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Story & Lesson Highlights with Catalina Laverde of Downtown

Catalina Laverde shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Catalina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that’s been bringing me a lot of joy lately is playing padel. It’s the perfect mix of fun, movement, and connection and it’s quickly become my favorite way to unwind and recharge

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Catalina Laverde, the founder of CLaverde Photography, a family-oriented photography brand I started back in 2017. I’m a self-taught photographer with a deep love for capturing life’s most meaningful moments—whether it’s the glow of maternity, the joy of family portraits, or the empowerment behind a beautiful self-portrait.

My approach is all about creating authentic, comfortable, and memorable experiences for families and individuals, making sure each session feels natural and personal. What makes CLaverde Photography unique is the genuine connection I build with my clients and the timeless quality of the images we create together.

Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow my brand while finding new ways to help people preserve their milestones and emotions through my lens. Every session is a celebration of love, connection, and individuality and I feel incredibly lucky to do this work.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom saw me clearly before I ever saw it in myself. We had a little digital camera at home, and she noticed how I’d spend hours taking photos of anything and everything, and then just as much time editing them. While I was just having fun, she recognized that there was something deeper there. As a graduation gift, she surprised me with my very first professional camera. That moment changed everything. It was the first time I felt like my passion could actually be something more.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: “Trust that your passion will lead you somewhere beautiful, even if the path looks uncertain now. You’re doing better than you think, and the things that light you up are worth holding on to.”

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me, that’s always been my intention. I want to show up authentically and let people see who I truly am, whether it’s through my work, my passions, or the way I share pieces of my life. What you see is genuinely me.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people might most misunderstand about my legacy is thinking it was all effortless or just a natural talent. What they may not see is the quiet persistence and perseverance behind the scenes, the hours of learning, experimenting, failing, and starting over. My journey has been full of intentional choices, growth, and a lot of heart. I hope people remember not just the work I created, but the passion and purpose that fueled it.

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