Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicholas Guerra

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Guerra.

Hi Nicholas, 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.
I began my journey in 2013 while living in Georgia. I was given an opportunity to fly to Los Angeles to pursue my passions: storytelling, film, and photography. The only issue was that I was broke, not working, and had no money. After a few days of contemplating the possibility of not making it, I decided to take a leap of faith. 

Leaving Atlanta airport with a yellow duffel bag full of clothes and $25 in cash, I started my journey to Los Angeles. Upon landing, I visited my father, only to be told good luck and that I was on my own. Unsure why I expected support from him, as he had been absent throughout my life, I began searching for help, specifically a place to stay. That summer, I went from one shelter to the next, determined to find a stable home and achieve financial stability. 

Despite moments of overwhelming difficulty, where I contemplated giving up and returning to Georgia, I persevered. Shortly after that challenging summer, I found myself at a homeless shelter on 6th and San Pedro, in the heart of the notorious Skid Row. My first night was at the LA mission, and the next day, a staff member informed me of an opening across the street at the Winegard. Quickly gathering my belongings, I spent the next four months saving money and initiating the process for a low-income housing voucher. 

After gaining Section 8, I moved into apartments in the heart of Downtown LA. I felt immensely proud of my accomplishments, repeatedly reminding myself not to give up. Spending a couple of years on Section 8, I eventually let go of it. By my 8th year of living and striving independently in Los Angeles, known for its struggles and hustle, I was working two jobs and interning for an Atlanta-based producer. Doors opened, and I found myself flying across the United States, doing what I loved—photography and filmmaking. 

In the summer of 2023, I ventured into art shows, submitting a piece reflecting my struggles, pain, and tears throughout the years. This moment inspired me to continue creating, leading to the opening of my small online business, “Geek Boy Trendz,” a clothing/accessories printing startup, in early 2024. Currently, many of my products are in production, and I plan to launch fully in April. I intend to keep participating in art shows and attending cons and events to promote my business. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, there were definitely a lot of hard times, numerous lows, and roadblocks. Additionally, at the beginning of my journey, I experienced homelessness. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I often mention that I embrace a diverse skill set. I attended film school in Atlanta and took graphic arts and photography classes in high school, inheriting some of these talents from my father. While largely self-taught, I’m recognized for my creativity, specializing in photography and graphic design. I have a passion for drawing and video editing, and many have described my work as a colorful inception due to my extensive use of colors. 

My dedication to photography and graphic design is evident in the hours I spend mixing colors and focusing on details. During my years in LA, I delved into phone photography, initially using a Galaxy S3 to creatively capture the city’s essence. This period became a lifeline during my homelessness, pushing me to create with the limited resources in my pocket. 

What sets me apart is my ability to use whatever is available to me. Despite facing tough times, particularly during homelessness, I persevered, and I take pride in my resilience and refusal to give up when the going got tough. 

How do you define success?
My journey has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. Starting from a point of uncertainty and facing homelessness, I embraced each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a diverse skill set, combining my passion for storytelling, film, and photography. From attending film school in Atlanta to navigating the vibrant but tough streets of LA, I’ve not only overcome hardships but transformed them into steppingstones. 

Launching ‘Geek Boy Trendz’ in early 2024, my clothing/accessories printing startup is a testament to my resilience and creative spirit. Success, to me, goes beyond financial achievements; it’s about continuous learning, pursuing what I love, and sharing my unique perspective with the world. Every art show, every piece I create, and every challenge I conquer contributes to the ongoing narrative of my success. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/geekboytrendz