Meet AK Solis: Co-founder, Videographer, & Editor

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

Hi AK, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“The trouble is, you think you have time.” – Jack Kornfield I stumbled upon this quote years ago, and have been stuck on it ever since. I adore this quote because it reminds me of what is important to me. It impacts my decisions, it reduces regret. It leads me to experiences that makes me feel fulfilled and alive. Life is short; do the thing, call the person, say “I Love You” as much as you possibly can, and be kind. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started a video production company in late 2017 with my sister, Nicole Anne Solis, called Solful Studios, LLC. We specialize in wedding, brand marketing, and dance conceptual video production. I feel like Solful is known for evoking an authentic vibe all throughout our films, usually having raw, cinematic moments accompanied by a strong and unopposed beat-driven backbone. I am most excited about story telling for even more people, brands, and organizations! Just this year, I have created for various world-renowned dancers and choreographers, businesses, and ‘just married’ couples all throughout California, and I cannot wait for more collaboration, growth, and artistry. The inception of Solful Studios happened when I worked a 9-5 corporate recruiting job for a healthcare organization. Ever since I could remember, my sister and I would listen to music together and pitch these outlandish ideas for music videos for fun. Then one day at work, I received this text from her saying “We’re doing this”, followed by a photo of a Canon 70D camera. And then, BOOM! Long story short, it was really hard at first. I didn’t know a thing about cameras. We had nothing but our imaginations and the will to pursue it. So, I practiced. I found friends to participate in my small video projects. I learned by researching, watching, then doing. I made soo many mistakes. Then, I improved. You know, the process! I don’t think it’s possible to stop learning, ever, but the most monumental lesson I have learned thus far is to keep going, no matter what. If you show up and do not give up, you will win. I want the world to know that every body and every thing has a story to tell. Solful Studios is a sister-owned, female-operated organization that is passionate about creating real connections with the people we collaborate and create with. If you have a story to tell, we would love to capture it.

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.
I would take my best friend on a multitude of experiences — a combination of local and tourist spots. I currently reside in North Park, San Diego, CA so Downtown San Diego is a 10-minute drive away! From the local taco shop post-club at 2AM to a proper dinner in Little Italy, and everything in between. We’d go on beer crawls, attend pop-up art shows, and park in front of the ocean to watch the sunset. And don’t get me started on the Hillcrest experience…having a drink at the bars and going to the farmers market on Sunday morning is an absolute must.

All of this would be after COVID settles down, of course! If you’re reading this, please do wear a mask and stay home so I could take my said best friend on these adventures sooner than later. Please!

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 would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Celesty Solis, my father, Zoilo Solis, co-founder and sister, Nicole Anne Solis, my girlfriend, Tiffany Le, and my best friends: the Girls, Gabby Geli, and Nat Paghunasan. You all are my rocks, and without you, I really would not be where I am today and I mean that with my whole heart. Thank you for the constant reassurance and love.

Website: www.solfulstudios.com
Instagram: @solfulstudios @ashcraye
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kaye-ak-solis-35563bb4/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleykayesolis
Other: http://sdvoyager.com/interview/meet-trailblazer-ashley-kaye-ak-solis/

Image Credits
Image Credits: Solful Studios, LLC