We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julissa Benitez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julissa below.
Julissa , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
That’s honestly such an easy question to answer. My little family my son and husband are the purpose. I work hard everyday to better myself and my craft for not only myself but them, they give me the push and confidence I need to run my business full time & to be able to succeed. My business name actually comes as a reminder everyday as to why I’m doing all of this for.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Julissa Benitez, my business however is April Moon Photos. I started off photography back in 2018 as a hobby and an interest trying to learn the basics and hosting sessions with family to get some practice. After a couple of years, I decided to turn this into career and run it full time once I was comfortable enough with my work. I feel like it took me such a long time to get to where I am today because I couldn’t resonate with my work previously, I kept trying to change to styles that were not mine at all. I am happy that I was able to find the style that suits me best now. I honestly don’t see this as a job because I genuinely love what I do it’s a form of art. If you ask me, do I see myself doing this for the next 20 years, I’d say yes in heart beat the goal is to keep expanding and be know not only in the State but around the country. I think my favorite part is doing a session then it looks one way in the camera compared to what I’m able to send out as the final product. The excitement of the clients and being able to join them for special occasions is truly amazing.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
If you’re a small business owner just starting, remember that everyone’s work looks completely different there is only one of you in the industry so don’t compare your work to others. I found myself early on comparing my work to big photographers and only caused my self-esteem to go downhill. I kept asking myself well why doesn’t my work look that good? what Em I doing wrong? I was comparing my no experience self to well experienced photographers who have been doing it for years. So instead of trying to beat myself up for it I asked myself what can I do to better myself? So, I would sit on YouTube for hours learning new tips and tricks. That helped me out so much and once I started to see the major differences there was no stopping.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My husband for sure, he has been through it all with me from my lowest point in the business to my highest. Every day he pushes me and reminds me to take it easy. He’s my biggest fan along with my 7-year-old son. My partner has always pushed me into taking leaps and to not be scared to try new things in this business to be different in any way I can. I’m honestly blessed to have such a supporting partner in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aprilmoonphotos.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: aprilmoonphotos
- Facebook: April Moon Photos
Image Credits
personal Image ig: @pixiedreams_photography
