Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Cunanan
Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated a year early from SDSU with a degree in marketing, and rather than following the expected corporate route, I took the opportunity to explore what truly excites me. I currently work in social media marketing for a women owned clothing business Rat Boi, I am a freelance film photographer, and I co-founded Women in Business Collective – an organization growing into a national hub for all women in business clubs across college campuses.
As a marketing major, who leans more on the creative side I tried my best to balance photography during my time at SDSU, by taking grad photos! I truly enjoyed doing those shoots, and still plan on booking grad photos when the time comes. However, since graduating I have had more time to explore different avenues of photography! I dedicated my past summer to build my portfolio. Through the past few months I have had opportunities that I never thought imaginable, working for some of my favorite brands, music festivals, and celebrities!
As for starting Women in Business Collective, I co founded the organization alongside Talia Manzanares and Kendra Landi. The three of us were heavily involved in SDSU Women in Business. I was on the executive board all three years and grew a passion for everything Women in Business stands for. Upon graduation we realized Women in Business clubs never had a national organization created for them, like how American Marketing Association as a national organization. In August we made Women in Business Collective an official LLC and have been working hard to grow it to become the national organization!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say my biggest struggle and most on going struggle the uncertainty of not pursuing the conventional 9-5 corporate job. I love all three roles I am in, but there are certain factors such as stability and routine that these three roles do not provide like a 9-5 would. Even though I believe I would not be satisfied with a 9-5, those doubts still make me questions if the route I pursued was the correct decision.
Overall, It may not have been the conventional 9-5 corporate route, but I truly believe in the power redefining what is traditional. Each role I have taken on has come with its own set of challenges, from building my freelance portfolio to navigating the complexities of running an organization with limited resources. My discipline has been key to balancing multiple passions, managing my time effectively, and staying true to my vision even when faced with uncertainty.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Circling back to my photography experience, I would say I do not have a speciality apart from being a 35mm film photographer. I enjoy taking photos of every opportunity that is presented in front of me! I have shot couples, grads, festivals, events, brands, and worked with other content creators! I shoot digital and 35mm film, with a focus on the film. I would describe my work to me storytelling, natural, and in the moment.
However, as we enter 2025 I would like to focus more on couple photography! Anything from weddings, to engagements, to pregnancy shoots! If you and anyone you know is looking for a couple photographer in the SD to LA area let me know!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wibcollective.org/
- Instagram: Photo – https://www.instagram.com/kaylacunanan/ WIB Collective- https://www.instagram.com/wib.collective/
- LinkedIn: Personal – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylacunanan WIB Collective – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-women-in-business-collective?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company
