Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Carol Zatt has over a decade of experience as a professional photographer, having collaborated with renowned clients such as Google, YouTube, Lego, Sonos, and many others. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian, and Forbes, where she was honored with a cover feature for her impact on the industry.
With expertise in advertising, marketing, and social media, Carol seamlessly navigates both commercial and artistic photography, delivering impactful and versatile results. A passionate educator, she has developed and taught courses in photography, social media, and marketing both online and in person. Committed to fostering innovation and inclusivity, she actively mentors the next generation of creative minds.
Carol, tell us about your journey into creativity and entrepreneurship. How did it all begin?
For years, I followed the traditional path—pursuing stability, climbing the corporate ladder, and working a monotonous 9-5 job after migrating overseas, earning minimum wage and feeling stuck. On paper, I had security, but inside, I felt numb, like I was living in black and white while the world thrived in color. With no role models or clear vision for a different life, I convinced myself this was just how things were. But deep down, I craved more. I didn’t have a grand plan, just an unshakable need for something to reignite my spirit. So, I picked up a camera—a hobby I had never considered more than a pastime. That one decision changed everything. Photography became my passion, my escape, and the spark that brought joy and color back into my life.
You transitioned from photography to working with major brands. How did that happen?
I started putting myself out there and connecting with other creatives. One day, while photographing musicians at an event, the Marketing Manager at Google noticed my work and invited me for a trial. She loved what I did and decided to hire me. That one opportunity opened the door to so much more—I started meeting people, building relationships, and before I knew it, other brands and businesses started reaching out. From there, my work kept evolving, and I found myself working with major brands, not just as a photographer but as a creative strategist, helping businesses elevate their visual presence and marketing.
What was it like stepping into the spotlight for the first time?
It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Standing in front of an audience, owning my story and my expertise, felt like stepping into a world where I didn’t belong. The fear of being judged, of saying the wrong thing, of not being enough—it was paralyzing.
For years, I had built a successful career, yet there was a voice in my head that kept telling me I wasn’t ready. So, I had a choice—stay in the shadows or step into the light. I chose the light.
It wasn’t easy. I had to do deep inner work, face my fears, and even heal past traumas that made me afraid of being seen. But through that process, something powerful happened: I stopped hiding. And when I did, everything changed.
You built an online community of over 40,000 people and helped entrepreneurs step into their own spotlight. How did that come about?
Once I overcame my own fear of visibility, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives struggle with stepping into their power—especially women, migrants, and those who never felt like they fit the traditional mold of success.
I saw myself in them.
So, I started sharing my journey—not just the wins, but the fears, the failures, the real behind-the-scenes struggles. And people resonated with it. My audience grew, and what started as a personal transformation became a movement. I worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping them break their own barriers, embrace visibility, and build businesses that reflected their authentic selves. I traveled the world, collaborated with game-changers, and saw firsthand the power of stepping into your story. But even after all that growth, there was still something missing.
What’s next for you?
For years, I helped others find their voices. But deep down, I knew there was still a part of me that I had been silencing. Ever since I was a child, I had a dream—one I buried so deep that I convinced myself it wasn’t possible. Music. I had always wanted to sing, to perform, to create something bigger than myself. But I was terrified.
For years, I told myself “I’m not a singer” and “I’m not good enough.”. And so, I stayed silent. But the thing about dreams? They don’t die—they wait. And one day, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I had spent years encouraging others to step into the spotlight—it was time to take my own advice. So, I did something that scared me to my core. I stopped hiding, I faced the microphone and I decided I was going to step onto the stage—not as a speaker, but as an artist. And now I am in this journey and I’ve never felt so alive and excited.
What can we expect from this new project?
I can’t share all the details just yet—but let’s just say, this isn’t just a music album. It’s an experience. I’m aligning all parts of myself to create something unique. It’s something that’s been years in the making, something that will take people on a journey—not just mine, but their own. It’s about transformation. It’s about waking up the parts of ourselves we’ve left behind and stepping into the spotlight—not just for me, but for everyone who’s ever silenced their voices and their dreams.
People can visit my website www.carolzatt.com to join the countdown and find out all the details.
What message do you have for those who are still afraid to step into their creativity?
Creativity is an essential part of our life. When we ignore it, it doesn’t disappear; it lingers as frustration, like something is missing. That spark we had as a child still exists within us. it’s never too late to create, express yourself, and build something uniquely ours. The only thing holding us back is the belief that we’re not ready, we don't have time or we're not good enough. We'll have something unique to offer. If you want to be part of something that inspires, awakens, and transforms your creativity and gives you purpose, I invite you all to join me on March 30th for an experience.
Get all the details on March 30th at www.carolzatt.com.
And for all the updates and behind-the-scenes, follow me @carolzattt on Instagram.
