Meet Arianna Quiroz

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Arianna Quiroz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Arianna below.

Arianna, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

My self-discipline stems from two primary sources: my parents and my career as a journalist. My father, an engineer and valedictorian of his high school, is the smartest and most hard-working person I know. Growing up, homework wasn’t considered done until every answer was correct, even if it meant working until 2 am amidst tears of frustration. Our school projects were always top-notch. My Dad’s problem-solving shone through in dioramas and science projects, while my Mom, a creative whiz, helped me develop a keen eye for art, helping me to make amazing presentation boards.

In college and now in my career, I’ve realized how much I resemble my Dad in terms of work ethic. I don’t stop working until the job is done. Although I may have resented those late nights with my parents when I was younger, I now look back with gratitude. This rigorous upbringing prepared me well for journalism, where tight deadlines, last-minute story changes, and stressful live hits are only just part of the job.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Since childhood, I have been captivated by the world of journalism, inspired by confident, intelligent women traveling the globe and engaging with diverse voices. This passion led me to pursue a degree in digital news and storytelling from Azusa Pacific University, where I graduated in 2018. I then took a leap of faith and started my career as a journalist and news anchor in Yuma, Arizona. This experience deepened my love for storytelling and fulfilled my childhood dream.

In addition to my full-time role, I launched my freelance business, AQ Media, earlier this year to make a broader impact within my community. Through AQ Media, I’ve been able to use my expertise in journalism, communications, and marketing to help individuals, organizations, and causes share their unique narratives. With over five years of professional experience, I offer a comprehensive suite of services, including videography, photography, social media management, website design, and graphic design.

Every individual has a compelling story, whether marked by triumphs or challenges, and I am passionate about using my media skills to amplify these narratives and foster connection and empowerment. Videography is particularly special to me, allowing me to capture the essence of a story through emotive visuals and audio immersion. I am committed to amplifying the voices of underserved entities, including small businesses, nonprofits, and even animals, recognizing the significance of their stories.

While in Yuma, I partnered with the Humane Society to spotlight adoptable pets through captivating videos, a project that remains close to my heart. My journalistic background has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and authenticity, enabling me to connect with individuals during moments of vulnerability or joy. At AQ Media, my primary goal is to prioritize the individual, crafting compelling narratives that resonate profoundly and leave a lasting impact.

I’m also excited to announce a new venture at AQ Media that I will be releasing this year: a new podcast! In each episode, I will delve into the stories of remarkable women from all walks of life, who are making a difference in their communities and living their lives in devotion to the Lord. Through insightful interviews and thoughtful discussions, I will uncover how their stories intertwine with those of the women of the Bible, drawing parallels and finding timeless lessons that resonate with women of all ages.

Additionally after receiving an increase of requests to document the stories of grandparents, I plan to expand my services to include memorial slideshow videos, capturing the stories of grandparents through interviews and b-roll, and live-streaming events (galas, memorials etc.). You can find more information on these ventures on my website, or my social media platforms.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have most significantly impacted my journey as a small business owner are grace, diligence, and the skillsets I gained in the journalism field. Grace has enabled me to truly listen to and understand people’s stories, assuring them that their experiences are unique and valuable. Diligence has empowered me to manage the myriad tasks required to run a small business while also working a full-time job. This dedication allows me to fulfill my calling and passions, making the extra work worthwhile. The skills I developed as a journalist—staying calm under pressure, making wise yet swift decisions, and empowering others to share their stories—have been invaluable.

For those early in their journey, I recommend focusing on developing these same attributes. Cultivate grace by actively listening and empathizing with others, as this will enhance your connections and communication. Foster diligence by setting clear goals and maintaining a strong work ethic, understanding that persistence is key to loving what you do and sticking to why you do it. Finally, seek opportunities to build a versatile skillset, whether through formal education or practical experience, as this will prepare you to navigate and thrive in diverse situations.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe in the power of leveraging our strengths while also striving for continuous improvement in areas where we may be less proficient. Embracing our strengths allows us to excel in our unique talents, driving innovation and success. However, investing effort in improving weaker areas can broaden our skill set, enhancing adaptability and resilience.

One relevant experience that shaped my perspective occurred when I was starting my small business. While I excelled in storytelling and communication, I lacked expertise in researching tech issues. Recognizing the importance of this aspect, I dedicated time to learning and refining my ability to fix tech issues on my own, or research how to use all of the settings on my camera. As a result, I gained confidence in managing my equipment effectively, contributing to better quality end results.

By acknowledging and building upon both strengths and weaknesses, we cultivate a well-rounded skill set that enables us to tackle challenges with versatility and confidence. This balanced approach fosters personal growth and empowers us to reach new heights of achievement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aquirozmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aqmedia_/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriannaQuirozMedia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1BTpeeT-GCPIdLEekn95PQ/featured
• Other: https://aq-media.myspreadshop.com/