Today we’d like to introduce you to SuzAnne Kaltbaum.
Hi suzAnne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I never set out thinking, “I’m going to start an art business.” I’ve always loved photography, travel, and capturing moments, but for a long time art lived quietly alongside everything else in life. It wasn’t the main plan. It was just something that made me feel grounded and inspired.
Things started to shift when I began traveling more and really paying attention to what caught my eye. I’d photograph moments that felt special and then play with them digitally, layering emotion, memory, and movement into the images. At first, it was just for me. Then friends started asking for pieces. Designers reached out. Collectors followed. Somewhere along the way, without a big announcement or roadmap, it turned into a business.
I learned everything as I went. How to listen, how to collaborate, how to pivot when things didn’t go as planned, and how important relationships are in any business. A lot of my work now is custom, created for specific spaces and stories, which keeps it personal and meaningful for me and for the people I work with.
Where I am today is really the result of saying yes, showing up, and trusting the process even when it felt uncomfortable. I’m grateful to be part of a creative community like Orlando’s, where people genuinely support one another. My work keeps evolving, but at its heart, it’s always been about connection and creating art that brings something real into people’s lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something of your own.
There were plenty of moments where I questioned myself, especially early on. Putting your work out there is vulnerable, and learning to hear “no” or silence without taking it personally took time. I also had to learn the business side as I went. Pricing my work, valuing my time, setting boundaries, and trusting that I didn’t need to say yes to everything just to be busy.
Another challenge was learning how to balance creativity with consistency. Inspiration doesn’t always show up on a schedule, but running a business requires showing up anyway. Life also happens at the same time. Family responsibilities, personal losses, and everyday realities don’t pause just because you’re building a brand.
The biggest struggle, honestly, was learning to trust myself. Trusting my instincts, my style, and the pace I was moving at. Once I stopped comparing my path to everyone else’s and focused on building real relationships and meaningful work, things started to feel more aligned. The challenges didn’t disappear, but they became easier to navigate.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At its core, my work is about storytelling. I’m a fine art photographer and digital artist, and everything I create starts with photographs I’ve taken while traveling. I digitally layer and manipulate those images to capture not just what a place looks like, but how it felt to be there. Memory, movement, and emotion play a big role in my process.
I specialize in creating large-scale, statement pieces, many of them custom. I work closely with interior designers and collectors to create artwork that fits a space and a story, whether that’s a home, a hospitality project, or a personal milestone. A lot of what I create never makes it to my website because it’s designed specifically for someone and their space.
What I’m most proud of is the connection my work creates. I love when someone tells me a piece brings back a memory, sparks a conversation, or simply makes them feel something every time they walk past it. That’s what matters most to me.
What sets me apart is how personal the process is. I don’t just deliver art. I collaborate, I listen, and I adapt. My work lives at the intersection of creativity and relationships, and I think people feel that. It’s not about trends or mass production. It’s about creating something meaningful that lasts.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending long, unstructured days outside, especially in the summer. There was a sense of freedom back then. Riding bikes until it got dark and heading home when the streetlights came on. Those moments felt simple, but they stuck with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://suzannk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannkfineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannkfineart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannkfineart/
