Meet Kalany Resendiz | CEO of KulturaCaptures

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

Hi Kalany, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success has been a combination of passion, resilience, and purpose. I’ve always been deeply committed to storytelling—whether through photography, beauty, or creative direction. I want my work to mean something, to represent people who don’t always get the space they deserve in the industry.

Growing up as a first-generation daughter in a single-mother household, I learned early on how to navigate challenges with little guidance. That experience taught me how to be resourceful and keep pushing forward, even when things felt uncertain. I apply that same mindset to my work, always striving to learn, improve, and create opportunities not just for myself, but for others as well.

Beyond that, community has played a huge role in my journey. Building genuine relationships and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued—that’s what drives me. My goal isn’t just to be successful on my own but to uplift those around me and open doors for more representation in the industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal—it’s a reflection of my experiences, my culture, and the voices that often go unheard. As a photographer, I blend beauty, fashion, and documentary storytelling to create work that is both visually striking and socially meaningful. What sets me apart is my ability to merge aesthetics with real narratives—highlighting underrepresented communities, addressing political issues, and capturing the raw emotions behind beauty and fashion.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in fully embracing photography as my career. It wasn’t easy—there were many moments of self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Coming from a background where creative careers weren’t always seen as viable, I struggled with believing that I could make a living doing what I love. However, with the support of my brother and Professor Brian Doan from LBCC, I was able to push through those fears and see my passion as something worth pursuing.

The journey has been full of challenges—lack of resources and the constant need to prove myself in an industry that often overlooks people who look like me and have gone through the same experiences. But I’ve learned that resilience, community, and staying true to my vision are key. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, take up space, and create opportunities where they didn’t exist before.

My work is represented through two brands that each serve a unique purpose:

✨ Kultura Captures focuses on celebrating the diversity of beauty, embracing different cultures, features, and expressions of identity.
✨ Kalany’s Creations is where I take a deeper dive into storytelling, representation, and advocacy—highlighting underrepresented communities, addressing political issues, and capturing the raw emotions behind beauty and fashion.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m here to represent, uplift, and create change. My work isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about telling stories that matter, giving people the confidence to see themselves in a new light, and opening doors for those who feel unseen.

This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for everything that’s ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start the week with coffee at Maru Coffee in LA and then take them to Palos Verdes for a scenic hike with breathtaking ocean views at Abalone Cove. Afterward, we’d enjoy dinner at Girl & the Goat, one of my favorite spots. On Day 2, we’d have brunch at République, explore The Broad or LACMA for some art and culture, and then finish the day with drinks at Perch, a rooftop bar with stunning sunset views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! There are so many people and experiences that have shaped my journey, but first and foremost, I have to give credit to my brother Roger and Professor Brian Doan from LBCC. Both of them played a huge role in helping me overcome my fears and truly step into photography as a career. My brother has always been my biggest supporter, pushing me to believe in myself when doubt crept in. And Professor Doan’s guidance and mentorship gave me the confidence to embrace my artistry and see photography as more than just a passion—it’s my purpose.

I also want to shout out my siblings, who have been my biggest motivation. Growing up, I took on a lot of responsibilities to help them navigate life, and that experience shaped my drive to create opportunities—not just for myself but for those who come after me.

In terms of mentorship, I deeply appreciate the teachers and mentors who saw my potential when I couldn’t see it myself. Whether it was in school, photography, or my career, their encouragement pushed me to believe in my talent and take chances.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the communities I’ve been part of—from the students I’ve worked with in my photography club in KIPP Compton to the creatives I’ve collaborated with in photography and beauty. Every interaction has taught me something valuable, and I’m grateful for the shared experiences that continue to shape my path.

I wouldn’t be here without the love, support, and lessons from all these people, and this shoutout is for them.

Website: https://kulturacaptures.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalani.rese/

Other: My Art Photography

Website: https://kalanyscreations.myportfolio.com

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

Image Credits
Portrait taken by Eduardo Casares, IG: @ec.parker