Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuliana Vargas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yuliana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It’s definitely been a journey of self-discovery trying to find something that I was truly passionate about. I found myself trying to figure out where I wanted to be and what I wanted my life to look like in five years. One thing I knew for sure was that at that moment I wasn’t happy where I was. I was a stay at home Mom working part-time running a cleaning business and couldn’t even afford a photographer for myself. So, I pulled out my camera that my sweet husband gifted me years before and I decided I was going to use it to the best of my abilities. The same year, my oldest child was graduating high school and I felt so much pressure with all the expenses piling up. The thought of not being able to send our daughter to college devastated me so I decided that I had to do something. I started taking photos of my children and friends and sharing them on social media to attract attention.
As opportunities began to arise for me to practice my craft, it pushed me to learn more of what photography had to offer me. That’s when the light came on and I figured out that I had finally found my passion. Photography was something that I could do that was not going to force me to sacrifice precious time with my family. I was confident in my ability to run a business and also my artistic drive to create things I could be proud of. For once in my life, I was excited to do something that showed a different side of me and ignited my passion! A passion I felt was ingrained in me all along and grew through fashion, makeup, glamour, home décor and most importantly family. The idea that now I was going to be able to express my passion pushed me to make every image count! I soon sought out a mentor that helped me more than I can express through words (Patricia Perez, thank you so much!) After that, I invested in a studio and I could see my passion begin to truly blossom. I ate photography, slept, dreamed, and believed it! I made the decision that nothing was going to stop me and it brought me to where I am today. I still have so much more to learn and give to this dream. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to do this with the support of my family and friends. I want to show my kids that they can do anything if they push themselves to follow their dreams!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think anything in life comes easy when its something you really want. I have faced many challenges throughout my journey. Days before I launched my business, I experienced a photographer’s worst nightmare! My camera was stolen out of my car while it was in a parking lot. I was mortified and in disbelief that this could happen to me! I would say that was one of the biggest challenges for me, having to figure out how to work with a camera that I wasn’t familiar with. Thankfully, I could make it work using a 50mm lens, a ladder, and lots of inspiration. I will forever be grateful to my colleague that leant me her spare camera so that I was able to keep pushing. Almost immediately after my camera was stolen, my husband became ill and I could have easily let it discourage me but I decided to let it propel me. Things can get pretty hectic just trying to keep the balance of a mother, wife, sister, and friend while trying to cultivate two businesses simultaneously. Obstacles are always going to be there and you just have to learn how to keep a positive attitude and deal with them as they come. Self-care is a huge way for me to stay optimistic and keep my passion flowing. Each time I do a photo session it adds fuel to my fire. There have been many times I have had doubts and had to remind myself of my purpose. Looking back, I can say everything happened for a reason and has definitely shaped me to be the woman I am today. I choose to see every challenge as a great lesson to help me continue to grow and stay humble. The advice that I can give to other women find your purpose your reason why, have fun with it and make it count. If you need help find a mentor, if you have an idea act on it, step out of your comfort zone. Try new things and make time to yourself. Don’t let anyone discourage and keep shooting.
Please tell us about Yuli Vargas Creations Photography.
I am a general freelance photographer. I specialize in freestyle portraits, I cover family sessions, special events, senior and boudoir. I love to create different atmospheres for each of my clients to make them feel they are right at home. When I say home, I let them feel like I’m part of their family. I like to come up with ways to tell their story through images, be able to understand their vision and execute them. I love to shoot outdoors and I am not afraid to get dirty, I love to shoot in natural light, I would say my style is bright, soft and dreamy, sparkly and fun! I am an “all in one person” I like to empower women to feel beautiful in their own skin and be able to bring out the best of them. Have them leave with confidence and a story to tell; I do a little of everything as I’m still trying to figure out where I want all my focus in. But for now, I’m taking any challenges to keep building my portfolio. I have my husband that assists me he has a background of electrical and construction. Any idea that you have I can put into play when it comes to technical or construction. I guide my clients every step of the way from hair to make up and wardrobe. I like to shoot in the moment make them feel comfortable and go with the flow. What sets me apart from others I would say every person is different, I take pride in my work and go that extra mile for my clients. What I am most proud of as a brand is starting from zero to now and watching my clients come back. What I am known for is my personality, style, passion and drive to succeed, but my close friends would say my hair LOL.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I try to get as many influences and resources as I possibly can from reading articles that has to do with photography and artist and following other photographers through social media. I also have joined several support groups in particular The High rollers club-IPS business and marketing. For self-care, I like to meditate in God’s word to help me balance.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2315 Commerce St. Houston TX,77002
- Website: https://yulivargascreations.pixieset.com/
- Phone: +18326816103
- Email: yulivargas.creations19@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yulivargas.creations/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/yulivargas.creations/
Image Credit:
Photo taken by Tori Artist; Edited by Yuli Vargas
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