We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Gomez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a creative, I have constantly been in situations where I was the only woman on the team. This was especially true when I moved to L.A. and began working in the music video industry. Usually the only other women were the talent, the stylist or make-up artist, and maybe the set designer. I started off as a Production Assistant who everyone know is the very low low of the set ladder. I had to really prove myself and show the rest of the crew that I was an even bigger asset on set than the boys.
I think putting myself in situations that are usually “scary” for women to be a part of, has really allowed me to break away from stereotypes that aim to keep us below the line. I have been recently working in education, and it is so interesting that now I am surrounded by women. Feeling “out of place” in male dominated spaces, has helped me finally feel like every place is my place. It doesn’t matter if I’m younger, a woman, an immigrant, or any other “other”. I am meant to be in any place I set foot in.
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?
Of course! Well, my name is Elizabeth Gomez and I consider myself a very mutli-dimensional person! In short, I am a Latina multi-creative, educator, and creativity coach. I currently live in San Diego, California and I work as an educator and multi-creative. Creatively, I focus on photography, film production and my poetry. Lately, it has been a fun journey managing a new career in an educational/corporate world and still pursuing my creative endeavors. This is the first time that I have a salary! For the longest time I was afraid of getting a 9-5 because I felt that I would lose the freedom to take on projects, but honestly, it has been the best decision ever to trust my gut and find a “safe” job that I also love!
The best part about having a 9-5 is being able to use what I’ve learned from production jobs to take on a high position in education. It has shown me that skills are transferable in different fields. It’s also been great to finally feel calm when it comes to finances. I no longer have to be stressing about where my next paycheck is going to come from and I am never bored because working with kids and in the education realm is always exciting. My job allows me to take PTO, I have weekends and holidays off, AND winter and summer break!
Although I got lucky and worked hard to find careers that I love and align with, it is not always as easy as it seems. My career in education is demanding, and since it is paying the bills I need to make sure I put it first. Which in turn means that my art has to come second. I can’t lie and say that it doesn’t make me a little sad to even say that out loud, or see it on paper now. I am slowly coming to terms that although my art is not my main career, I am still an artist and I will not fully stop pursuing projects. I just shot a photoshoot for my friend’s podcast last weekend and have continued taking on production and Assistant Director projects. At the same time, I am helping change kids’ lives! It’s kind of strange to feel so fulfilled lately.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
There are many qualities that I have grown into as I’ve gotten older. The most impactful have been patience, learning how to manage my emotions, and learning to let go. I am not perfect whatsoever, but I have been happier since I started practicing these three skills. It’s important to choose what you care about carefully. Especially if you care about a lot of things/people. You should always care about yourself the most.
For me, therapy was the game changer! I currently am not in therapy, but I am proud to say that the last time I was seeing a therapist I actually “graduated” from therapy which basically means I was doing really well mentally and emotionally after a while that my therapy believed in me to trust myself. I recommend therapy to everyone who has the means to go! If you do not have the means to go to therapy, I suggest practicing introspection and practicing talking about the uncomfortable things with yourself. Write it out. Spend time with yourself. Find out what YOU need if you want to be the best version of yourself.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents literally left their country and moved here to give me a chance at a great life. I don’t know how they have already done that and still have managed to do other impactful things for me. I think one of those things is that they believe in me. It may sound simple, but being the eldest daughter in an immigrant family and being allowed to dream is something you don’t usually hear of. Although my parents did constantly bring up that I should be a doctor or lawyer or teacher, they never derailed me from my choice to be a filmmaker and a creative.
My dad has bought me so many cameras at flea markets, whether they work or not. They encouraged my love for reading and storytelling. They brag about my poetry to their friends. Now, they look at me with pride when I tell them stories about the students that I work with. They have always just allowed me to be. I think that’s the best thing a parent can ever do for their child. I’m grateful for mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/thelizgomez
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelizgomez/
Image Credits
Image 1: Photographer – Alex Zamora, Model – Elizabeth Gomez, Creative Direction – Elizabeth Gomez Image 2: Photographer & Creative Director – Elizabeth Gomez, Model – Lauren Renee Image 3. Photographer & Creative Director – Elizabeth Gomez, Model – Cherry Morningstar Image 4: Photographer & Creative Director – Elizabeth Gomez, Model – Brenda Gutierrez Images 5 & 6: Photographer – Angelica Saucedo, Creative Director – Elizabeth Gomez, Models – Toni Mundo & Elizabeth Gomez Image 7: Photographer – Angelica Saucedo, Creative Director – Elizabeth Gomez, Model – Nicole Lopez
