision resonated with my own. Through days of filming sports, capturing cars and bikes on the road, and embarking on adventurous shoots, my team and I built a reputation for high-quality, authentic content. Eventually, we connected with key players at RedBull, Colorado State University, Jones Lang LaSalle, Microsoft, and Pikes Peak International Raceway, among others. These partnerships not only boosted our credibility but also transformed our business model—now, brands are reaching out to US!

At Platinum X Studios, we believe that memories shouldn’t be expensive. Our mission is to deliver high-quality photography and videography without the prohibitive price tag. From simple studio headshots and business product content to sports highlights and weddings, our growing team is committed to making professional media accessible to everyone. We’re proof that with passion, perseverance, and a little California optimism, you can build a thriving creative business—even in a city that feels worlds away from home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Colorado for a week, we’d focus on epic adventures and breathtaking scenery. We’d start in Denver with a morning hike and/or yoga at Red Rocks Park before catching an iconic concert or simply soaking in the views from the amphitheater. I would also make some time to head to Rocky Mountain National Park for scenic drives and overlooks. For a taste of mountain town charm, we’d spend a couple of days in Estes Park, or Breckenridge—exploring local shops, riding the alpine coaster, and taking scenic gondola rides.

Back in Denver, we’d enjoy brunch at the iconinc Snooze, but the real highlights would be outdoor thrills like whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, mountain biking in Fruita, or a sunrise summit at Mount Bierstadt. We’d wrap up the weekend with a sunset drive through Garden of the Gods and a memorable sunset tee-time at one of the more beautiful golf clubs in the area!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is a special shoutout to the people who have turned my dreams into reality: my friends, my family, and my love. Their unwavering support has not only shaped my business but also my spirit.

When I first floated the idea of starting my own company, I expected skepticism—but my friends surprised me. They took my ambition seriously and were the first to roll up their sleeves, helping me build a portfolio and guiding me through every step, from executing shoots to handling various clients. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to take that leap of faith.

My family, meanwhile, has always pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraging me to reach for more than I ever thought possible. Their love and support have been unwavering, even amid life’s toughest challenges. My sister is in remission after a stem-cell transplant for acute myeloid leukemia; my mother works full time while grieving the loss of my father; my brother may sometimes be “too cool” to chat, but he’s always there when it counts. Through it all, they show up—attending events, checking in, and always asking how they can help.

And then there’s Darcy, my partner and my light. Despite her full-time job as a teacher, she finds endless ways to make my work smoother. Her compassion and energy fuel my drive, and when I need extra hands, she’s the first to jump in. Darcy is the “hype man” at every shoot: customers love her for her help with makeup, lighting, and, most importantly, for the confidence she brings to every project.

To my friends, my family, and my love—thank you. Your support has made every challenge worthwhile and every success sweeter. You are my foundation, my inspiration, and the reason I keep moving forward.

Website: https://platinumxstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platinumxstudios/?hl=en

Image Credits
Alli Takenaka
Platinum X Studios, LLC