Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Olvera.
Paige, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Dallas, Texas. I grew up in Irving, Texas, just right outside of Dallas. I am the second child of four, so growing up was interesting, being a “middle child”, haha. I’ve always been the loud one, ever since I was younger. My siblings will testify to that, haha. I loved going to school and participating in different things, I participated in choir and theater, and it was so much fun.
I remember one time in 8th grade. I was in Theater class. My teacher knew me since I was involved in the school play. Well, for one of our finale assignments, the theater class had to get in groups and perform a mini-play. We had like six weeks to learn the lines, figure out costumes, and design the props and everything. I was originally assigned to one group and stood in it for a little over two weeks, learned the lines, and then had to switch groups. I had to memorize their lines, stage directions and all of that! I remember feeling like I was going to mix up lines and everything! Assignment day finally comes, and it turns out the group I was originally in, their lead didn’t come in. Along with that, a totally different group didn’t have their lead show up as well! My teacher ended up asking me how fast I could learn the lines from the other group because they were on in ten minutes. She didn’t know what to do, because we had to perform the plays in the library for the class, and also other classes that wanted to watch. I ended up perfectly performing three plays that day, with only ten minutes to refresh my lines from an old part and learn new lines and stage directions from a whole new play. I loved it so much, and I think that is where I learned how much school brought out my creative way of thinking.
I moved on to high school, and I was enrolled in a digital media class. I was super curious as to what it was because in the early stages of high school, I LOVED to edit pictures on Picnik. If anyone remembers what that was, shout out! Haha. I loved editing pictures, and it was around the time where we were going from MySpace days to Facebook. It’s always fun looking back and remembering. Anyways, I was so interested in the digital media, and that is where I was introduced to Photoshop. Photoshop caught my eye right away. I loved all of the abilities it had and what you were able to create from it. I looked forward to that class every day that semester.
I transferred high schools after freshman year, and I was going to attend a more career-based school. I enrolled in the web design specialty, and that is where my love for digital design went from being, “I really like doing this for fun!” to, “I love doing this for fun, and I want this as a career!” It opened this door for me into this whole other world of creativity. I loved going to school. I loved designing in class and staying late. It was a sort of escape for the other things I was dealing with behind the scenes.
Has it been a smooth road?
With my parents being separated, at a young age, there were definitely challenges. The environment I was brought up around, I wouldn’t say was the healthiest. When people hear me and my sibling share stories of our youth, they are kind of shocked. Especially since we all have our own era that we grew up in with our parents. My older sister remembers when they were together and has her stories, I remember more during the actual separating process, and my little siblings remember more of the aftermath. I could tell many stories and go on and on, but that’s for another time.
I could have taken the “easy” way out. I could have not attended school and fell into the cycle that was already going on, because it was very easy for me to do that. And I almost did fall into that, however I knew if I did, then I would just be everything I was avoiding. I mentioned previously how school and my digital designing, was my escape from things and it was. I loved going to school. I loved my teachers, I loved my friends, and I loved designing. I would wake myself up every morning, walk to bus stop and stay late because it was just an escape from everything at home.
I graduated with pretty good grades, and I went straight into the workforce because I wanted to attend college. I had done a few fundraisers during high school to raise funds, but college is pricey. So, I started working, and then Big Girl problems came to light. Bills, gas, relationship/friendship issues, family drama, just everything! It became a very dark time in my life, and I stopped designing, photography and that passion for my creative side got overpowered by life, I should say.
When you are in high school and young, you have this whole idea of what life is going to look life, then reality sets in and it’s like, “Woah… okay… this is not what I expected. What in the world do I do?” I was in a position where I was just so confused. I felt so lost. I lost my light, I lost friends, I lost myself, and I just wanted to find that happiness I once had, and I was looking in the worst places for that.
Looking back almost three years later, I can say I am so blessed and happy to be where I am. Everything happens for a reason, and every situation you are put through is for you to grow from, and I know that is what I have done. I was able to overcome that darkness and pull myself out and tell myself, “You are better than what you are allowing. You deserve to be happy. You are smart, you have dreams. Do not give up.” And I did, and I have never been happier and proud of the woman I am. I like her. She’s glowing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mama Oinkers – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I have been into digital design since I was younger. It is actually what I am trying to get my degree at North Lake College. I am Mama Oinkers! I design small logos, flyers, digital invitations, snapchat filters and photography. I love it. It brings me as much happiness as it did when I was younger and that is how I know this is my passion!
Along with doing digital design, I also assist with marketing and social media at a local non-profit Emma’s House. Emma’s House is a 501©(3) non-profit for teens and young adults with special needs and disabilities, ages 14 and up. We provide after school, holiday and summer break care. The former director knew I was going to school for digital designed and gave me a chance to take photos, create flyers, and things.
My proudest work was designing their website. She wanted something that would mimic the atmosphere that the place has yet be informative. It was such an honor to be given such a huge project, and the fact she trusted me to do, it was just such an honor. When clients come to me for a quote, I also let them know a portion of my fee gets donated to Emma’s House. Since they are a 501©3, donations are what keep their doors open. Feel free to check out their Facebook and website (designed by me), don’t forget to leave alike! 😀 (www.EmmasHouse.Net)
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of our city, especially in Irving. Irving is right in the middle of DFW. You have access to so many things and ways to go wherever. Also, it makes it easier to get to know people and network!
I love the community involvement we have here, and especially in the DFW. You have so many companies that give back and foundation to collaborate with, it is amazing!
However, I would say a challenge facing such a good city is that everyone wants to be in it! Ya know? Lots of friendly competition, but I have learned to not look at that as a negative. Look at it as empowering each other and challenging each other!
Contact Info:
- Email: Paige.olvera@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/MamaOinkers
Image Credit:
The black and white photo was shot by @AshMariePortraits // Ashley McDonald
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