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

Mariana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Well I’ve been a risk taker most of life! The risk of rejection was basically my previous career. Being an actress really taught me how to go and run with whatever comes my way! Being told no you didn’t get the role constantly was a lot. I feel like my biggest risk was completely changing careers from being a performer to being a portrait photographer at 30 years old. Being a performer since the age of seven made me feel like that’s all I was. Basically my identity. Then I realized we as human beings are multidimensional! So basically, the risk of letting go of everything I knew and what thought I was to soul search, was the biggest and best risk I could have taken. I have so much passion for photographing people. Telling stories with my images. I’m so blessed to be doing this. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for that risk.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Yes! My name is Mariana Leon and I’m the owner and photographer at The Leon Photography, LLC. My Motto always is “Capturing love in the moment.” I capture wedding, couples and families! I started my business a year and a couple of months ago because of my daughter! She pushed me to not be afraid and go for it! But I have been photographing since 2013!

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

Well, I feel like I have been through a lot in life to get to where I am. For sure this journey is still just the beginning! Life is filled with lessons and growing pains. For me it’s been a lot about self discovery and learning more about what works for me. Setting goals, reaching them and most importantly valuing myself and what I offer. Imposter syndrome is a real thing! As a business owner, I have to remind myself I am enough and I am doing great. Take it one day at a time and to enjoy the process. Try, Fail, get back up and try again. Don’t give up!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn is that the big goals aren’t the only ones to focus on. The small or what I like to call “baby goals,” are just as important and should be celebrated. I had made it a habit this year to do this. Setting small goals and accomplishing them give you the motivation to continue and not give up. From past experiences, I would always set these major goals that in my mind felt out of reach. It made the process of growth not as enjoyable either. I felt as if I had massive amounts of pressure. So, I decided when I started TLP (the leon photography) I would take a different approach!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Theleonphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/theleonphotography?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=