Meet Joel Perez

We were lucky to catch up with Joel Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joel , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’ve always had a deep love for art. Something as simple as drawing in the sand or staring at the clouds would captivate my imagination. My grandmother, whom I called Mamá Conchita, was like most Mexican grandmothers—a second mother. The bond we shared was incredibly special. I was attached to her as if she were my best friend. She was my protector and one of my greatest sources of love. Mamá Conchita was a retired teacher, and every 15 days, she received her pension—what we call La Quincena in Spanish. I eagerly awaited those paydays because they meant we could do something special. Sometimes we’d eat out at a new restaurant or get a toy, but my favorite treat was going to the cinema.
We’d hop into her old 1990 Volkswagen bug and drive to the theater, chatting about the latest films along the way. When we arrived, she would pull a popcorn bag from her big purse so we could share. These outings weren’t just casual trips; they became core memories that I still treasure.
Mamá Conchita gave me more than just fun days at the movies—she nurtured my love for storytelling and cinema. Those moments shaped the person I wanted to become: a filmmaker. Now, I carry the hope of creating stories that inspire and spark the same joy and connection in others that she gave me.

 

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently producing segments for mitú, a Latinx media company. At mitú, we amplify Latinx voices through a hilarious daily show called mitú Daily. With the experience and resources I’ve gained working at mitú and other production roles, I’ve poured my passion into a personal project: a queer Latinx vodcast called Las Paleteras. This show has been a labor of love, inclusion, and collaboration with a crew of five incredible humans. Las Paleteras celebrates the good, the bad, and the beautiful messiness of our lived experiences. Through open and honest conversations, we aim to create a safe space for anyone who wants to feel seen, liberated, and, most importantly, have fun.
We’re challenging systems, the status quo, and even ourselves—pero siempre con cariño! You can find Las Paleteras on YouTube and all major podcast platforms

 

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, work ethic, and kindness. My path has been anything but straightforward. After leaving my parents’ home at a young age, my dream of pursuing filmmaking seemed to slip further out of reach. Life’s demands forced me to focus on survival, taking on different paths like culinary arts, real estate, and restaurant management. Despite these detours, one constant reminder of my dream was my Instagram handle, Filmakerjoel. Even during moments of self-doubt, when I hadn’t touched a camera in years and felt like a fraud, I could never bring myself to change it. That handle became my north star, quietly urging me to hold on to my dream, no matter how far away it seemed. A strong work ethic has also played a significant role in my journey. No matter what I was doing or where I found myself, I believed in doing things the right way and putting in the effort to stand out. That dedication to hard work not only helped me develop skills across different industries but also gave me a deep sense of pride and confidence in what I could achieve.
Above all, kindness has been central to my path. I’ve always believed in treating people with care and respect, even when the world can feel cruel or unjust. Having good intentions and leading with empathy has been my way of fighting back against the unfairness I’ve encountered. It’s also created meaningful connections with others, building a foundation of trust and goodwill that has carried me forward.
For anyone starting their journey, I’d say: never lose sight of your dream, even if life takes you on unexpected detours. Hold on to it, even in small ways, as a reminder of what you’re working toward. Commit to hard work and integrity, and let it guide you through every step of your path. Most importantly, approach life with kindness and empathy—you never know how much of a difference it can make for both yourself and those around you.

 

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind. First, they flew by; second, so much has happened. One of my biggest areas of growth has been learning to let go while also learning to ask for what I want. Letting go of fear was a significant step for me, especially when starting Las Paleteras. Pouring so much time and effort into a project without knowing how it would be received was daunting. On top of that, working with a crew that had never collaborated before felt overwhelming. But releasing insecurities, setting aside self-doubt, and trusting the process turned out to be a liberating experience.
On the other hand, learning to ask for what I want has been equally transformative. Advocating for myself, especially with my current employer, was intimidating at first. While I haven’t always gotten everything I’ve asked for, the act of expressing my needs and wants has been empowering. It’s helped me create space for myself and taught me the importance of valuing my own voice.
This year has reminded me that the only way to grow and become a better version of yourself is to push through discomfort. No risk, no reward.

 

 

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Isabel Camacho AKA: Chavelita Insta: @its.chavelita Website: https://chavelita.net/

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