We recently connected with Roberto Magana and have shared our conversation below.
Roberto, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Both of my parents were born in Mexico and made the decision to relocate to the United States, driven by the desire to provide a better life for my sister and me. From a young age, they embodied the qualities of ambition and determination. They fully comprehended that nothing would be handed to them, and if they wanted to achieve something, they had to put in the effort and earn it. Throughout my recollections, I have witnessed their unwavering dedication, as they diligently pursued multiple jobs while never neglecting our family. Our family serves as the foundation, the fuel that propels their endeavors forward.
Inspired by their approach, I have embraced the same principle in my own business endeavors. I firmly believe in the significance of nurturing relationships with clients and consistently delivering 100% effort. By prioritizing exceptional care for our clients, not only do we foster loyalty, but they also become advocates who refer us to others.
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.
I am a proud father of two wonderful daughters, and for the past 13 years, I have been happily married to my beautiful wife. Ever since I was in fifth grade, I have had a deep passion for music and envisioned myself as a professional musician. However, as time went on, I realized that pursuing a career in music would pose challenges, particularly in balancing the demands of family life. Consequently, I accepted that my dream of being a musician might not come to fruition. Nonetheless, I believe that destiny had a different plan for me.
Unexpectedly, a turning point arose when I traded something I had no use for and received a Sony camera. This seemingly small transaction became a catalyst for life-changing events. Starting from capturing intimate family gatherings, my journey led me to photographing grand 300-person weddings, corporate events, real estate, and everything that crossed my path.
Among my proudest achievements is successfully running my photography business full-time, which not only provides a good living but also grants me the freedom to prioritize my family and be fully present for them. Family always comes first, and I find immense joy in being actively involved in all the significant moments of their lives.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have always possessed a relentless drive to seek out the next best opportunity. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my primary focus was wedding photography, alongside managing a thriving Photo Booth business. With a well-functioning team to support me, everything seemed to be going smoothly. However, I’ve never been one to embrace complacency, as it tends to breed a sense of laziness or undue relaxation.
Driven by this mindset, I conceived the idea of reaching out to real estate agents, offering my expertise in photography and videography. After persistent efforts, I secured my first client, and though the initial results were satisfactory, I swiftly recognized the room for improvement. I honed my skills and gradually earned the trust of that agent, who continued to engage my services for all their property listings. Encouraged by this success, I expanded my clientele to include another agent, and the business flourished.
Then, abruptly, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world, halting weddings and gatherings. However, thanks to my proactive decision to venture into real estate photography, I found myself inundated with work. Multiple agents sought my assistance during these challenging times when property showings were limited to the online realm. This experience served as a testament to the importance of never remaining stagnant. Comfort can hinder progress, so it is crucial to continuously strive for growth and push forward.
In summary, my journey exemplifies the power of embracing change and seizing new opportunities. By refusing to settle for the status quo, I not only navigated through uncertain times but also expanded my professional horizons, realizing the importance of perpetual advancement.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
It is essential to never rely solely on the best-case scenario. Just as my business was flourishing, and I was brimming with confidence, my wife made the transition from working for the Navy to owning her own military daycare, with the Navy’s support. We were informed that the paperwork and background checks would be expedited, and we anticipated being up and running within six months. Fueled by this optimistic projection, I secured an impressive location for the daycare two months before the anticipated timeline, envisioning a smooth journey ahead. However, circumstances took an unexpected turn.
Despite our hopes, my wife did not receive her license until the following year, prolonging the process. To make things worse, her doctor advised her against working due to the delicate nature of her pregnancy, leaving us solely reliant on a single income. Times grew increasingly challenging, and I found myself accepting any job that came my way, relentlessly hustling to make ends meet. This experience served as a profound wake-up call, instilling in me a newfound sense of humility.
In retrospect, I learned the invaluable lesson of not relying solely on best-case scenarios. Life can present unpredictable challenges, and it is crucial to remain adaptable and prepared for any outcome. This humbling experience reminded me of the importance of resilience and resourcefulness in navigating through tough times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robertomaganaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertomaganaphotography1/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertomaganaphotography/