We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valeria Talavera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Valeria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Defying the Odds: How I Chose My Own Path

At 18, I had a choice: take the safe route or take a leap of faith. My family, especially my father, wanted me to stay in my hometown for college. It was affordable, familiar, and, most importantly, secure. But I had a different vision for my future. I wanted to study film at the best college in Puerto Rico, even if it meant moving away, facing financial struggles, and figuring things out on my own. So, I took the risk.

But this decision wasn’t just about choosing a school—it was about breaking a cycle. I come from a family where many didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, or if they did, they couldn’t finish. I grew up seeing that reality, knowing the challenges, and fearing that maybe I wouldn’t be able to do it either. Maybe I would fail. Maybe I would have to give up, just like so many before me. But I refused to let fear define my future.

I moved out with no financial safety net, determined to pay for my own education. I worked full-time while studying full-time—sometimes working two full-time jobs, clocking in 72-hour workweeks, and still maintaining straight A’s. I don’t know how I did it, but I pushed through. I lived alone, paid for everything myself, and refused to let anything, or anyone, derail my goals.

That risk paid off. I graduated magna cum laude with my bachelor’s degree in film and immediately took another leap—enrolling in a master’s program in digital marketing. Once again, I financed it entirely on my own, investing over $10,000 into my future. And now, at 23 (almost 24), I am about to graduate summa cum laude. I am one of the only people in my close family with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. I defied the odds, not because it was easy, but because I am ambitious, hardworking, and unwilling to let anything—or anyone—stand in my way.

But taking risks didn’t stop with school. I chose to pursue my dreams instead of settling for a traditional job. I built my own business—Femme Fatale Films—where I create photography, videography, and content. I grew my brand from the ground up, reaching over 10,000 followers and millions of views, collaborating with major artists like Young Miko, RaiNao, and Villano Antillano, and making a living doing what I love. I take risks every single day by continuing to be independent, working for myself, and refusing to settle for less than I deserve.

And I did all of this while battling heavy depression. There were moments I didn’t know if I could keep going, but I always found a way to push through. No matter how hard things got, I never let my pain define me. I didn’t let my past, my struggles, or my circumstances stop me.

I am proof that taking risks—real, terrifying, life-changing risks—can lead to something greater than you ever imagined. I am proof that where you come from does not determine where you are going. And I’ll keep taking those risks, because I know that’s the only way to build the life I truly want.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me, My Work, Services & Brand

My name is Valeria N. Talavera Madera, and I am a Puerto Rican filmmaker, photographer, content creator, and digital marketer. I am the founder of Femme Fatale Films, my personal brand through which I provide professional photography, videography, and content creation services. I also run a growing online film community where I share movie reviews, industry insights, and creative content that engages thousands of followers.

How I Got Into My Industry

My journey into film and photography began with a deep passion for storytelling and visual artistry. Despite coming from a family where many didn’t have the opportunity or resources to complete a college degree, I took a leap of faith and pursued my dream. I moved out at 18, supported myself financially, and earned my bachelor’s degree in film production and photography, followed by a master’s in digital marketing, both of which I funded entirely on my own.

While studying full-time, I worked multiple jobs—sometimes 72 hours a week—to sustain myself and my education. It was a challenging journey, but my ambition, resilience, and dedication never wavered. Today, I am proud to have built a career entirely based on my creativity and passion.

What I Offer

Through Femme Fatale Films, I offer a range of services, including:

Photography (portraits, events, promotional content)

Videography (music videos, brand content)

Content Creation (social media campaigns, digital marketing strategies)

Film Reviews & Criticism (building a film-loving community)

I have worked with some of Puerto Rico’s most recognized artists, including Young Miko, RaiNao, and Villano Antillano, and my work has been seen by millions across social media. My brand stands for artistic excellence, female empowerment, and unapologetic creativity.

What Sets Me Apart

I take risks every single day. I have never taken the “safe” route, and that’s what makes my story different. I built my career from the ground up, without financial support, industry connections, or an easy path to success. I have faced toxic relationships, personal struggles, and heavy depression, yet I persevered. I’m proud to be one of the few in my family with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and to have created my own independent business, proving that where you come from does not define where you can go.

I want my audience, clients, and followers to know that I am living proof that passion, dedication, and courage can take you anywhere. My work is deeply personal because it’s not just about taking photos or making videos—it’s about creating art, building a community, and inspiring others to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.

I am only just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where my journey takes me next.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of the biggest things driving my creative journey is my mission to stand up for women, especially in the film industry. I know firsthand how many women are abused, disrespected, and taken advantage of in this space. I’ve been on that side. I’ve experienced it. And I never want another woman to feel the way I did.

That’s why my work is about creating a safe, empowering space for women—a space where they can be artistic, feel beautiful, sexy, and confident without fear. In an industry saturated with men who prey on women, I want to be part of the change. I want women to walk onto my set and know they are respected, valued, and safe. My goal is to use my platform, my art, and my voice to uplift and protect women in this industry, because we deserve better. We deserve to own our power without fear.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in authenticity. One of the biggest factors that helped me grow my community was simply being myself. It might sound cliché, but it’s the truth. I stopped pretending to be someone I wasn’t, embracing my quirks, awkwardness, and everything that makes me unique. I realized that by showing my true self, I created a space where others felt seen, accepted, and understood.

When people see someone who’s pursuing their goals despite fear and confusion—someone who’s not afraid to show their vulnerabilities—they can relate. They feel like they’re not alone in their own struggles. Being a Latina, autistic woman, I’ve faced judgment, but I’ve used those challenges as fuel to push forward and prove that a “weird” girl can have strength and power beyond expectations.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple: be real. Don’t hide parts of yourself or try to fit into a mold. People connect with authenticity, so let your true personality shine through. Engage with your audience by responding to messages, asking questions, and creating a space where they feel valued. Social media isn’t just about posting content; it’s about building relationships. When you’re present, genuinely care about your followers, and nurture those connections, you’re not just gaining followers—you’re creating a real community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefatalefilmspr?igsh=MTZ1enZnNHZtMnN2dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EyCUbeKY7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-n-talavera-madera-2004b51a2
• Twitter: https://x.com/femmefataleinpr?s=21&t=2NjRkkBmCrljLGxUT-DoBw
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@femmefatalefilmspr?si=LRrgwVXzCbAt9Nh4