Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Hernandez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sometimes you have your life goals all planned out. Then when you least expect it, something takes you off track pushing you off the path you were once on. I never imagined going down this road with photography. I had a promising career that I loved, but then I fell head over heels for the endless opportunities photography could present. Initially, I didn’t even want to admit how much I wanted to learn about this creative world because of the dedication I had to my career. However, my creative heart was ready to explore. Now photography has become such a blessing in my life. Looking back, I’m so grateful for finally allowing myself to delve into this artistic venture. I took a risk. I went from working behind the scenes in sports television to starting a business in photography. When I first picked up a camera, I realized that I could tell stories through photography. I fell in love. Today, one of my biggest passions is helping other people follow their passion and go after whatever they genuinely want to do for a living. Helping them market their business online to grow their business inspires me. I love working with like-minded people who know how hard it can be to build a business but are never willing to give up.
My career has taken twists and turns, but one thing has always remained true: my passion is people. Working in PR at Fox Sports at the beginning of my career taught me to keep my focus on what’s best for the talent and the brand simultaneously. It has served me well as I followed my passion to become a full-time photographer helping entrepreneurs express their brand and stay aligned when working with partners.
My business has also allowed me to create the lifestyle I want – I’m able to be a fulfilled working mom by having ownership over my schedule. As a mother of two girls, that is a blessing.
As a brand photographer and on-set photographer, my mission is to produce professional photos that establish and grow your brand so you can engage your audience on a deeper level. It helps that my love language is a connection, and my superpower is telling stories!
I’ve had the opportunity to work with all levels of talent, celebs, and entrepreneurs. Some of the people I’ve worked with include:
Sports Talent: Troy Aikman, Michael Strahan, Alex Rodriguez, Erin Andrews
Expert Thought Leaders: Ed Mylett
Celebrities: Mandy Moore
Influencers: Jacqui Saldana of Baby Boy Bakery who is a content queen collaborating with big brands including Target, Disney & more
Entrepreneurs: Bricia Lopez, a restaurant owner, chef, and author. Patty Rodriguez, Founder of Lil Libros and Podcast Producer of Out of the Shadows.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anyone who has started a business knows the struggles it takes to build a successful business. I went from a stable, successful career to creating a new business in something completely different. I had to build confidence again, and that was not easy. I constantly felt the imposter syndrome. But the key was to keep going, and I did. Also, I didn’t grow up around people who had started businesses or owned businesses. I didn’t even know many people doing it when I started my business. I had so much to learn. I couldn’t just pick up the phone and call my aunt, who owned a business, for advice. I had to meet new people doing what I was doing to learn. It was also about building a new community in that world, which felt like a struggle because you are putting yourself out there in uncomfortable places. Being a business owner means you have to get used to being uncomfortable often, and that doesn’t always work well with people who like comfort and stability. And in some way, I do love those things, but I love what I do more, so I still, to this day, have to push and pitch myself, and it’s not always fun.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love LA. I grew up here. I went away for college but came back. There are so many different places and looks for shoots and creativity. I love how diverse it is and how you can always meet someone trying to follow their passion. In my eyes, It’s an inspiring city.
What I like least is traffic, of course. There is congestion everywhere. Why is looking for parking in some cities such drama? Hahaha! I have no patience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lilyro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyro_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilyRoPhotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LilyRo
