Meet Bethany “Orá” Cruz

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bethany “Orá” Cruz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bethany “Orá” below.

Bethany “Orá”, 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.

Born into the bustling streets of New York City, with the heartbeat of Cuban heritage pulsating through my veins, the journey of finding purpose in the creative realm was a vibrant tapestry of self-discovery and resilience. Inspiration drawn by the eclectic blend of cultures and artistic expression that defines New York’s rhythm & Cuban culture gave me purpose in the creative world.

My journey was marked by challenges, doubts, and moments of uncertainty, but persistence, fueled a passion for self-expression and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of art.
The pandemic prompted me to pause my martial arts practice, leading me to explore creating in my spare time. To my surprise, people resonated deeply with my creations, spurring me to start showcasing at events. The positive reception ignited my career in many creative endeavors, such as art, photography and videography, which propelled me to unexpected heights.

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?

I’m fully immersed in my creative career, juggling various outlets like art, photography, videography, curating, and teaching. My days are consumed with markets, events, murals, and custom orders, keeping me constantly on the move. Through photography, I’ve had the privilege of capturing vibrant events and remarkable individuals, from Girls in Wonderland with Chicky Lulu to firearms classes with Joel “Teknyc” Martinez, as well as spontaneous shoots with MyVerse, Snow Da Product, Chloe Star, and many others. Grateful for the countless hours spent honing my craft and connecting with inspiring people.

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?

In my creative journey, three pillars have been paramount: connections, failure, and consistent inspiration. First and foremost, the quality of connections outweighs mere quantity; each meaningful connection opens doors to unexplored avenues, broadening horizons and fostering growth. Secondly, failure is not just inevitable but indispensable; it is through setbacks that we unearth valuable lessons, refining our craft and striving towards excellence. Embracing failure as a catalyst for learning enables us to hone our skills and adapt our approach, ultimately propelling us forward.

Moreover, consistency in seeking inspiration from the everyday is pivotal. Rather than solely relying on fleeting moments of inspiration, being present in each moment cultivates a wellspring of creativity over time. This steadfast dedication to showing up, even amidst creative blocks, eventually allows the flow of ideas to flourish organically. Patience becomes paramount, serving as a bridge to surpass mental barriers and tap into the boundless potential of the creative spirit.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As a creative, my ultimate dream is to collaborate with the music and fashion industries, bringing innovation and flair to their creative departments. Both music and fashion have played integral roles in shaping my artistic journey, and I’m eager to dive into any creative avenue within these realms. With a blend of artistic vision and technical skills in photography and design software, I’m equipped to offer a diverse range of creative solutions to any company. From crafting striking album covers for musicians to capturing unforgettable moments as a photographer or videographer for celebrities at events and festivals, and even designing for various facets of the fashion world, these are the opportunities that fuel my passion.

To connect and explore potential collaborations in these exciting fields, I’m readily accessible via email, Instagram, or Facebook. Let’s make magic happen together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All credit and right to photo belong to Bethany “Orá” Cruz

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