Kasia Sasinowska On Making an Impact and Finding Fulfillment as a Creative Entrepreneur
For me, finding fulfillment and satisfaction in my work is crucial, especially as a creative entrepreneur who juggles numerous roles and responsibilities in my day-to-day life. For over six years, I have been working as a freelance creative producer and photographer, engaging in various creative projects. My professional experience spans from big-scale commercial photo and video productions for clients such as Netflix, YSL, and Laneige, to small artistic projects for fashion magazines and artists like Problem and Tommy Cash. Throughout my studies and years of working in production, I have traveled extensively, living in five different countries on three continents. From Europe to North America and Australia, I have experienced diverse cultures, customs, and approaches to work.
Embracing Life Across Continents
This global experience has enriched my personal and professional life and honed my skills in networking and adapting to new environments. It wasn’t easy at first, but after years of trial and error, I can pass on a few “how-to” tips for others looking to do the same:
Building a Diverse Network: Living in various countries has allowed me to build a vast, and diverse network of professionals. Engaging with people from different cultures, and backgrounds has provided unique insights and opportunities that I would not have encountered otherwise. There are many ways to build your network, but the most genuine connections are made naturally. Following your interests, engaging in hobbies, or visiting places that you are drawn to can lead to meeting people who share similar interests. Don’t limit yourself to industry events or career-building activities. Anything you enjoy can bring unexpected results and guide you in interesting directions. You never know what skill or connection will come in handy, and following your genuine interests will help you build a solid group of friends and colleagues.
Adapting to New Cultures: Each country has its unique culture and way of doing business. Embracing these differences has been crucial in making myself feel at home wherever I am. To adapt effectively you need to stay open-minded to new experiences, and perspectives. This flexibility will help you adapt to new environments and make the most of your time wherever you are. Try not to judge or compare. Observe, learn, and use your multicultural perspective as an advantage that not many people have.
Finding a Sense of Belonging: Making yourself feel at home in a new country involves more than just adapting to the culture; it’s about creating your personal sense of belonging. Establish your routine in the new environment, find your new favorite spots, snacks, or activities, and build new friendships. I know how it feels to miss your home, family, and friends, but not everyone is given the opportunity to travel, live abroad, and immerse themselves in a new environment. Remembering how amazing and unique this opportunity is will help you make the best of the time you have and fully experience the place you are living in.
Making an Impact Beyond Your Work: To find true fulfillment, it’s important to look beyond professional achievements and consider how you can use your work and skillset to contribute to society. Committing time and resources to pro-bono projects for charities and organizations that align with your values allows you to use your skills for the greater good. Supporting sustainable brands and communities in need of creative services is incredibly rewarding and helps widen your network. Mentorship and sharing knowledge to inspire the next generation of creatives is a powerful way to give back. My mentors have been and still are such an important part of my professional life, and now, having the chance to help others brings me a lot of satisfaction and greatly enrich my own experience. Finding success and fulfillment as a creative entrepreneur requires balancing passion, skill, and purpose. By embracing the world around you, staying curious and open-minded, building a diverse network, and making a conscious effort to give back, you can create a career that not only pays the bills but also brings a great deal of satisfaction.