Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Beth Surya. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Beth, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

There have been tiny, profound moments throughout my life– Growing up in Las Vegas as a first generation Mexican-American, taking an unwanted camera from my parents, photographing my friends in grade school., teaching in our District (Clark County School), for 5 years, having my 3 daughters, and various traumatic events, to name a few. All of this has been difficult but yet defining for me.

My photography brand is inspired by a retro Vegas vibe. It’s inspired by the feeling I used to get as a young child when I would walk into the Circus Circus and race to their Carnival Games and drool over the beautiful trapeze artists swaying their bodies as if they were reciting poems instead.

My psychotherapy brand was inspired by my first career– I was a teacher in our district for 5 years. I was inspired by my students. I wanted to find ways to support their mental health and their academic aspirations despite the adversity and economic challenges, among many, many other stressors.

I must admit that I have always loved photography. I got (stole) my first Nikon L35 AF (from my mom–she didn’t care for it) in 1993 and became very intrigued by it (at the age 4). In Elementary school, I would volunteer to take photos of the school assemblies. I remember that towards the end of the school year, Mr. Mann, my 5th grade teacher, told the entire class that I would grow up to be a great photographer one day. He said, “I watched her move through the pathways looking for various angles to capture our class performance. I was very impressed.” I was flattered. Holding a camera up to my eyes almost feels like I enter a whole new dimension, every single time. I also love the feeling I get when people see themselves in photographs. I love feeling the excitement that they get when they are able to relive special moments. That is the best of feelings.

I love that I can capture and record emotions, and vibes through a photograph. As a Master’s-level clinician (Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of Nevada), I live and breathe to understand emotions– Where they come from; how they slowly emerge through our bodies; and how each individual person can exhibit the same feeling so differently. Like, ahhh!! Isn’t that so cool? I watch grooms tell their partners that they will do anything to protect them from this day forward, with just a short look that feels like a lifetime. I also see brides communicate all of their future hopes and wishes to their partner through soft touch. It is such a privilege. I get to photograph a couple’s happiest day but I also get to help others get through life, one night (or day) at a time.

The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome is myself. Long story short– I’m a first generation Mexican-American. My mom often worked long hours to raise me and my 2 sisters. She babysat other children in their homes, worked in a laundromat and even worked installing tile! Wow.

I want to be clear that I admire her; I’m proud of her and I know that she HAD to do all of this to survive but, academic encouragement and educational support was not something she was capable of providing. I often STILL struggle to believe that I’m smart enough, talented enough and capable of moving to the next step of my journey.

I’m human, college degrees have not solved all of my emotional insecurities– I’ve experienced panic attacks in the middle of presentations and have even turned down opportunities out of fear of failing. I have to work at presenting myself and my work everyday.
I understand that no one is going to do this for me. No one is going to hand me opportunities I don’t work for. Often times my lack of confidence and that stupid ‘Imposter Syndrome’ is a true challenge.

Don’t feel bad for me, I promise that I remember to praise the grit that got me where I am today. I do reflect on the sweetness of having founded, built and grown 2 businesses on my own, as a brown woman, as a mother of 3 little girls and in the best city in the world.

If my phone could ring right now with the most awesome of opportunities it would be the opportunity to discuss and educate my community about mental health. The opportunity to meet individuals who are open to sharing their struggles with (me and with) the intention of validating others and helping them understand themselves and those around them, such as their parents or partners.
I would love the opportunity to document this through film and photography. I picture myself, discussing difficult subjects such as the detrimental affects anxiety, sexual assault, and (first) Generational Trauma in America, for example. I mention these topics because if I expect individuals to open up to me, I too must be willing to admit that I’ve experienced these events and they have had a profound effect on the person I am today.

I want people to remember me as that woman, that photographer and that psychotherapist who SAW them. I want them to know that I tried my absolute best to understand them. That I tried my best to make them feel like a human being. Whether it was on their wedding day or their worst day. I want them to know that I worked to provide the most supportive, helpful and memorable experience. With everything that I do and every person that I work with, I give authenticity, my art and my pure intentions.

Beth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a Master’s level clinician and a photographer. In my private practice, I mostly see young adults and the majority of them identify with the LGBTQ+ community. In my photography business, I mostly photograph couples and other therapists for branding purposes.

I think that what sets me apart from other professionals is that I truly go into every job opportunity with delicacy and unconditional care.

I think that most of my photography clients love to hire me because I really want to capture them and the beauty that our state has to offer.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Please see my first response pertaining to being a first generation American and trauma survivor.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Please see my first response pertaining to leaving my teaching career to become therapist.

Contact Info:

• Website: VelvetAlchemy.com SoulandLunaCounseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetalchemyphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/velvetalchemyphotography/

Image Credits
Myself– @VelvetAlchemyPhotos