We’re looking forward to introducing you to Scott Molina. Check out our conversation below.
Scott, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
“That’s a great question, because for a long time in my life, I honestly felt like I was wandering. I was trying new things, questioning myself, and figuring out where I fit. But looking back now at 35, I can confidently say I’m walking my path.
It took every life experience to get here every heartbreak, setback, failure, success, and new opportunity. Each one built confidence and clarity. Photography didn’t just show up one day; it was shaped by years of creativity that have always been part of who I am. From drawing as a kid, to being influenced by creative family members, to my mom always creating and capturing moments, to my little brother giving me one of my first cameras that spark was always there.
I think what once felt like wandering was actually preparation. I was collecting tools, experiences, and perspective. Today, photography and film allow me to tell stories. Real estate allows me to connect with people and help them through major life moments. Music is another creative outlet I’m exploring more deeply now. It all connects.
And at the end of 2025, I added another meaningful chapter by becoming a board member of a nonprofit called Movie Institute. Their mission giving young people hands-on access to filmmaking and creativity really resonates with me, especially in a world where creativity isn’t always valued in our school systems.
So while it may have felt like wandering at times, I now see it clearly: every step was leading me here. I didn’t lose my way I was finding it.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an entrepreneur, creative, and storyteller shaped by hard work, curiosity, and a long-term mindset. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family my parents opened restaurants at a very young age, and I was introduced to hustle early. I started working around the age of 12, and being immersed in the restaurant industry taught me discipline, consistency, and the value of earning everything you build. That work ethic has stayed with me in every chapter of my life.
Creativity has always been the other constant. As a kid, I was influenced by art, music, cartoons, and drawing—especially watching close cousins sketch characters and seeing my mom constantly creating, crafting, and taking photos. That creative spark never left. Photography became a natural extension of that passion, and over time I committed to sharpening my craft with intention. I don’t believe in shortcuts or quick wins. Growing up around small businesses taught me that real success is built over time. Life isn’t a push-button society—it’s a marathon, and I’ve always treated my work that way.
There were moments where I stepped away from photography to focus on other pursuits, including earning my real estate license at 29. Real estate came from watching my parents invest in property and understanding the power of ownership. Today, it’s an extension of who I am helping people through major life decisions while continuing to build something lasting for myself.
Music has also played a huge role in my life. I’ve always loved it deeply and even studied audio engineering in college back in 2009, before social media changed the creative landscape. While the industry looks different now, that passion is something I’m actively revisiting and exploring again.
Beyond that, I’m also a lifelong card collector something that started when I was a kid with Pokémon and has evolved into content creation, collecting, selling, and storytelling through that world as well. Whether it’s photography, film, real estate, music, or collectibles, everything I do connects back to creativity, community, and building for the long haul.
What makes me different is perspective. I don’t chase fast results I commit to growth. I keep showing up, refining my skills, and trusting the process. At this stage in my life, everything feels aligned. I have balance, clarity, and a strong sense of direction, and I’m excited about where this path is taking me.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that being different meant I wasn’t enough. I was creative, quiet, shy, and a little awkward. I got picked on for standing out for my teeth, for being reserved, for not fitting the mold. That shaped my self-esteem early on. I didn’t think I was cool enough, smart enough, or confident enough, and for a long time, I carried that belief with me.
Growing up as a Mexican-American minority Plano, Texas a suburb of North Dallas Texas area, I sometimes felt the difference even though I’ve always loved people, cultures, and connection. It didn’t make me bitter, but it did make me feel like I had to work harder to prove myself. At school, I was the quiet kid who drew all the time, unsure of where I fit. But at my parents’ restaurant, I was a completely different person confident, communicative, and comfortable. I was living in two worlds, and that contrast stuck with me.
What I no longer believe is the story I told myself back then that I wasn’t good enough or capable. Today, I know that wasn’t true. Those same traits I once felt insecure about being observant, creative, introspective are actually my strengths. Life experience, hardship, and growth have helped me build real confidence, mental resilience, and faith in myself.
I don’t believe I’m behind, incapable, or limited. I believe I’m focused, intelligent, disciplined, and evolving. Every chapter every setback, heartbreak, and lesson played a role in shaping who I am today. At 35, I can honestly say I’m living my life intentionally and fully, and I wouldn’t erase any part of the journey that brought me here.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: keep your head up and don’t give up. I know you feel small right now. I know you’re being bullied, teased, and made to feel like you’re not enough. You’re shy, quiet, and insecure but you’re also kind, creative, and stronger than you realize.
People are going to doubt you. Some won’t believe in you at all. Others will project their own fears, failures, and unrealized dreams onto you and try to convince you not to follow yours. Don’t believe that noise. Protect your dream. Hold onto it tightly, even when no one else can see it yet.
This pain isn’t the end of your story it’s part of it. Friends will come and go, and not everyone will understand your path, and that’s okay. Just keep moving forward. Keep creating. Keep believing.
One day, it will all make sense. I’m proud of you for not quitting, for staying true to who you are, and for continuing to show up when it was hard. Keep going because dreams really do come true.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes 100%. The public version of me is the real me. What you see is what you get. I don’t sugarcoat who I am, and I don’t try to be someone I’m not. I value authenticity, and I show up as myself in every space I’m in.
I’ve never been interested in being fake or performing for approval. I’m real, I’m honest, and I stand on my values. One thing I’ve learned over time is that not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay. Some people will judge you, doubt you, or dislike you simply for being yourself. That doesn’t make you wrong; it just means you’re not meant for everyone.
I believe your energy attracts your people, and I’ve been fortunate to surround myself with genuine, good-hearted individuals. Of course, there will always be people you don’t connect with, and I’ve learned to accept that without letting it change who I am.
At the end of the day, I know my heart, my intentions, and the way I treat people. What you see on social media and what you experience with me in real life are the same. I’m not hiding anything I’m simply being me.*
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people say that I was real. That I showed up as myself, treated people with respect, and led with a good heart. I hope they remember that I worked hard, stayed consistent, and never gave up on what I believed in even when the road wasn’t easy.
I’d want people to say that I inspired them in some way not by being perfect, but by being persistent. That I believed in creativity, in dreams, and in building something meaningful over time. That I didn’t chase shortcuts, but committed to the long journey and encouraged others to do the same.
I hope I’m remembered as someone who uplifted others, opened doors when I could, and reminded people especially the quiet, overlooked, or creative ones that they were capable of more than they believed. Someone who had faith in God, trusted His timing, and tried to live with integrity, humility, and purpose.
Most of all, I hope people say that I lived fully, stayed true to who I was, and left the world better than I found it even if just in small, meaningful ways. That would mean everything to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @scottmolinavisuals
- Linkedin: Scott Molina
- Twitter: @scottmolinavis
- Facebook: Scott Molina
- Youtube: @scottmolinavisuals9134
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/6L0H1TcajsOQaDOlCm
Image Credits
I Scott Molina @scottmolinavisuals took all the pictures except. The ones of me mom @janiebalderasmolina took the one when I was a kid. The one on the train tracks in Dallas Texas was my from Nick Jubera @texmexrican. My logo my friend Dinorah Garcia made it @dg_graphic_designs All the handles are instagram pages.
