We recently connected with Aj Tolentino and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aj, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Short backstory, in 2019 I had the opportunity to work for my uncle’s business in the Philippines running a hostel + cafe until the pandemic shortly ended that stint. I flew back to New York in 2020 seeking a job, and found a part-time coffeeshop job. At the time, it was rough because I wiped out my savings during pandemic and had to borrow money from a couple people so I can settle back in the city. I was in debt, working a less than minimum wage job. One day, I got cancelled from work and that moment got me thinking to just risk going into my Photography FULL TIME since during this time I already have great deal amount of experience. So the next day, I texted my work and quitted the job with only 200$ to my name and in credit card debt and to the people I owe. That morning was the longest day of my life because i said to my self that there’s no turning back. So first thing I did was fire up my laptop and starting searching for clients, posting my services, finding freelance website and the rest was history! From 2021 up until early 2023 – I’ve just been grinding and serving alot of client on the daily and end of 2021 I opened my start-up @proposalsofnewyork – Now i’ve just been focusing on the business side on how to provide my services better (photography, video) and scale up. I’m so glad to be doing creative work for a living and not only that, i’m able to buy back some time for myself where I can focus really on growth both personally and professionally. I don’t think there was any other time, than that moment to make it happen because it was either I go back to working 9-5 job or risk it and it was the price I was willing to pay to venture into the unknown for my craft.

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

i’m a Photographer & Content Creator, I started my photo & video work when I was a teenager as I liked to film myself dancing ( bboying ) and that’s how I got into really shooting media until in College I decided to go for Visual communication major which I got to learn more about the art form.

Now, I shoot photo & video mainly engagements, fashion, lifestyle, & commercial work. I run 2 start-up, 1. Proposals of New York – we help our client plan out surprise engagements and documenting it. 2. Art of Taste Studios – this is my small-branding agency where I help create content for start-up brand/small business who doesn’t know much about the digital marketing world and we help them jump start their brand.

What sets me apart is that I do genuinely love to help people and I will do what it takes to help them get to point A to B. I believe I was given this talent to serve my clients, community and others who seeks to need my help. I eventually would like to be a life coach.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my goal right now is to scale and help as much people as I can. I’m currently learning new skill-set and identifying how I can solve more creative problems for clients wether in business or in life.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I didn’t think I was going to pursue creative journey back in 2019 when I started working in the islands I thought my life was set there because I was a part-owner of the business, I didn’t think after the pandemic that I would again go on this journey and eventually ended up doing creative work for a living. Sometimes taking a detour in life will eventually lead you to where you’re supposed to so long as you’re open for changes and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajtolentino.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ajtolentinonyc