Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryafernanda Rosales.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hello! I was born in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, came to Texas when I was 4, Dallas has been home since then. I’m the mother of a soon to be 4-year-old. He is the reason that I am living my best life, cliche and that’s okay.
I remember tweeting one day some along the lines of “I’m pregnant everyone! Don’t worry, I won’t be posting about it the entire pregnancy and I won’t blow up your feed with pictures of my baby once he’s born” then I proceeded to do just that. I was the first one to have a baby in my close group of friends, and one day my best friend, Diana mentioned how I should start a blog instead of my long captions in my photos, after months of debating my friend Isamar finally convinced me to go for it, she taught me the basics.
Once my blog was up and running, I figured I’d make the most out of my platform, my life was far from perfect and even then I thought something about what I was/am going through as a wife, mother, immigrant, college student, and aspiring photographer would touch someone and help someone who’s struggling like I was. Life is hard, and no one should ever have to go through it alone. Somewhere along the line, I went from being a stay-at-home mom and wife to a 7-3 job during the week, a photographer on the weekends who is learning to co-parent in the best way possible every day. I didn’t have it in me to not touch on subjects that were of substance. If I can impact one person, I have fulfilled my purpose. There’s not a subject I haven’t spoken about, I’ve created a safe space for anyone to come to for help and support. Blogging pushed me to pick up my camera every single day, it made me a better photographer, it opened the doors to my photography business. Numbers are not of importance, I don’t have thousands of followers, my pictures don’t get hundreds of likes, and that’s okay because the amount of women who have reached out to share their struggle, journey and sometimes ask for advice is much more rewarding. Social media can be dark, but it can also be so beautiful I’ve created genuine connections with women thousands of miles away, from California to Australia.
So how did I get where I am? Through trial and error, through asking for help and lending a hand, through self-love and building life-long bonds with beautiful genuine people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing is ever easy, I’ve had my fair share of struggles, but it’s truly made me a better person. I found myself struggling with balancing all my titles (mother, sister, daughter, and wife) I was losing myself to the expectations of everyone else, I was doing things for everyone, except myself. My advice to anyone starting off is, be yourself, your true and most authentic self. You have one life, why spend it being someone you are not. Whether it be in your creative work or everyday life, be yourself.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mexan Mommy & Maryafernanda Photography – what should we know?
I’m a photographer and blogger, those two things have allowed me to meet amazing people! More often than not my followers, become my clients and get stuck with my friendship. Who I am on social media is who I am the moment you meet me, I pride myself in that.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
As harsh as it sounds, not everyone is willing to help when you’re starting off in any industry, however, Dallas has the most amazing photographer community! So many of the photographers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting have been willing to mentor me through most of my beginner struggles, it all starts by reaching out. Ask questions, and if that person isn’t willing to help ask someone else, don’t ever feel discouraged, if you want it hard enough you can do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MaryafernandaPhotography.com
- Email: mejrosas@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mexanmommy/
- Other: https://mexanmommy.wordpress.com
Image Credit:
Dalia Esparza Photography https://www.instagram.com/daliaesparzaphotography/
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.
