Exploring Life & Business with Christian Guzman of Carwiki

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Guzman.

Hi Christian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started with getting out of my comfort zone. When I was younger around middle school age, I was a very shy kid. I was very anti social and withdrawn. Photography and videography was not my passion at first. Although, my passion was cars. I always had a passion for cars for as long as I can remember. One day I begged my dad to take me to a cars and coffee supercar show. The answer was always no because he wasn’t sure if they’d look at us funny since we definitely did not have the money to buy a fancy car and I was also too young to drive still but eventually one day he gave me a yes. That day made me shocked and we went to a show at Lamborghini Newport Beach and my dad ALWAYS brought his camera with him. He always loved taking photos. More than anything though he always loved capturing the moments. I figured I’d take a chance at getting out of my comfort zone since he took a chance at getting out of his. So I asked him if I could borrow his camera. He let me use it and I realized I may have just found a new hobby. It was fun bonding with my dad and trying something new for once. I built the courage to ask people with fancy cars if I could take photos of their cars no matter how intimidating they looked. As time went on I started to practice more and eventually bought my own little camera. I started practicing and reaching out to more people for photoshoots and video shoots. Before I knew it, I was out of my comfort zone. I went from getting rejected to getting reached out to by companies for contracts, getting flown out all over for videography. I’ve made friends and memories I never imagined I would get. My journey was not only about my business but rather my self growth. I have been fortunate to have family, friends, god and a girlfriend that all support me even on my lowest days. I never in a million years thought I would get paid to travel and do what I love. If you would’ve told me that when I was in middle school I would’ve called you insane. What started as a hobby eventually became a passion. I am not perfect and I am not the best there is in what I do but I think one important thing to always acknowledge is that there is always room for growth.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has been everything but a smooth road. It was not easy and it still is not easy, but like my parents always told me nothing worth fighting for was ever easy. Since I was very shy and unmotivated back then I had to build the courage to talk to people and get out of my comfort zone. I went into car dealerships to see if they were looking for photographers or videographers. I went into local businesses to over my services. I got turned down over and over again. My biggest struggle was turning my hobby into a business. I had many people tell me I wasn’t good enough. I had people laugh to my face saying they are looking to hire someone who does “quality work” Not whatever it is my work is. I used all my rejections and failures as fuel to come back even stronger. Every time I was told I’d never get anywhere I would work three times harder to prove them wrong. I have had accidents from filming like trauma to my face from getting hit while filming out of the bed of a truck. I have multiple setbacks but My motivation to keep pushing was what got me to build my media company ‘carwiki’ to what it is today. It has been a rollercoaster to get to where I am today but I don’t regret it one bit. I eventually realized that the challenge was the real reward, not the prize. People don’t talk about mental health much nowadays and constantly being rejected, told I wasn’t good enough, physical and mental accidents all has its affects on your mental health but if you truly believe in whatever it is you do, you will get to where you need to be. I developed anxiety over the years, something I never thought I would have but I am learning every day to ground myself and be grateful for where I am. I have reached burnout multiple times and was ready to give up but I learned that if I believe in something I must keep following my path because eventually I will make it to where it want to be. I learned to count my blessings and stay positive even when I felt like I was at rock bottom again. We all have a purpose and I will continue to work towards mine.

We’ve been impressed with Carwiki, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Carwiki started as a fun Instagram page where I would get to post other people’s cars from different photographers. It has continued to be a page all about cars but over the years I have made it mine. Carwiki is not just a media business, it’s a dream. A dream of a kid he wished to be more. A dream of a kid that hoped to get out of his comfort zone one day. The dream of a kid that never thought it could be done. It serves as a reminder that dreams do come true if you just keep working hard for it. No matter how dark that tunnel gets there’s always a light at the end of it. I mainly started as automotive photography and videography but my goal is to continue to expand on the idea of ‘all things cars’. I have partnered with many businesses in the automotive world such as car rental companies, dealerships, wrap shops etc. I hope to one day expand Carwiki into a one stop shop/platform for anything automotive related, providing business to those who provided to me when no one else believed in me. I am also working on a new page for media not related to cars. It will have a new name as well. This will be a page to showcase my other work for real estate, weddings, portraits and more. I think what sets me apart from others is my willingness to expand on ideas. I love to hear from others and take criticism from others to consistently grow me and be the best version of myself in this business. I am proud that this brand/business has allowed me to create a huge network. It opened doors I never imagined. I am proud to be growing my business every day and blessed to have what I have. I want readers to know that my business is not mine, It’s OURS because without the support of others, my business would not exist and be where it is today. I am always looking to work with new people. The sky is the limit.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I have taken risks for as long as I can remember. I have taken risks mental and physical risks. From walking into places offering services and cold calling hundreds of other businesses to hanging of the trunks of moving cars to get the perfect shot. There is no fun in life without risk. Although it is important to remember to evaluate your risk as well. Don’t do something that will get you killed but don’t be afraid to take risks. Risk taking is important in building character. Sure maybe my parents were not fond of me taking certain risks but I am grateful to always be ok and in good spirits. Weigh your risks but don’t be afraid to take them. You’ll never know until you try so just try. You’re only a failure when you give up. Trust your gut. That is one thing I’ve learned to never forget. Always trust your gut. Risk is essential for growth. You won’t always succeed when you take the risk but the important thing is to not give up. Keep trying. Character is needed to succeed

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carwiki_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christian.guzman.920636?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@carwikiofficial?si=XvdgCW8CYw_G1BFk
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/carwiki-costa-mesa
• Other: https://s.blinq.me/cmdqcut4v08x1s60mzf6xxn1d?bs=icl