We were lucky to catch up with Yesenia Bocanegra recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yesenia, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In 2011, I left Puerto Rico for San Francisco to complete my MFA in Photography. The plan was simple: finish the degree and figure out the rest later. At the time, my mindset was, “Let’s see what happens.”

A year and a half later, what started as a short holiday visit to North Carolina unexpectedly became a permanent move. While visiting, I decided to see if I could secure a job while there. While I did manage to find a job, it wasn’t what I had hoped for. Still, I stayed, kept searching, and eventually landed a teaching position at a university and an internship with a renowned portrait photographer. That internship evolved into a paid role as an Associate Photographer and YouTube Video Producer. It was this experience that sparked the idea of starting my own business.

Ten years and several pivots later, I’m still doing what I love.

Taking risks—whether moving, changing jobs, or starting fresh—can be daunting. But with the right mindset and a willingness to adapt, those leaps of faith often lead to the most rewarding chapters of our lives.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Yesenia Bocanegra, the founder of Focus and Bloom Studios, where I specialize in video podcasting and content creation coaching. With nearly two decades of experience in media, photography, and graphic design, I’ve always been driven by a passion for visual storytelling. My education, including an MFA in Commercial Photography and an MA in Digital Graphic Design, has allowed me to merge creativity with strategy in a way that sets my work apart.

At Focus and Bloom Studios, I offer services ranging from podcast production to content strategy. One of the core problems I solve is helping creators and entrepreneurs craft content that resonates deeply with their target audience while ensuring it aligns with their business goals. What truly sets me apart, however, is my multilingual background. I’m fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian, and I leverage this to create content that can engage a wider, global audience. With the growing demand for content in languages beyond English, this ability to connect with Spanish-speaking communities is a huge advantage. In particular, I’ve seen tremendous potential in reaching the expanding Hispanic market, and I’m excited to bring more diversity to the content space.

I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built around my work, especially through my podcast, “Bloom Creativo,” where I share insights on video podcasting, content creation and entrepreneurship. My podcast and services have resonated with audiences in both English and Spanish, allowing me to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps in ways that are both impactful and meaningful.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that my approach is all about empowering others to express their creativity, whether in English or Spanish. I take a personalized approach to each project, understanding that every creator’s journey is unique. In doing so, I’m able to help my clients expand their reach and connect with diverse audiences, enabling them to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My biggest pivot in business came when I transitioned from photography—something I had been passionate about and working in since day one—into podcasting and video content creation. For years, I had built my career around photography, but I began to feel a strong pull toward teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. It wasn’t just about taking photos anymore; it was about empowering others to create and thrive as well. That’s when I decided to make a change, not just in what I did, but also in how I presented myself and my brand to the world.

One of the first major steps in this pivot was changing the name of my business from Yesenia Bocanegra Photography to Focus and Bloom Studios. I wanted a name that truly reflected not only the direction of my business but also my personal journey. *Focus and Bloom* symbolizes the idea of directing your energy where it counts, and I wanted to help others do the same in their creative pursuits.

The pivot also came after I had started a YouTube channel back in 2014, where I shared photography tips and tutorials. Although that channel took a pause, I always knew I wanted to resume that type of content. But I wasn’t sure if YouTube was the best path at that time. That’s when the idea of podcasting took root. I launched my first podcast, *Focus and Bloom*, which gave me a new platform to teach, share insights, and connect with my audience in a more intimate, meaningful way.

As I continued to explore podcasting, I realized that the power of video couldn’t be overlooked. With my background in photography and design, I decided to integrate video into my content creation. This evolution led to not only providing podcast coaching and strategy services but also to offer video podcast production services, which allowed me to help others bring their voices and stories to life in a visual and engaging way.

Later, I launched a second podcast in Spanish, “Bloom Creativo”, where I discuss video production, podcasting, and how to create engaging content that helps amplify a brand’s message and impact. This new venture allowed me to connect with Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and share actionable insights tailored to their unique needs.

This pivot wasn’t just about a shift in what I did; it was about embracing a new role as a mentor and educator, using the tools of podcasting and video to help others achieve their creative goals. I’m incredibly proud of how far this journey has taken me and how it’s allowed me to empower others to create, grow, and bloom in their own creative endeavors.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My team has always been small but mighty, with a rotating set of associate photographers, editors, and an accountant who has been with me since the very beginning. I’ve learned that knowing how you want to structure your business and build your life is crucial in determining what roles you truly need on your team. However, it’s just as important to acknowledge that while you may be able to go far on your own, you can often go even farther with the right team.

Building a team that complements your strengths is key. For me, it’s about finding people who bring their unique skills to the table while aligning with the vision and values of the business. Trust and open communication are vital—being honest with your team and inspiring them to take ownership of their roles ensures that everyone can excel in their own way.

As the leader, I’ve learned to embrace the fact that a supportive team allows you to focus on your strengths while allowing others to shine. It’s also important to remember that team dynamics evolve over time, and that’s okay. The right team can help you grow faster, navigate challenges, and achieve things you might not be able to on your own. Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture of trust and empowerment that propels everyone forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.focusandbloomstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focusandbloomstudios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusandbloomstudios/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/focusandbloomstudios/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusandbloom
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@bloomcreativopodcast

Image Credits

Giuliana Abate
Kevin Johnson
Yesenia Bocanegra