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

Hi Paola, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born, and raised in Rome, Italy. I moved to LA 15 years ago, and I consider Rome, and Los Angeles my home, two different realities which help me to see things in different perspectives. I started studying and working as actress when I was 19 years old, I got a scholarship at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia directed by Giancarlo Giannini (the most prestigious Italian National Film School), and I had so much fun on being cast for tv series, and movies. During my acting career, I also studied Communication and Advertising at the University in Rome, and got a degree. With my best friend, now my husband, I decided to move to LA to study Marketing at UCLA, and after two years I went to Milan and worked for the Advertising Agency Saatchi & Saatchi, as an Account Executive. It took me a few trips around the world to realize that I wanted to pursue my passion in photography, and graphic design. So, I came back to LA, and started my studio Berry Bee, got married to my best friend, and started a family. Motherhood taught me the true meaning of strength, it gave me the opportunity to become aware of women’s force, and to feel close to the feminine soul. It’s very important to do what we love, and in my opinion, one of the hardest things for any artist to overcome is trusting ourselves. I work on myself everyday in order to reduce stress and self-criticism. I study daily in order to improve my photography, and graphic design skills.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Berry Bee Studio and Berry Bee Design are my creatures.

Berry Bee Studio is my Photography world. Over the years, I’ve been using photography as a medium to capture special moments, freeze unique emotions, and explore the human being. I’m a mother of two boys, both in the entertainment business, and I specialize in family portraits, and kids headshots. I feel so blessed to work with the top agencies in Los Angeles. Being an actress, helps me to deeply understand all the emotions in front of the camera, and to make my subject’s authenticity shine through the lens.

BerryBeeDesign is a creative boutique agency, powered by a fundamental passion for graphic design. With more than 10 years of experience in the field, we specialize in Brand Identity: logo design, original typography, and brand development. We take pride in our unique perspective, striving to deliver truly original & creative solutions to our clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Abbot Kinney, it’s the coolest block in America. I get inspired every time I go there for a walk, I’m fascinated by locals and their unique, vintage style. My favorite restaurants in LA are: the Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya for sushi, and the best place where to eat Italian food is Via Veneto Restaurant in Santa Monica. My favorite things to do are going to the beach, I love watching the wonderful LA sunsets, going for a hike, the best nature therapy, I like the trails to the Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park. I also love the Sunset Strip, and all the rock clubs, nightclubs, and colorful billboards. The flea market is a great way to spend some time outdoors and find some unique antique pieces.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I moved to LA with my best friend, now my husband. We started this adventure together, for sure he’s my strength, my biggest supporter. He’s always been with me, every day, in every single step of my life since we were 19 years old. He makes me feel special and worthy. I want to dedicate my shoutout to him.

Website: https://berrybeestudio.com/

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

Other: personal instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paolacarleo/

Image Credits
Models: Layla and Emelia Golfieri, Ettore James Baccari, Dante Chris Baccari, Giorgio Bhavan Canipari, Elisa Nicastro.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.