Carolina Waldroff

Owner of Carolina Waldroff Photography, 28

Creating images that are vibrant, bold, dramatic, and timeless describes the work that Carolina Waldroff does as a photographer. She got her start in business through the encouragement of her family, husband, and best friend who was also an early customer. Waldroff is looking forward to branching out and sharing her skillset.

What advice would you give to young people with a similar trajectory to yours? 

Give it your all. I never imagined where I would be today when I started my business. I didn’t realize the mistakes I was making until I fully immersed myself in the mission to grow, and within six months, I could see the transformations, the improvements. It pushed me to be even better. Give every ounce of you and sow the seeds, the work will be rewarded.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

Rooted Resilience: A Life in Bloom. It would be a story about blooming wherever you’re planted.

What is the next opportunity that you are excited about? 

This year, I was selected from hundreds of others in the photography industry to speak at one of the nation’s largest photography conferences, Shutterfest. It is the push I needed to start giving back to the community which has poured into me. I started my educational group, Creative Collective, and am fully embracing the teaching world.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success?   

 I would have to say it is so difficult to assign all the credit to just one person in my community. My parents have set great examples of running a business. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader. But if I had to choose one, I would like to mention my best friend, Jennifer Young. She is the owner of Sassi Frass Boutique.  When I first moved to the area, my only connections were through my husband. Jennifer gave me an opportunity, not only to provide a service to her, but to collaborate and grow both our businesses in the process. She loves her community and helping others. It has been beautiful to meet her, witness selfless service, and connect with one of the most lovely people to ever exist.

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you?    

I would tell her how amazing she is. She spent too much time hating who she was. Imagine if she had that time to love herself even more. Dreams can change and evolve, people come and go, but when you believe in yourself, when you love yourself as hard as you love everyone else, anything you set your mind to, will bloom as much as you have!