We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oscar Mendoza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Oscar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
It hasn’t just been one person but a whole community! I recently lost my job due to some unforeseen circumstances. Nothing to do with my performance, but it was inevitable. I was left with little, no severance or assistance from my previous employer. I had the opportunity to meet and work with an incredible community of creatives, chefs, and artist from all around Los Angeles. I began reaching out to this community, making meetings, offering my services as a photographer or anything I could. The response has been overwhelming! Immediately, three people reached out offering me work, another friend provided some guidance in terms of how to navigate my healthcare options. Others yet just took me out for a meal to ask what I wanted to do, and where my skillset lies, and offered to keep plugging me for other positions!
This experience has warmed my heart so much and I just know I am in the right place, regardless of what things look like at the moment, because I am surrounded by support and love and that will put me on the right trajectory.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a photographer who has mainly worked in the food/content space for several years. By mere chance, I was discovered by an editor at the LA Times and was tapped for their food section a while ago. Through that experience and my job as a marketer for a culinary mushroom farm, I was able to meet with and collaborate with many wonderful people in the food scene in Los Angeles. I would bring my camera to any dinners I attended or helped sponsor as a marketer and would provide images free of charge after each event. From there, chefs and organizers would approach me for my services for any events, supper clubs, or portrait projects they had. I specialize in a snapshot/journalistic approach that feels authentic and brings viewers directly into the scene. You’re viewing the event as though you have a front row seat and are mingling with attendees.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Forming authentic connections and being generous with any resources I have to offer has always come second nature to me. I am kind and giving by default. I never expect anything in return. I think that resonates with the right kind of people, especially those in hospitality or creative endeavors. They can read when you aren’t trying to game them or gain anything outside of just genuinely connecting and supporting them.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of mouth. Taking risks and continuing to grow my network through supporting other creatives by attending their events and organically meeting people based on common interests or mutual friends. It sounds silly, but just being a friendly, outgoing person who happens to have a creative hustle is what has worked for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oscardot.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosskie/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-mendoza-b119ab61/