Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Velasquez-Mora.
Daniela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I zigzagged my way to where I’m currently at. I started out in advertising as an assistant account executive. Very quickly, I learned I wanted to be a creator. I started shadowing copywriters, drafting spots for the Texas Lottery, and learning how to use the adobe creative suite through YouTube. That little inspired action is what bolstered me into the creative space. From that advertising agency in Austin, TX, I made my way to San Francisco, CA, where I cultivated my skills through hands-on experience on creative teams at Pinterest, Aquis, and Vintner’s Daughter.
Along the way, I’ve been blessed with countless talented mentors who have supported me and helped me hone in on my craft. They too have been the energy and motivation that’s driven me to explore various visual arts and pursue being an independent freelance creative –the path of my most joy. It hasn’t been without contrast and countless lessons learned, for which I am thankful because I feel like I am truly serving others in the way that I am meant to through my business – Velamora; telling stories by way of intentional and emotive photography.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I acknowledge there’s been contrast along the way, but each “no” or “failure” was really a redirection to where I am. So, no, it hasn’t been smooth but it’s not impossible and the most important elements to get to where you want to be are: believing you can, taking inspired action, and not giving up when you feel defeated, instead adjust your perspective, find faith, and keep moving.
What were some of the struggles along the way? Feeling like an “imposter,” doubting my gifts, not knowing how I could make my vision happen, not having savings…but when you are acting from a place of heart, thing seems to come together with almost magical synchronicity.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Velamora – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Velamora is a modern studio serving women and women-owned businesses through photography that is rooted in connection, empowerment, and co-creation. My intention during each session is to create a space that evokes expression and inspires your spirit to flow freely. I specialize in commercial photography for female entrepreneurs and portraiture for women.
I am most proud of the community of inspiring, bold, spirited women that Velamora has drawn. I am in awe of the females I am able to support and work with. Each one teaches me something new and inspires me. It’s like through each collaboration Velamora expands a little bit more; each client makes a beautiful contribution to the constitution of the company.
What I hope feels different about Velamora is the spirit of the company. First and foremost, I care about creating meaningful relationships, understanding the women I work with and how I can best support them. Service is my second core value. The foundation of every collaboration is service; I don’t want to do any project just to get paid, for me, the pleasure really comes from showing up for my clients and being there for them wholeheartedly. Lastly, co-creation is really important to me. My clients and I create together: with curiosity, with playfulness, and most importantly without ego.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am looking forward to cultivating an even wider and louder community of empowered women through Velamora. I want to extend my contribution to the Houston community and support the efforts of organizations empowering women and girls out of sex trafficking. And lastly, I’d like to create employment opportunities for female creatives!
Pricing:
- Commercial photography packages start at $775
- Personal portraiture packages start at $475
Contact Info:
- Website: velamora.com
- Phone: 4153356340
- Email: daniela@velamora.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/velamoraphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/velamoraphotography
- Other: velamoraboudoir.com
Image Credit:
All photographs created and owned by Velamora
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