Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Aguilar
Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
. When I was younger, I had a very humble upbringing—lots of love, a large family, and immigrant roots. My parents left behind everything they knew in search of the American dream. When I was born, we lived in a small studio: a family of five in a room with two bunk beds and a queen-sized bed. Our living room served multiple purposes, often accommodating extended family members. We were poor, but we were happy.
We had an Astrovan, which was a luxury for us because its two rows of seats meant no one was ever left out when we traveled. Despite our limited means, my parents made sure to take us to Disneyland every year, even if it meant sneaking in tortas and water from a cooler bag hidden in a stroller.
Growing up as the only girl and the baby of the family, I was certainly spoiled. However, as I got older, I craved more than just life in Barstow. I began exploring social media and YouTube, and that’s when I first heard about something called Gotham City—an all-ages “nightclub” in San Bernardino led by DJ Rowdy A (R.I.P.). I begged my parents until I finally got to go, and it turned out to be everything I had ever dreamed of. I immersed myself in the music and the diverse crowd, admiring how different they were from the people back home.
Inspired by that experience, I started a collective of DJs and launched an event called Recluse—an all-ages nightclub that was both live and entertaining. I wanted to be more than just behind the scenes; I aspired to be a face for the brand. I noticed that photographers at Gotham were capturing moments that people treasured, so I decided I needed my own camera. I bought one, even though it wasn’t the best at the time—I was only 15, and the camera was practically a paperweight as I experimented with photography.
My journey in photography continued when I covered media for the first time at a festival in Victorville around 2012. I had the opportunity to shoot photos of Sage the Gemini, The Finnatikz, and several other artists. Although I drifted away from photography for a while during high school, a photography class in my senior year reignited my passion. I was the only senior among a class full of freshmen, and I stood out as I formed a close circle of friends who shared my interest.
Determined to improve, I saved up for my own camera, and on Valentine’s Day, my brothers gifted me a Canon T1i. I used it for a while, but eventually it became a paperweight as life took over. I became a mom at 18 and started college right after high school. Later, I enrolled in another photography class and purchased a Canon 80D. The weekly assignments in that class fueled my passion, and I began taking photography more seriously.
Networking opened many doors for me. I became the resident shooter for @knoware.wav and want to express my gratitude to all my DJ friends for introducing me to opportunities and places I could never have reached on my own. I’ve had the incredible experience of working for Insomniac, attending raves, and even working with Ground Control. These experiences have enriched my journey, expanding my perspective and skills in ways I never imagined.
Though there were times when I wondered what might have been had I pursued photography more persistently from the start, I never let that discourage me. I kept shooting, editing, and learning. Last year was my final semester in my photography class, and I’ll soon be graduating with a degree in photography. I learned that success comes from loyalty and hard work. I’ll always be grateful to @ndubk (or @nationwidepresents), who gave me my first opportunity at one of his events. That experience led me to meet incredible people, including @chicanoelegance (also known as Elvira) and others at Chicano Hollywood, as well as @bobbyDeePresents, who welcomed me to his event, @dontfallinlovefest. Despite a few setbacks along the way, I am thankful for every opportunity.
Today, I’ve learned that the number of likes and followers isn’t what matters most. It’s the quality of the content and the organic growth of my work that truly count. I want to thank @eleganthustle.co for the opportunity and express my gratitude to @hiddengem for everything. I’m excited to continue this journey, sharing my story and growing alongside those who support me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Being a mother, balancing college as a full-time student, working a part-time job, and still making it to these gigs has been incredibly challenging. There have been many long nights and early mornings, and the struggle to juggle all of these responsibilities is real. But I firmly believe that hard work and perseverance lead to a better outcome—and the nights with little sleep will be worth it when I see how far I’ve come.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Chicana photographer from I’m a Chicana photographer from Barstow, California, with deep Mexican roots. I capture special moments at events and focus on documenting Chicano culture. I pride myself on staying authentic and kind—like Hello Kitty, who shows love through actions, not words. My amazing community supports my work, and I believe that even those from humble beginnings can achieve great things.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mother and father, who have helped me every single way you can think of.
My brothers for supporting me even if it wasn’t really making sense.
My children for being so patient with me when it came to those nights I came home so late and still treated me kindly when they didn’t need to.
To Anthony, thank you for letting it happen. I love you.
@nationwidepresents, I owe you for
Life!
@chicanoelegance thank you. You saw me no matter how small I was.
@chicanohollywood thank you for helping me when I afraid to stand out.
To my friends,
Juicebox, day go, furr, angelo, kota, Deejaye 100, Brenda, Jules thank you bring kind.
You guys keep the party going.
@eleganthustle thank you again friend.
@leoritualo I see you bud.
@ladestroyerr and Mikey thank you both for everything, you guys are very appreciated and I know you got huge thi gs coming.
@canela_la_xicana and @lobos_placasos kept pushing me and made me my most authentic self.
And to anyone who has ever shot me a message, shared a laugh, sent a like my way or even reposted me. I thank you and applaud you.
To my coworkers, if you saw me you didn’t! Don’t tell the managers haha!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simbaog?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isosimba?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/simbaog?s=21
Image Credits
@makeupandtatt2
@reverielove
@arybykaymesina
@tiinalocs
@skatecreep
