Meet Rachael Castilleja | Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Rachael, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Prioritizing work-life balance was pivotal in deciding to go into business for myself. I worked corporate-type jobs for 10 years leading out of high school. I was taught to “work for the job you want not the job you have” and performance is the key to success. I watched leaders, people I looked up to, work 40 plus hour work weeks, which ultimately defined a standard of success for me for years. When you learn these work behaviors at an early age, you don’t really know there is anything different. I spent most of my 20’s trading time for money, working for other people to enhance their brand while sacrificing things in my life for a paycheck. I was groomed into thinking that 40 hour work weeks were normal and that it was expected of me to dedicate my life to my career. I directly correlated my success to how much time I spent at my job.

Don’t get me wrong, I still think it is important to work hard. I genuinely thrived in the corporate world as long as I did because I am a work horse. I climbed the corporate ladder at a very young age and was in leadership positions that I thought would be the end destination for me.

When I had my daughter in 2019, I was working in the fitness industry in the heart of COVID. I was a new mom navigating a career and a pandemic and it was in that season of life that I had a reality check of how valuable my time is. I didn’t want to spend time away from my daughter building something for someone else or letting other people dictate my career path. I was determined to build a successful career that didn’t interfere with me being a mom. Fast forward to 2024, I am now a business owner.

When I first started working for myself, I had to unlearn a lot of old behaviors and find my own path of balance. As an entrepreneur you have a new challenge: not being bound to a schedule while having to remain accountable to your business. Over the last couple years of building Influence Media I have been able to create a dynamic where I am not missing out on time with my daughter and still being able to submerge myself in building a career. I have found the balance that allows me to be a great mom while still finding fulfillment in my work. I am able to work with my clients on a schedule that makes sense with my lifestyle. It wasn’t easy and definitely took some trial and error, but ultimately, I have found what works best for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got into photography when I was 10 years old. I was inspired by a wedding photographer who photographed my aunts wedding. She had this way of catching candid photos that told a story and really brought you back to that moment of time. That’s how a lot of my art is influenced in my business and through my career. I love being able to capture moments that suspend time and allow my clients to hold on to those moments indefinitely. 

I am a firm believer that every season of life has a purpose, preparing us for whats coming next. I have so many victory moments I could credit to where I am today, but I would be naive to not acknowledge the low moments. There is a common theme of overcoming adversity within my story – finding the light in the dark. In college, I got hit by a car as a pedestrian and, due to medical reasons, I fell behind in my class load and was ultimately kicked out of school. When we are faced with hard moments that stretch out into days, it can be so easy to just give up. And I almost did – so many times. When the people you look up to take advantage of their place in your life and tell you “maybe you aren’t meant for this,” why wouldn’t you believe them? Luckily, I never gave up on myself or the dreams I have. Regardless, without those moments, I know I wouldn’t be standing where I am today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, we would definitely spend time in Breckenridge. We would start by walking around Main Street, exploring the local shops and enjoying the charming atmosphere. For lunch, we’d grab a drink and a burger on a patio, soaking in the beautiful mountain views.

In the afternoon, we’d hit one of the many hiking trails around Breckenridge, taking in the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air. Colorado is truly one of the best places to visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my dad, who has been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout my life. From a young age, he instilled in me the strong work ethic that drives me today. Watching him build a reputable career through sheer dedication and hard work has profoundly shaped my approach to my own career. His unwavering belief in me has been a pillar in my journey, and I owe much of who I am to his guidance and example. Without his influence and encouragement, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Website: https://www.influencecolorado.com/

Instagram: @rachh.annn

Image Credits
Influence Media