We recently connected with Maria Mendizabal and have shared our conversation below.
Maria , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I remember in high school I had the chnce to perform the Power of Love by Céline Dion. I was afraid-nervous, and even though I was used to being in front of my peers through choir, it was different because I was going to be on stage by myself. I was afraid of forgetting the lyrics, or not singing well (it still happens sometimes lol). The best feeling, though, was hearing the chatter in the audience, and then the music started, and as soon as I opened my mouth to sing, everyone went silent. Equally, through photography, I knew that I had a gift. I started back in 1998 at a family owned portrait studio and learned about techniques to photograph children, individuals and families. The clients loved my work and even though I am not very fast I was always kind and wanted to connect to my client. The company transitioned and I found myself in the corporate world after five years and have worked this way ever since. I picked up photography again in 2014 and have been building my craft slowly and unintentionally as a side hustle.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
After finding my voice as a teenager, life continued I fell silent because there were not many places that had open mics or that I would really venture and out myself out there. A dear friend referred me once to sing for a birthday party and it was exhilarating and scary but I did it and I knew I could sing and connect with people again…I had this super power to make people want to look and listen and to this day even though I am mostly singing karaoke or sometimes hosting or singing at an event, I will get stopped and told how much they enjoyed my voice and sometimes cry over how I made them feel or reminisce.
As a photographer , the company I worked for transitioned and I found myself in the corporate world after five years and have worked this way ever since. I picked up photography again in 2014 and have been building my craft slowly and unintentionally as a side hustle.
I currently have a Canon 5d Mark III, with the 24-70 zoom lens and use Photoshop and Lightroom to edit. Facebook and Instagram are my mediums of marketing and sharing-word of mouth, definitely. This is my style, my journey. I am committed this year to take my craft to another level and get that LLC since my push is consistency.
My primary drive is not followers and a six figure income. That is not my intention or my chosen path. I do believe, however I am here to connect and use my divine gifts of really seeing people for who they are and what they yearn to be. I am often called intuitive with my conversations and I carry a light within that I share with the world around me. Not one session is the same even if it is the same set up-it can’t be because everyone is an individual and I see beyond the human embodiment of the soul that is presented to me at the moment. I am constantly in the moment and seeking to find more. I can go on and on but I will leave that for conversation, speaking in public or singing you a song that soothes your soul.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
People that are non-creative, or even just those in general that express that if they had a fraction of my talent, they would be rich. That may be true, however, I am not driven primarily by financial success. I am rich, but it is not in the convention manner. I am wealthy in love by family and friends and others. My secondary approach to life is to manage a business side of a creative heart. That is not easy, it is a challenge, for sure. A non-creative person will look at a skill set and look to monetize it, keep the edge alive and then maybe nurture it. A creative soul will open themselves to vulnerable and will want to know that they leave a legacy behind once they are gone. This legacy will be something that generations can enjoy, talk about and reminisce about. I would suggest that the creative soul never do it all on their own-the “ non-creative” can help balance with bringing this soul-baring process to the masses and help that creative make some money lol, hopefully without exploitation.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I am learning everyday that art and talent have no expiration date.
I have never been a conventional beauty. My self declared opinion is that I am beautiful because I am a woman.
I walk into a room and people are compelled to notice me. I walk in with intention and carry my energy and my vibe very strong- I know who I am and who raised me. I know my talent and capabilities even though I may not know anyone there. Of course I am constantly looking to improve my physical self because I am human and appearance does matter.
I mentioned my concern for my age once, twice, maybe more to my tribe. I was scolded and reminded that I am a badass and that even though I do not look my age, it does not matter because my gift reaches beyond time and space and that I am respected for sharing such honesty and love. So then I am good….
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @redlipmia
- Facebook: Maria MendiZabal photographer