Hawaii’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: Creative Island Visions

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Creative Island Visions is a 2019 award winner in Hawaii!

If you’re looking for a photographer who can capture your special day like no one else, look no further than Creative Island Visions in Kihei.

Creative Island Visions has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.89 stars, earning them a magnificent Rating Score™ of 98.90 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 25 businesses in all of Hawaii!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I cannot say enough about Creative Island Visions. They were so much fun to work with, while at the same time, professional. I didn’t know photographers could be so fun! My husband and I are not photogenic at all, but our wedding pictures came out beautifully. I am so happy we chose Creative Island Visions and would highly recommend them.” – Elisabeth C.

A One-of-a-Kind Photographer’s Secret to a Strong Online Reputation

Creative Island Visions has managed to build the kind of reputation any business owner would envy, and to learn a little more about that reputation and this one-of-a-kind business, we sat down with the owner, Cassie Pali.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Creative Island Visions unique compared to the many other photographers in Hawaii. Cassie told us:

“I am easy to work with. My website represents me well; nothing is hidden. I do what I say, and I do it well. I think it is important that, when hiring a photographer, you get to know them. Hire me if you want someone who will be fun to have around and who listens to your needs and concerns. Photographing someone is very personal. I am in their space. My job is to make them feel comfortable so that I can capture their true spirit — the real them! My mom always told me that I was a chameleon, so I just blend into whatever situation I’m in.”

When we asked what the secret is to such a solid online reputation at Creative Island Visions, Cassie pointed to the simple fact that she works to exceed her clients’ expectations and sends a link after every shoot asking for a review. She added:

“If you don’t ask for a review you won’t usually get one unless the client is unhappy. Most people, when they’re happy don’t go on and review, so I make an effort to ask. …I think reviews are important. They let people know what the experience is really like.”

Making the World a Better Place by Exceeding Expectations

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Creative Island Visions and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s Cassie’s response:

“For me, it’s about exceeding expectations. It’s very important to me that I do the best job I can. I never worry about the financial rewards. It’s about doing the best job with passion. In my community, I offer Thanksgiving day family photoshoots. It’s where I give back. I usually do this the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I spend the day on location and photograph anyone and everyone who stops by. I upload the images for them at no fee. Last year, I did 18 shoots in one day. Each family got the files for printing and sharing. I don’t accept payment on this day. It’s just my day to be thankful and share with others.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Creative Island Visions has grown largely through repeat business and word of mouth marketing, but Cassie also works with a marketing professional who helps her with Facebook and Instagram. Furthermore, Cassie works with large hotels that send clients her way, and she’s gained exposure for her business by doing shoots for a magazine that covers local families in Maui.

It’s clear that Cassie knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s her expert advice for the many other business owners out there:

“Don’t be afraid of social media. You have to do it; there’s no way to get around it. I’ve watched companies go under because they haven’t changed over to social media marketing. A strong online presence is important, but so is customer service. I make it a point to send thank you cards by mail — yes, mail! I also do phone calls and follow-ups. If you are struggling with your online presence, outsource it.”


Congratulations to the team at Creative Island Visions for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!

We highly recommend Creative Island Visions in Kihei. Visit their website today!

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