Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Guerra.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a 26 years old creator who wears many hats. I believe to define is to limit, so I keep my creative outlets wide open. Currently, I work for an online fashion clothing store as a photo editor, I do freelance portrait photography, and I work on passion projects with other creatives in film as a creative director and videographer, as well as edit footage. Being a creator has always been a major part of my life since a young child. I believe we are ALL creators in our own right, but for me, I’ve always enjoyed taking something mundane and creating something beautiful from it. To be blunt, I grew up in a very toxic environment. I grew up in a mobile home park with my grandmother, mom, younger sister and little brother. Our family values centered around the toxic codependency between my mom and grandmother. My mom was always at work to be able to support us, and my grandmother stayed at home to watch us. From extremely poor communication within the home and constant verbal abuse from my grandmother, having creative outlets was a necessity for me. It started with me constantly decorating my room and doing simple arts and crafts, to my uncle helping me get my first computer with photoshop on it where I’d mess around with photos that I had taken on my first cheap camera. I eventually joined yearbook in middle school and then continued on throughout high school. But it wasn’t until I had finally moved out of the house during my second year of college, that my creativity and journey of self-development truly took off. I got a bit more serious of who I kept around in my circle. I said no to the toxicity and karmic cycles. I began to attract other people on the same journey as me, and I started to truly find myself and my life’s purpose.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Referring back to my previous background story, there have definitely been struggles; Mental, physical and spiritual. Struggles with my self-worth, shame from where I came from, comparing myself with other creatives, not being able to afford expensive equipment, dealing with a long distance relationship throughout college, etc. But that’s a part of the beauty of the journey. We all go through some form of adversity and face our own obstacles in this life. It’s all meant to make us stronger and get us to level up and elevate our consciousness. My advice to women and anyone really is to see the beauty in everything. One of my favorite quotes is by this self-help Author, Napoleon Hill. Hill says, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit”. Engraining this concept in your belief system just helps you look for the positive in every situation. It takes you out of that victim mentality and allows you to move forward. Expanding on that, working on your self-development and finding ways to better yourself is key to succeeding in any profession with a healthy state of mind. It’s finding ways to not compete with others but to compete with your fears, your ego, and the unhealthy habits we tend to nurture. Most of all being kind to yourself and forgiving. Also, GRATITUDE– express it always.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As I’ve stated, I wear many hats. But I guess what I am known for via social media is my photography. I LOVE photography. Specifically fashion, portrait, editorial related photography. I love clothes and fashion and cinema so I often try to blend them all in my work. I’m most proud of how I can work with anyone, ranging from no model experience to actual models and make them feel beautiful and happy with the end product and still feel like I captured the essence of who they are. I’d say apart from this what sets me apart is my design background. I majored in graphic design and apply a lot of those design principles I’ve learned to my photography so I am very particular with framing, textures, composition, etc.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I believe my experiences were a huge factor in my successes. It made me value my accomplishments, even more, taught me humility, taught me gratitude, and showed me how strong I truly am. I know when I have moments where I falter, that it’s only temporary. Success comes from failing over and over again. I know there are many different ways someone can come to a life full of success, but it all starts with achieving the right kind of attitude and mindset, by stepping into your power and owning all that makes you, You. To me, success is having peace of mind and faith. Knowing wherever you are at in your life, you’re going to be okay. Looking at the grand scheme of things, and having faith we are all working toward something greater and bigger than ourselves. Just don’t give up!
Contact Info:
- Website: bytinaguerra.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @bytinaguerra
Image Credit:
Tina Guerra (me)
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