Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dalia Vanessa Michaux. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dalia Vanessa, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
I love this question. See, for the past couple of years I was not in the best of health for multiple reasons. One of those being is that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome otherwise known as PCOS which can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. and due to the symptoms of this condition, I did lose the jobs that I had at the time.
I feel like this isn’t talked about enough, and you’re just told to sometimes take a sick day, and you are expected to be fine the next day. Issues such as limited sick leave, inflexible work hours, or lack of understanding from employers can create additional stress for women trying to manage their condition while excelling in their careers. It is because of this situation that I was fueled to create something of my own.
Something where I am now in charge of my own time, can do what I love, and have the freedom to attend anything if needed.
The way I see it all the no’s and doors being closed were just a blessing in disguise.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Dalia Vanessa and I am a Mexican, French, Salvadoran American content creator and photographer from the Bay Area. South Bay to be exact.
Being the oldest and first gen sometimes we get so caught up in taking care of everyone else, and working, that we often forget about our own dreams and aspirations. It’s hard to challenge those stereotypes, and take the first step. My inspiration and motivation on this roller coaster of a journey has always been my mother, grandmother, and my youngest siblings.
My love for this industry started at a young age, but was recently rediscovered a few years ago when I was gifted a Canon Rebel by my fiancé. Now you may be thinking, what about your phone? Yes, I used my phone a lot to the point where I have multiple micro sd cards full of pictures stored away. I’m really showing my age here ha. I even took my own engagement photos. I just always enjoyed capturing those organic Kodak moments, along with still shots of products and food.
As a social media content creator and photographer, I specialize in solving the unique challenges faced by individuals and businesses in the digital landscape. I understand the importance of capturing life’s precious moments and transforming them into timeless memories. I enjoy helping brands establish a strong and cohesive presence across various social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook etc. One of the common key problems I address is the need for consistent, high-quality content that aligns with a brand’s identity. What sets me apart from most is I tailor my services to what the client needs and take the time to really understand them through thorough communication. You see I love educating myself so I am always investing time to learn the latest trends, and technology. This allows me to create fresh, and relevant content for my clients. Whether it’s a milestone celebration or a personal passion project, my goal is to create imagery that resonates and tells a compelling story.
Speaking of telling stories. A few years ago I shot my first boudoir shoot in my apartment for my cousin. The theme was Dirty 30 with a mean girls twist. The shoot was fun, but what I enjoyed most is how she felt after seeing those pictures. Fast forward to our most recent shoot, the level of confidence that glowed from her made me so proud. I got to capture her growth and love for herself throughout the span of a few years. This is why I love what I do. I’m in this for the story.
Now I get to travel out of state and shoot content for other businesses along with their owners. I want people to know that I am more than just social media content creator and photographer. I am a story teller, and somewhat of a sidekick. What is really important to me is using my platforms to advocate for the voiceless, staying true to myself, and sharing all the tips I’ve learned on this journey. No gate keeping here! Hope you’re in for the ride!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey was being adaptable, setting boundaries, and of course practice.
It won’t be easy but learning how to say no and setting boundaries is a must.
In this industry you will come across many people that will try to take advantage of you and your services. A few years ago I was practicing my love to create while helping a few start ups, and non profits. So as time went on task after task kept getting piled on. I kept taking it, because I obviously love what I do and more so for the experience. My biggest mistake was being available 24/7 and not having contracts set in place. This caused me to be taken advantage of and not to mention feeling drained. I failed to set those boundaries, and now I know better thanks to these experiences.
Also, keep practicing your craft. Don’t compare yourself, you will get there.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As a Latina I am very passionate about collaboration and creativity, I thrive on the opportunity to work with other like minded creators, small businesses, and restaurants to bring their visions to life.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. I believe in the power of working together and thrive on the exchange of ideas and inspiration. Whether it’s collaborating on a photoshoot, brainstorming social media campaigns, or supporting each other’s endeavors, I’m always eager to explore new opportunities and forge meaningful connections within this space. There’s room for all of us.
Let’s connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blushburstmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blushburstmediaco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blushburstmedia/
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Blush Burst Media