Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Perez.
Angie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My mother and I came here when I was little from Colombia, and because she was a single mother and working so hard for so many years of my life when I became a little pre-teen, all I had was the computer to keep me from being lonely. So, I think my story is one you can relate to because I started off with no direction. I was just a kid that got away by being on the internet, learning and creating. I’ve always wanted to go places with my creativity, but I never took the time to make a business plan.
At 11 years old, I was already learning how to code CSS & HTML, Adobe Photoshop, video editing on Pro Tools, and graphic design was my dream. I grew up with that being my career goal. Throughout the years, creating in any way became my outlet. After HS, I realized that any time I went to pursue my graphic design dream, it was money being wasted. I wasn’t being challenged, and I didn’t learn. I picked up a camera and my love for photography started.
At that time Flickr was the real deal, and I would post my photos on that. I’ve always made little money here and there doing EP covers, flyers, and marketing myself online through graphic designing and photography. But, I also learned that this was no longer my love. A couple of years go by, still doing this on the side, and I picked up a job at American Airlines, and I became heavily invested in that. This happened when I was around 19-22, the airline was my life.
I moved up so fast, got to learn so many things, network with big people, and it ignited my love for business and training. I ended up leaving that to pursue my creative career. It was hard at the beginning, but my doors and blessings have been pouring in lately. I took my content, social media, photography, and graphic design serious. I made a plan, and I branded myself. I stay up networking, emailing, and putting myself out there.
I’ve been sponsored by amazing companies, worked with beauty brands I love, been able to do campaigns, shot at an NFL Hall of Famers house, worked with a celebrity chef, etc.; the doors keep going, and I’m now dabbling into the world of mentoring and coaching. I also struggle with anxiety, bad, so I think it’s important to share stories like this an advocate through it.
Long story short, my entire life I have always been in some creative field and it felt as if I was going nowhere. Now that I’m an adult, my life makes sense, and I’ve found a way to tie everything together, all of my interests and talents, and see that they all go hand in hand and being the jack of all trades is rare. Why not share it?
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not. Going through high school, while dealing with depression, took a lot of my years away. I only say that because I was learning to cope with that for so long and I could’ve been doing what I love and started to take it seriously at a younger age. I’ve always been a bit more mature than others my age, and setting up my future was important for me.
Anxiety kicked in when I was in my 20’s, and it took a toll. I’ve canceled gigs when I was just beginning and have made up excuses not to go somewhere (trust me, I learned the hard way and don’t do this anymore). I had to learn to cope and deal with it. It’s hard to separate real life and work because my work is my real life. I’ve kind of learned to get out my own head for a little bit.
Also, being an entrepreneur full time is hard in itself but has been a smoother road for me lately.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m a full-time natural light photographer and micro-influencer/content creator. I specialize in marketing. I create content for brands that are launching campaigns, share brands I love and spread the word about them, I photograph normal people all the way to models and businesses/events… but, I do this all in my own way.
I’m most proud of the momentum that I’ve brought and had going for myself. Doing it all on your own is hard but doable. And, also proud of myself and the content I’ve had the opportunities to produce.
I think that I’m different because I bridge the gap between business, marketing, and creativity. I love it, it’s my passion, and it’s noticeable. I put my client’s needs, wants, and looks before mine. And, I love ethics. 🙂
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Definitely my mother and my boyfriend. They have both pushed me and have invested in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. My mother has always believed in anything creative that I’ve done, and she has also made me stop and get serious about it.
My boyfriend for being the biggest supporter when I’m down, and most of all, for being the one to tell me to quit a job that was giving me the anxiety to pursue my creative career. He held us financially for a long time when I first got started! Wouldn’t have been possible to start without him.
Pricing:
- Packages start at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: imangiepaola.com & angiepaolaphoto.portfoliobox.net
- Email: contact@imangiepaola.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aangiepaolaa
Image Credit:
Adaleih Maumalanga (Model), Naturally Serious Skin Care (Brand), Angie Perez, Jamual Moore, Chef Hoppie, Beyoutiful Lash Studio, and Back to Wellness Health Fair
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
