Leslie Karotkin: Client Spotlight { Denver Portrait Photographer }

Personal branding portraits are one of my favorites things to do. In a world relaying heavily on visuals, helping an entrepreneur portray who they are and what they're all about is important work. When Leslie told me that she was working on getting her business up and running I was thrilled. She is a bright light in the world and you can feel her kindness and love for life just talking with her for five minutes. We went out for coffee, looked at fabulous pictures of her trip to Asia, and talked about her business.

I sent her to the fabulous Bernie Rausseo to get her hair and makeup done and met at my studio. We did a little bit of everything, different outfits, outdoor and studio shots, and even caught a rainbow!

Here's a little bit more about Leslie in her own words. 

What do you do?

I am a consultant for foundations and organizations wanting to build their philanthropic efforts.  I want to help promote philanthropy and guide people to engaging with their communities.

Give me 5 words to describe you.

Enthusiastic, straightforward, witty, appreciative, adaptable

What inspired you to start this career?

I started in the nonprofit field in my late 20s and was drawn to fundraising through event planning,  Then as my career grew in fundraising and through various leadership roles with nonprofit organizations and foundations, the underlying factor that kept me energized and motivated was knowing the work was making a difference or having an impact in the community.  This has kept me excited and engaged in philanthropy and propelled to use my knowledge and abilities to help connect companies, foundations, individuals and families with the causes that speak to them.   

How do you keep inspired?

I am inspired by the people who want to share their time and money to help make a difference in the lives of others.  I love hearing the stories and knowing that lives were transformed because of people helping people.  Because of community and honor.  

What are you most excited about right now?

I’m excited that fall cooler weather is coming.  I’m excited because at the time of this interview, the Olympics are on and the competition and team sportsmanship is fun to watch and a great reminder how the Olympics really do bring all countries together on a level playing field.  

What’s your favorite book or movie?

I have so many favorite books and not sure I can name one. I can say that my short list of favorite movies includes:  Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Auntie Mame, The Way We Were, Shawshank Redemption, and The American President. All movies I’ve watched over and over and will continue to watch for years to come.

Favorite quote?

There are a wide variety of quotes that speak to me, but what comes to mind first is actually a poem by Maya Angelou.  The Human Family, which is currently being used in a commercial and it has been on my mind a lot.  I’ve read it every day since hearing it.  The sentiment of the poem so accurately addresses the lack of acceptance and human decency that seems to be permeating our culture right now. This poem is so moving and ends with the truest of words: 

“I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.  We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”   

Favorite object in your home?

Well she’s not an object, but the favorite and most important force in my home is my dog, Scarlet.  She brings life, energy and sunshine to my world every day.

Favorite hangout?

I can narrow down to… anywhere in the mountains on a hike.  Or anywhere I can enjoy a good craft cocktail!

Favorite product?

This may seem frivolous, but I love the invention of gel nail polish.  Now I can keep my nails looking nice and like a grown up.

Favorite can’t-live-without item?

Chocolate!

What’s your #1 tip for fellow entrepreneurs?

If you don’t try to reach out of your comfort zone and take risks, you will never know if you can succeed.  It’s scary to be an entrepreneur and I doubt myself often.  Know there will be bumps in the road and setbacks, but I find a lot of satisfaction in the fact that I’m giving it my all and will hopefully ultimately find success.