We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maria Perezgrovas. Check out our conversation below.
Maria, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My first 90 minutes are my anchor. I wake up at 4:00 a.m.—yes, on purpose. I start with a tall glass of water, nothing fancy, just a small reminder to wake up my system before the world gets loud. Then I move into meditation for anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes. It’s the part of the morning where I get out of my own way and let my mind settle.
After that, I read for a bit. It can be anything that feeds me—craft, mindset, or something that simply pulls me into a different world. Then I journal for about 10 to 20 minutes. That’s where ideas, clarity, and the occasional emotional plot twist show up.
I finish with a shower, and by the time I’m done, I feel like I’ve already lived a full, grounded chapter of my day before most people even hit snooze.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Maria, a portrait and documentary photographer. My work is all about capturing people as they are — their grit, their softness, their stories, and the moments they don’t usually let themselves see. I’m especially drawn to character-driven portraiture, the kind that feels honest rather than posed.
I come from a background that blends creativity with discipline — I’m also a martial artist — so my approach is equal parts intuition and intention. I want every session to feel like a conversation, not a performance, and every image to reflect the person’s real essence, not a version edited for the world.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my character portrait sessions, creating work that highlights self-expression, identity, and the quiet narratives people carry. It’s personal, it’s human, and it’s the kind of photography that keeps me endlessly inspired.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Three moments have reshaped how I see the world. The first is my son, Mariano. There’s a calmness in him — this quiet, grounding peace — that slows everything down. He’s taught me to move through life with more softness, to breathe, to pause, even when everything around me is chaos.
The second was losing a close childhood friend three years ago. That loss cut deep and made one truth impossible to ignore: life is brutally short. It pushed me to savor every day, every laugh, every sunrise, as if it could be the last.
And the third was crossing a river with strong currents — terrified, but determined. That moment taught me that fear doesn’t have to stop us. We can do the hard, scary things and come out the other side stronger… and with no regrets.
Together, those moments became my compass: move softly, live fully, and be brave, even when your knees shake.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of not being “enough” — as an artist, a mother, a woman. It’s a quiet fear that keeps you playing small and clinging to what feels safe. Over time I’ve learned that comfort isn’t peace… it’s stagnation. Every real transformation in my life has happened when I’ve stepped out of that comfort zone, even with my heart racing.
Martial arts have been one of my greatest teachers in this. On the mat, you can’t hide from your fear — you face it, breathe through it, and move anyway. That discipline taught me that growth lives in the exact place where discomfort begins.
Motherhood, loss, and the physical and emotional battles along the way all echo the same lesson: fear doesn’t vanish, but your courage grows when you choose to walk through it. That’s where everything expands.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity — showing up exactly as you are, without pretending or performing. And right next to it is loyalty. I come from a culture where standing by your people, being solid, and keeping your word is everything.
In my work, in martial arts, and at home with my son, those two values guide every decision: be honest, be steady, and honor the people and commitments that matter. Integrity keeps me aligned; loyalty keeps me grounded. I won’t compromise ether.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply is that purpose isn’t something you chase. Its something you uncover by being honest about who you are. It’s your ikigai: the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, and what gives you meaning.
Most people spend years trying to fit into roles or expectations that don’t feel true. I’ve learned that real fulfillment comes from staying loyal to what genuinely lights you up, the life that feels like yours, not borrowed. And it takes courage to live that way, but it’s worth every step.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariaperezgrovas.com
- Instagram: @mperezgrovas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mperezgrovas
Image Credits
María Perezgrovas
