We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Saavgel Victoria. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Saavgel below.

Saavgel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I believe that in order to be successful, you have to be a bit crazy and unrealistic about your goals. A lot of people think that being practical and following a plan is the key to success. I disagree. I think success is more about having a never-give-up attitude. I’ve been successful many times in my life, and I’ve learned that the most important thing is to never quit, no matter how tough things get. Every failure is a lesson, and you can use those lessons to keep moving forward until you eventually reach your goals.

Saavgel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Saavgel Victoria. I believe that alone sets me apart from others. My name was created by my mom, who took half her name (Saavedra) and half my dad’s (Angel) to create my name. Growing up, I didn’t like my name because people would butcher it and it would always be a topic of discussion whenever it was brought up. However, now I see my name and I am instantly proud to carry it. My name was invented by the most creative woman I know and whose creativeness I now possess.

I’ve always loved movies. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, watching TV was my thing since I lived in a very dangerous neiborhood and playing outside wasn’t always the safest. I remember watching tons of movies and wondering how they were made. I think that ignited a fire in me to create and so I started filming and editing with my childhood friends with whatever camera we could get our hands on. I would try my best to do the best with what I had. Especially because my family was just making ends meet. I think that’s where I got my work ethic from. I learned to make the most out of nothing. I had to be creative. I had to pull it off.

I got into the industry as an editor when I was just 17 years old. A year after that, I ended up moving with my father to the USA and that was like starting all over again. Even tho I only had a year of professional experience as an Editor, I felt like in that one year I had accomplished a lot. So, coming to the USA certainly felt like a set back since I didn’t know the language, I didn’t have any friends, and I couldn’t get a job in the industry. I remember applying to hundreds of editing jobs and I would never get a response so, I applied to other jobs. I worked loading trucks at a warehouse, then I worked giving out government phones, and I also worked as a dishwasher for a bagel shop. However, I never gave up on my dreams.

A pivotal moment for me was when I was 19. My grandma came from DR to visit me and after a few weeks, she suddently passed away. That moment was devastating, but at the same time, it was clear to me that tomorrow is not promised. So, after that I became obssesed with self development and self improvement. I set my mind to breaking into the industry and I went after it.

It all started with a Canon 60D and the famous nifty fifty. I shot weddings, birthday parties, and even funerals. I worked my way up to a new camera, and the another one, and then another one. Until I finally got enough resources and peers to create my first short film “A Smile to Remember” which gained 5 awards on its festival run and was selected and played at more than 20 festivals across the world. I have gotten to work with brands and agencies like Willie B Media, HEVE, Samsung, Walmart, Target, and so many others. I am passionate about what I do and I am certain that is the reason why the people I work with keep coming back to me.

My story is full of ups and downs, but the one thing that keeps coming up everytime is the fact that I never quit.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I love philosophy and self-development books and I have read many books that have impacted my entrepreneurial thinking. One of my favorite books ever is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I use the tools from this book almost daily because to be a successful entrepreneur, I think integrity, emotional intelligence, and purpose are key tools to have in my toolbox. Other books I keep re-reading are Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and Happy Money by Ken Honda.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist for me is being able to tell stories through my lens. Creating emotions and infinite memories are my favorite things in the world and being able to do so for a living is just insane to think about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xcentricvisuals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saavgel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saavgel