We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chanaramis Asuega. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chanaramis below.
Chanaramis , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
My hero is my grandpa. Just thinking or speaking about him makes me emotional because of how much he means to me. I love that man dearly, and I’m constantly inspired by his work ethic and the sacrifices he made to provide for our family. He isn’t your average grandpa—he’s cool, resourceful, and has the biggest heart. I’ve definitely adopted those traits from him.
One of the biggest lessons he’s taught me is the power of perseverance. No matter what challenges came his way, he always found a way to push through, never complaining, never making excuses—just figuring it out. That kind of resilience is something I carry with me in my own journey. Whether it’s in my work or personal life, I approach things with the same determination and creativity that he did.
More than anything, my grandpa showed me what it means to love and provide for family. I feel like I have the baton in my hands now, and everything I’m doing is about setting up the next generation—just like he did for us. That responsibility drives me every day, and I hope to carry forward his legacy in a way that would make him proud.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not be familiar with me, I’m currently known for my work as a photographer, a craft I’ve been honing for about two years now. My journey into photography was a natural evolution—I originally started on the other side of the lens as a model, but over time, I realized I wanted to be the one creating. I wanted to bring my own visions to life, shape narratives, and build worlds through imagery. That curiosity led me to pick up a camera, and from there, I never looked back.
I primarily take on projects that align with my creative expression, allowing me to push boundaries and craft visuals that feel both intentional and striking. But I don’t limit myself to just being a photographer. I’m stepping more into the role of a creative director, where I have a hand in the entire process—from conceptualizing ideas to curating aesthetics, styling, and overseeing every visual element. My goal isn’t just to capture images but to tell stories and create a feeling that lingers.
What sets me apart is my perspective. I pull inspiration from the cultures and experiences that have shaped me, and I strive to bring depth, artistry, and authenticity into every project. I’m especially passionate about highlighting Pacific Islanders and putting on for my people.
At the core of my work is the desire to create something timeless—imagery that resonates, inspires, and represents. I want my clients, followers, and collaborators to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting a photoshoot; they’re stepping into a vision where every detail is carefully thought out. I’m most proud of the creative freedom I’ve built for myself and the space I’m carving out for underrepresented voices in high-fashion and visual storytelling. My journey is still unfolding, but one thing is certain—I’m here to create, to push limits, and to make every frame count.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Definitely—to reach financial freedom while doing something I genuinely enjoy. But beyond that, my mission is to create work that resonates on a deeper level. People tend to remember visual messages more than anything else, and I want to use that power to spark thought, emotion, and healing.
As I continue evolving in my craft, I’m shifting toward creating more thought-provoking content—imagery that doesn’t just look good but carries meaning, challenges perspectives, and contributes to the collective healing of people. Whether it’s through storytelling, symbolism, or the emotions captured in a frame, I want my work to leave an impact.
Ultimately, my goal is to blend creativity with purpose. I want to create art that not only sustains me but also serves others in a meaningful way.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
On a more spiritual and transparent note, there was a time recently when I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue with photography or walk away from it. I was going through a lot in my personal life, and it all felt like too much. Creativity, something that had always been an outlet for me, started to feel heavy instead of freeing.
In the midst of that, I submitted my work for an exhibition—a process that was a challenge in itself given everything I was dealing with. Right after sending it in, I said a prayer. That moment was deeply personal, but what happened next felt like divine confirmation. My work was accepted. It was exactly the sign I needed from the Most High to keep going.
That experience reminded me why I started in the first place. It reaffirmed that my work has purpose, and even when I feel uncertain, I’m being guided. Since then, I’ve approached my creative journey with even more intention, knowing that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
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Image Credits
McKayla Afemata