Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angie Vasquez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Angie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I love to push my boundaries of creativity by believing there is no “box”. I grew up at a time when being outside and using our imaginations to stay entertained was the norm. I feel as we grow older and begin to have more responsibilities we lose sight of the creative youth we once were. There were points in my life when I felt trapped in a box, destined to live life in the constructs of what society felt was acceptable.
I truly felt alive when I decided to live my life on my terms. I feel most creative when I’m outdoors walking through forests or along the beach. I keep the creativity flowing through photography, travel, and teaching others how to find their way out of the box. Picking up my camera and looking in the viewfinder has given me a perspective on the world and culture that inspires me and keeps my creative juices flowing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a landscape photographer, content creator, business owner, and guide. I work seasonally as a tour director in Alaska. During the summers I take groups on tours throughout the state showing them the beauty of Alaska. I love teaching people about the culture, wildlife, and history of the state. It brings me joy to see the excitement on their faces when they see their first bear in the wild, glacier, or a captivating view of Mt. Denali.
Through my work as a photographer, I can share my adventures and passion for creating landscape photography work. In 2022 I began to take my work as a photographer and creative journey more seriously. I started Angel’s Excursions originally as a meetup group to find folks to hike and adventure with when living in Florida. I noticed I wasn’t seeing a lot of women on the trails and decided to start another meetup called Girls Who Hike Florida. I created the group as a networking and safe space to meet other like-minded women.
Angel’s Excursions is how I share my creative ideas. I live in my van, Peter Parker traveling and documenting my life. I love showing others the benefits of art and the outdoors. I have had the opportunity to see multiple countries and create beautiful photographs. My love for being outside has relocated me to what is known as the last frontier,
Alaska. I’ve recently purchased land in Alaska where I will be homesteading and creating a retreat for women to learn how to recreate safely in the outdoors.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I taught myself to enjoy the entire journey, the good, bad, ups, and downs because it can make us stronger and appreciate life. In the past I allowed others to tell my story by being a people pleaser. I wanted to make family members, co-workers, friends, and lovers happy. This way of life made me very depressed and I was left with a feeling of emptiness even when surrounded by others.
After being in an abusive relationship, I dedicated myself to healing within. I picked up my camera and my dog and I started taking short walks and hikes in Las Vegas. This created my safe space for healing. I remember sitting in my therapist’s office and her asking me, “What
makes you happy?” The first thing that came to mind were my dogs and taking photographs. She told me to focus on those things.
Once I revisited photography I realized it was the best therapy ever. I dedicated time to hone in on the type of pictures that moved me. I would take time every day to find subjects to photograph. On days when I didn’t feel like picking up my camera, I’d take a walk with my dog
Peter, carrying my camera and taking pics of him. Once you commit to something you love it stops being a task and becomes a routine that is second nature.
I’d advise anyone who wants to follow their dreams and passions to never give up. I know it sounds cliche but the more you work towards your goals, they will pay off and it may not be manifested in the way you’ve imagined but it always works out for the best. There will be
days when you want to give up, don’t. There will be naysayers and people who tell you that you’re wasting your life or not skilled enough, don’t listen.
Buy a notebook, post-its, or a micro recorder and document your ideas. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and having a way to record those thoughts and then look back at them is game-changing. Something about making our thoughts tangible helps bring the project alive.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth in the past year has been self-love—my ability to not feel guilty about giving myself the time I need to develop and live with purpose. I’ve learned the power of the word, “No, When you are running on empty, it’s impossible to help others and it stops you from being intentional within your own life.
I’ve realized goals can be set but also changed without feeling unsuccessful in life. As we get older we must learn to be compassionate to ourselves. We lose sight of our purpose sometimes and that is okay. Success comes in many different forms and we have to love who we are within and it takes time, dedication, and practice.
I’m taking time to learn new aspects of what drives me to photography, teaching, and travel. I feel more energetic and alive now that I’ve given myself the grace to make mistakes and grow without the judgment of others. I’ve learned to fall, get up, and create a new path if I need to. I have learned just to BE not my best but my favorite self!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.excursionsbyangel.com
- Instagram: @angels_excursions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelsExcursions
- Other: Art Shop https://www.angievphotography.com
