We were lucky to catch up with Alina Avila recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alina, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When I first started photography in 2019, I had major imposter syndrome. I was self-taught and doubted if I had what it took to be a photographer. A few years ago, I was listening to a podcast where the founder of a successful company admitted to still struggling with imposter syndrome and that is when it clicked…we ALL doubt our worthiness. Imposter syndrome is a lie rooted in doubt and fear. Over the years, I’ve been able to overcome the doubt and fear because I kept going. I kept learning, I kept practicing and I even kept making mistakes. If you want to silence imposter syndrome, you need grow your confidence by practicing your craft.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I offer wedding and family photography to document the moments that matter most. I started photography in my late twenties around the time my friend’s began having kids and growing their families. At the time, I owned an old Canon Rebel and started taking family portraits of my friends and their kids for fun. A special birthday, a new pregnancy, an engagement. I immediately fell in love with photographing these celebrations and before I knew it, it turned into a photography business.
At its core Alina Marie Creative is about meeting you in whatever season of life you are in and capturing it in an authentic, timeless way. As a wedding and family photographer, I get to capture joy for a living and it’s the best job in the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say confidence, curiosity and tenacity are three qualities you need to basically accomplish anything. As a creative entrepreneur, you need to have the confidence to put yourself out there, the curiosity to learn and try new things and the tenacity to keep going even after setbacks or mistakes.
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?
I have found community to be the most valuable free asset to growing a small business. Every single time I’ve ever been in a room with other entrepreneurs, I leave feeling inspired and motivated. There is so much power in community. Find a facebook group in your niche, attend local networking events or plan a meet up with another entrepreneur friend. Listen and learn from each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alinamariecreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinamariecreative
Image Credits
The photo of myself was taken by Claudia Evette Photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
