Introducing Quinn Curtis, Founder and Owner of Limelight Food Photography

We are pleased to introduce the delightful Quinn Curtis of Lime Light Photography! Connect with Quinn on her website and on  Twitter or browse through her mouthwatering photography on Flickr. Enjoy!  

Hometown: Salt Lake City

Current Residence :  Salt Lake City, UT

Education: Through the end of high school and into college I was planning on working as a medical professional and so I did a lot of internships and programs to work within the medical field.  My college education was pre-nursing school requisites before I lost all passion for that path and never went back to college.  All knowledge I’ve gained for my current professional endeavors has been obtained through mentors, practice and other training.

Professional Background: Co-Founder of SassyScoops.com, a local business review/promo group and Founder/Creator of the CreatedByMom.com Chic Boutique

What you wanted to be when you grew up:  Fashion Designer or a Surgeon (yes, total opposites)

What you are:  Professional Food Photographer

Brief Summary of your Start Up:  My mom is an amazing baker and wanted to start offering her cakes for sale.  I took pictures of her cakes and when some artists in our family saw them, they were dying over the quality, telling me “you know, not everyone can take a good picture of food; it’s a real talent and art.”  They encouraged me to do it professionally, but I hesitated and just kept practicing and waiting.  Then one day I finally had the courage to put myself out there.  While other business endeavors were a lot of work to get going, this one came so easily.  I thoroughly enjoy working as a food photographer; it is a real thrill to have finally discovered my true passion.

Company Website? LimelightFoodPhotography.com

What inspired you? I love how food brings people together.  We use food to celebrate our happiest times.  I love celebrating the beauty within each dish I photograph.  I focus on the aspects of the food that I know will bring whomever eats it the most joy.  I love the colors, textures and vitality of food.  My work as a food photographer is continually inspiring me; it’s envigorating.

How long have you been in business? 3 years

How did you fund it? Ever since the beginning I haven’t spent money I didn’t have, so I’ve purchased equipment as I could afford it.  For marketing, I’ve only used social media/online marketing, though more and more of my clients are coming to me because of referrals.

XXDo you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I have sooo many Fairy Godmother’s and would be nowhere without them.  Kelly Anderson has been my primary mentor throughout all my business endeavors and has become one of my dearest friends.  Other incredible mentors/friends have been Pamela Baumeister and Melissa Chappell.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Startup Princess

Current Business Challenge? Marketing/getting the word out.

What are you doing about it? I’m really working to beef up my website and increase my client base.  I also am overcoming my shyness, being more proactive to open my mouth and share what I do with those I come in contact with.

Favorite motivational quote: “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, fabulous and talented? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Marianne Williamson

Family? I’m spoiled rotten to be married to the world’s greatest man.  Mother of 3 young children (ages 2, 3, 4) and pregnant with my fourth child.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I stick to a very strict schedule on my working hours.  When I’m working at home, I only work during the naptime afternoon hours.  Because of being so strict with my working time, my family more easily respects when I’m working and I’m able to get a lot more accomplished.  I’m also BIG on using to-do lists and prioritizing each day what needs to be done so that I’m sure to be staying on track.

Favorite book? I love books, so this is a hard question.  I can’t commit to any one book for an answer, though a few of my favorites are “Fablehaven,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “Simple Abundance” and “The Secret Life of Bees.”

What do you do to relax? I love to read, especially while soaking in a warm bath.

What do you want to change most about your world? I want to be more fully present in every aspect of my life, rather than so easily distracted, especially by things beyond of my control.

What are you most proud of? I’m proud to be living the life that I want to.  Every day I’m choosing my path and choosing to make it better and better.  I love how my entrepreneurial endeavors have encouraged me to grow and develop myself in ways that improve my abilities to be a better person, wife and mother.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Don’t wait for permission to live your dreams.  There will always be things in the way – especially that little doubting voice inside of you – but take courage and choose to live life beautifully.  And never forget to be genuinely yourself, always grateful for all the help and support you receive on your way.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Courage and mentors.  I can’t even believe how quickly my business endeavors have grown because of having mentors guide me along my way.  Without mustering up courage to brave the path, these mentors could not have led me like they have.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? I would take the stones representative of my children’s birth months – my children are my jewels.