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

Hi Cari Faye, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business came from the fact my father started his own business. After I graduated college, it just made sense to me to open a photography studio!

What should our readers know about your business?
My portrait studio has been my baby for the past decade. Starting a business at 18 was not easy, and I had no one to look up to as far as how to run a successful photography studio. When I started, Facebook was just becoming popular, Instagram was completely new, and using the internet to learn was not like it is today. I learned Photoshop from a magazine, and a lot of things I learned from trial and error. I have learned that showing up everyday and putting in the work will bring success. Never give up. Success comes from hard work and dedication. My story is unique, I was homeschooled as a kid, and went to college when I was 15. I grew up quick in that sense, and it definitely shaped who I am today. I have a degree in film photography, and digital I am completely self taught.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooooo!!!! I would definitely take them to 32nd Street. The shopping there is so fun, and we could eat at El Camino (my fave Mexican). I would also love to take my friend to Idaho Springs to go to the hot springs there, I would also want to show them Cheeseman Park, the graffiti art anywhere on Colfax, and definitely would want to spend a day walking Broadway street.

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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family. My father has mentored me in running my business, my mother, sisters and brother have all let me photograph them and collectively everyone has supported me from day 1. Without my family my success would be nothing! My daughter, Naomi Peach, is a HUGE inspiration for me to keep giving everyday 100%!

Website: www.carifaye.com

Instagram: carifaye

Twitter: carifaye

Facebook: carifayephotography

Youtube: Cari Faye Antonovich

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.