Katie Settel in her new studio

I called Katie Settel today to ask her why she signed up for my fall Remarkable Women Mastermind Intensive. I knew she’d be an outstanding contributor to the group as she recently made a huge leap in her business. Katie took out a lease in an old factory in Bridgeport, 305 Knowlton, that’s been converted to studio spaces for artists, photographers and other creative entrepreneurs.

“I want to get into a New York gallery.” There, she staked her claim. I know she’ll do it, because Katie loves a challenge and thrives on accountability.

She just completed a course at the International Center of Photography that required her to learn how to work with low light–an area of no interest for this woman who specializes in capturing young children in all their colorful glory. But she dove in by contacting the Fairfield Theatre Company in Fairfield, CT and offered to photograph musical groups who performed there. Concerts are all about low light, so Katie made that her project work for the next five weeks.

Bass player from Caravan of Thieves

Not only did she thrive in that milieu, but she also had the inspiration to create a documentary for the center because she found it to be a hub of creativity, originality and positive energy.

Katie described to me how she was talking to a gentleman whom she met there while she was hanging out waiting to shoot. She thought he was the bouncer. Turned out  he was the artistic director, very supportive of Katie’s work and “incredibly kind” to her. By being fully present, engaged in her commitment to excel at that dreaded assignment, it turned into something much bigger and better than her own vision. She would like to take it a step further and create an entire documentary of the theatre and its players–including the guy who sweeps up after the show. Katie notices everything and sees potential art in it all.

She specifically mentioned, during our conversation, wanting to have her work at the Yossi Milo Gallery in the Chelsea district of New York. Having that clear a vision, this much talent and drive and a committed group of women to motivate and further inspire her, and to be held accountable for delivering on her dream are all the elements for success.

I can’t wait to work with Katie and the other Remarkable Women who enroll.