Meet Daniel Usenko | CEO of Pixellu, a software company helping professional photographers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Usenko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is perseverance. Over the past ten years, our business has faced countless obstacles—managing financial challenges, finding and retaining talented people, and constantly adapting to a dynamic and competitive market. Building a business is never a straight path, and there were times when progress felt slow or uncertain, but the key was never losing sight of the long-term vision. Success comes not from avoiding obstacles but from having the determination to overcome them and keep moving forward. As Winston Churchill famously said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Perseverance is what enabled us to grow every year, no matter the challenges, and it continues to be the cornerstone of our journey.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business is built on a deep passion for what we do and the belief that a leader must genuinely love their work to show up and grind every day. Over the years, we’ve faced countless challenges—navigating financial uncertainty, building a strong team, and staying ahead in a competitive market—but the love for our mission has always been our driving force. What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on thousands of photographers, helping them live their dream of being artists while also supporting their livelihood.

Through our tools and innovations, we’ve enabled photographers to increase their earnings through print products like albums, allowing them to better serve their clients and grow their businesses. This journey has been anything but easy, but the joy of knowing that we’re empowering others to thrive makes every challenge worth it. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that passion and purpose are essential to perseverance—when you love what you do, the grind becomes a labor of love, and success becomes a byproduct of that dedication.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Seattle, we’d dive into the city’s vibrant coffee culture, as it’s what Seattle is most famous for. We’d start the week at the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market for a bit of history, followed by a stroll through the market to soak in the local vibe. From there, we’d explore iconic spots like Espresso Vivace for their velvety lattes, Elm Coffee Roasters for a modern, minimalist vibe, and Storyville Coffee for its cozy, tucked-away ambiance.

Midweek, we’d venture to the Fremont and Capitol Hill neighborhoods, home to unique coffeehouses like Milstead & Co. and Analog Coffee, where we could pair amazing brews with the city’s quirky charm. Of course, we’d mix in visits to landmarks like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Discovery Park for breathtaking views. By the weekend, we’d end with brunch at a spot like Tilikum Place Café, followed by a visit to Seattle’s newest coffee gems, ensuring they experience the full spectrum of what makes Seattle a coffee lover’s paradise.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes first to the incredible team I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work have been instrumental in shaping our vision and turning it into reality. I also want to give special recognition to my wife, who has been my anchor through the uncertainties and challenges of being married to a business owner. Her patience, understanding, and unwavering support have meant the world to me. Lastly, a book that has had a profound impact on my journey is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, which has been a guiding light for me in both my personal and professional growth. Success is never achieved alone, and I’m grateful for everyone who has contributed to this story.

Website: https://www.pixellu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixellu/

Image Credits
We own all of the photos