We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalia Baquero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natalia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes, I do!. I find this to be a very important part of my life. To take time for myself and refuel is a must. Vacations was something my family really couldn’t afford to do when I was growing up. I remember one family Vacation to Disney as a kid and remember staying at a hotel called Record Hotel in Orlando. It was probably not the best place but in my mind it was the coolest and playing in the pool with my family was the best thing ever. That’s probably one of the happiest core memories of mine.

To me I think to take a vacation can be any time away from your daily routine. It doesn’t have to be a week long to some exotic place. Many of us can’t afford that so we think we can’t take vacations and therefore we don’t. I feel that taking time for yourself is so important and that includes doing things that make you happy. That can be different for everyone but vacationing is definitely one of my things. I try to take two vacations a year. They range anywhere from 2 days to a week away.

I’m also married and a mom of two boys. Sometimes it can be a little challenging but I make sure we do it. I say taking advantage of a 3 day weekend is the best place to start. You can find so many good deals online now and days. there are many travel sites that offer packages that include the flight and hotel if you are looking to fly somewhere or you can even do a local vacation. Go to a near by small town you have always wanted to check out. Sometimes just booking a night out going to a local cafe, walking the town and relaxing is all you need.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and now I live in New York. Growing up I always wanted to explore the world, to travel. I remember seeing picture books with these magical place and luscious landscapes. I wanted to visit them all.

I started doing photography almost 15 years ago when I moved to New York. Moving here inspired me to explore my creative side, I mean I think New York does that to you. I remember finding an old camera my husband had in his closet. A small point and shoot. I started exploring near by towns and wanting to document all of it. The city and suburbs, to the beautiful mountains and landscapes. The many sides of NY.

A year or so later my husband gifted me my first Nikon. Like many other photographers I’m self taught. It wasn’t easy you know we can be our own worst critics. Between not knowing all the settings properly and pictures not coming out as sharp or clear at times it can be quite discouraging. I fell in love with taking pictures, I found it to be my escape. It also motivated me to travel more to many places and be a travel Photographer.

I started traveling to the places I remembered I loved seeing in the picture books as a child. I have been blessed to be able to travel a lot these past few years. To be able to experience and visit of all these amazing and breathtaking places has been a dream come true.

I started posting my work online and received many kinds of comments and compliments. I was contacted by people who wanted to purchase my work. I never really saw this as something that could become a business, I started it as a hobby. I decided to create a website and start selling my work.

As years went by I began selling prints, framed work, handmade made cards and other products. It was really encouraging. More so because I loved seeing how other enjoyed my work.

Within the past few years I expanded into other aspects of photography (portraits, families) I noticed with this other side of photography I wanted it more to do with community. I believe everyone should have access to good quality pictures. I know not everyone can afford them. Someone might just be starting a business and may not have the budget for great pictures and I enjoy helping in those cases. I find this being my way of giving back

This craft has allowed me to meet many great people. Many who encouraged me to keep going and others who took the time to share their techniques and time with me and I’m really grateful for all of them.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I think for me the best source of new clients has to be client referrals. A lot of my clients from this year have been referred by a previous clients. I also think that being a small business owner that is the best compliment I can get. It’s just reassuring and encouraging.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me as an artist I would have to say is seeing how my work puts a smile on peoples faces. We have so much going on in our country and around the world that if my work for a moment can make someone smile or transport them to a happy place to me that is well worth it and enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: Natalia-Baquero.Pixels.com
• Instagram: @Beautythroughanikon

Image Credits
All these picture were taken by me