Meet Cliff Endsley | Photographer, Filmmaker, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Cliff, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Staying in constant pursuit of learning keeps me inspired. When starting your own business you learn something new every day, if you’re not I’d be concerned. Creating your own brand or business gives you the opportunity to share what you’ve learned and experienced throughout your life and bring that to life for others, in the form of a service or product. The uniqueness of each business is a reflection of it’s founder and I find that fulfilling. Being your own boss is the best and worst thing at the same time. It’s a great exercise, because you get to see what kind of leader you really are when no one is looking.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
If I’m being honest, I’d have to say that I’ve gotten where I am today by learning how to endure suffering. That sounds terrible, but it’s not as bad as it sounds… well, depending on how you look at it. I’ve found that in life, perspective is very important. After spending most of my 20’s traveling to remote surf destinations (chasing the dream of becoming a surf photographer), and partying way too much. I finally turned the corner around 30. By this point I’d been to more countries and experienced more of life than most do in a lifetime. Only I had nothing to show for it, or so I thought. Only recently, I finally found the value in those roaring 20’s, and it’s perspective.

Now, during a business meeting, a photo shoot, or just about any time at all, I have a feeling of confidence going into every situation. All the shoots and business dealings, with people from all walks of life were occasionally challenging, because they were often first-time experiences. Today it’s rare that I face a challenge more difficult than something I’ve already dealt with in the past.

Growing up we lost our house to the bank during the 2008 recession. I had everything I owned of value stolen from me in Costa Rica the following year. All my photography equipment, laptop, all the photos and videos I’d shot for the past 5 weeks while on assignment. Gone. I felt so low in this moment I thought I could die , but, alas I did not.

Kudos to my younger self, I managed to keep going. That’s an essential trait to making it in the world, NEVER giving up. It’s cliche, but true. It’s simple, if you keep going down a path, eventually you’ll be a long way down that road. No one said it would be easy (they would be lying), because it isn’t. That’s kind of also the point. The fact that life isn’t easy, makes you better at it. Dont EVER give up, if only for that mindset, eventually you’ll be further than you ever could’ve imagined.

All that to say that your brand or business is a reflection of you. Who’ve you become and where you’re going. I want my businesses to reflect my story, the adventures of past and present. The wisdom and strength I’ve gained over the years provides a solid foundation to keep moving forward.

While the tough times have built a strong foundation the good times stick with me as well. They motivate me to keep down the path, using creativity to inspire others to live a fulfilling life in touch with the outdoors.

It’d be remiss of me not to include a few other valuable sources of inspiration and information that have helped me over the years.

Surfing
Practicing Yoga
The Chase Jarvis podcast
Ryan Holiday’s Books

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?
Snorkeling through the caves by La Jolla Cove. Breakfast at Claires in Solana Beach
Coffee at Lofty
Acai Bowls at Pure Bowl
Lunch at Board and Brew
Lunch at Taco Stand Encinitas
Lunch at In N Out
Lunch at Hamburger Hut
Lunch at El Pueblo
Dinner at Waverly in Cardiff
Dinner and Drinks at Born and Raised Downtown
Dinner and Beers at Viewpoint Brewing in Del Mar
Dinner at Campfire Kitchen Carlsbad
Baseball game at Petco if it’s in Season
See a show at The Belly Up
Surfing at Pipes
Bike the 101
Walk the Lagoon to Annies Canyon
Check out the Glider port / Paragliders and hike to Blacks Beach

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Zach Smith! Not only the first person that comes to mind, but insanely talented and a great businessman. He also runs his own businesses ( Second Place Co. & Much More Inc.) and I cant express how much of an inspiration and how helpful he’s been during my latest project Cliff Tyler.

As a young photographer I was lucky enough to be mentored by Tim Tadder and Marc Tule. They tought me a lot of technical aspects within photography, but how to turn photography into a business as well.

In my life, I’ve been fortunate to have several life long friends. They’ve been there to lend a hand during tough times, but also as mentors in professional sense. Paul Yun and his family have helped keep me on track and give me valuable perspective for over 30 years!

The love from my mom and toughness from my dad. If there’s one thing my dad tought me it’s the importance of health. Without it, nothing else is possible. Your body is a figurative racecar, fuel accordingly.

Website: www.cendit.com

Instagram: @cend_it

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffendsley/

Youtube: @cliffendsley

Other: www.cliffendsleyart.com www.clifftyler.com