We recently had the chance to connect with Ariana Perez and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Ariana, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are intentionally structured to set a calm, focused tone. I begin with a short gratitude practice to acknowledge what I’m thankful for. Then I stretch, followed by a nutritious breakfast that fuels me properly. Once I’m energized, I head outside for a jog or walk, depending on how I’m feeling. That movement and fresh air are non-negotiable. This practice helps me mentally reset and prepare for the day ahead.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ariana and I’m a photographer and storyteller with a heart rooted in curiosity and a lens always searching for meaning. I work independently, traveling the world to capture honest, unscripted moments. From the golden stillness of a morning in the Austrian Alps to the vibrant energy of a street corner in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
My work isn’t just about taking photos, it’s about preserving a feeling. Whether wandering through the architectural wonders of Dubai, chasing light in the backstreets of London, or finding quiet reflections along the Atlantic Ocean, I aim to document the beauty that often hides in plain sight: the texture of a city or the mood of a fleeting moment.
What makes my work unique is the way I approach each frame. I don’t travel with a huge team or a production agenda. It’s just me, my camera and the openness to experience the world as it is. I believe some of the most powerful stories come from small details and unguarded moments, and I try to capture those with care.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was someone led entirely by curiosity. I liked asking questions, chasing stories and looking at the world with wide, wonder-filled eyes. I believed (and still do), without hesitation, that anything was possible. Dreams aren’t abstract ideas, they are blueprints waiting to be built with time, effort, heart and a lot patience.
I had an unstoppable willpower, not in the loud, forceful sense, but in a quiet, steady way. When I wanted something, I didn’t wait for permission. I worked for it. I stayed up late, tried again, asked why, asked how and kept going. I didn’t see limitation but rather, I saw challenges as puzzles to be solved.
The world, of course, tries to shape us. It teaches us caution, fear, rules and roles. But at my core, I still carry that same spirit. Someone who believes that the world is vast and full of magic for those brave enough to pursue it. I’m a little more cautious now that I used to be, but still a dreamer. Someone who knows that, no matter where you start, you can carve a path that’s entirely your own as long as you stay curious, stay true and keep showing up for your dreams.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, of course. Haven’t we all? There have been times when I almost gave up. Moments when the path felt too heavy, when the doubt was louder than the dream and it seemed easier to walk away than to keep trying. Life has a way of testing how much you want something, especially when the road isn’t clear or the wins don’t come quickly.
But the funny thing is, even in those dark moments, there was this quiet voice inside me, a feeling I couldn’t shake. that said, “This is not it, your story doesn’t end here.” It wasn’t dramatic or loud, just this deep inner knowing that there’s more, that I hadn’t come this far or fought this hard only to stop now.
My loved ones played a huge role in that, too. Their belief in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself, reminded me of who I was and where I came from. My roots – my upbringing, my heritage, my values especially – kept me grounded. That’s partly why I love going back home as often as I do. First, because it’s home. Second, because it keeps me grounded.
So, I kept going. Not because it was easy, but because something inside me wouldn’t let me stop. And looking back, those moments of near-giving-up ended up becoming the very foundation of my resilience and a reminder that we’re all much more stronger than we think. We just have to be tested from time to time.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Honestly, I think it’s exhausting to pretend to be someone you’re not. Keeping up a façade? That’s way too much work, and honestly, kind of boring. I’d rather just be myself, even if that means being a little quieter in some settings or not always putting everything out there.
That said, I’m also someone who values privacy. I don’t feel the need to share every part of my life publicly. I tend to be an open book with the people I trust, those close to me know the full story. But what you see is still me: my voice, my energy, my point of view. I just believe that some things are meant to be kept sacred and that doesn’t make me (or anyone) any less authentic.
At the end of the day, I’d rather connect with people through honesty, even if it’s not always flashy or curated. I think there’s real beauty in showing up as yourself. I haven’t forgotten where I came from, and I don’t feel the need to reinvent myself just to fit into what people expect.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
The very first thing I’d stop doing is worrying. Truly. I’d let go of that constant hum of anxiety about things I can’t control. All the “what ifs,” the overthinking, the pressure to always get it right. Worrying drains the joy out of the present and makes you forget how to just be.
As contradictory as it might seem, I will say that worrying, exhausting as it is, has oddly taught me to trust more deeply, because after spending so much energy on fear and doubt, I’ve realized just how pointless and draining it truly is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.perezariana.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perezarianapix/
Image Credits
For the profile photo, please credit: David Lebow
For all landscape photos, please credit me: Ariana Perez
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
