We recently connected with Juan Luis Garcia and have shared our conversation below.
Juan Luis, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
My mental health journey has been a challenging yet transformative experience. Initially, I found solace and support by confiding in people I trusted – friends, family members, and mentors who offered understanding and compassion. Opening up to them was a crucial first step towards acknowledging my struggles and seeking assistance.
However, as my challenges persisted, I realized the importance of seeking professional guidance. Engaging with mental health professionals provided me with invaluable tools and strategies to navigate through my difficulties. Therapy sessions helped me gain insight into my thoughts and emotions, enabling me to develop healthier coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that seeking help during a crisis is vital. The availability of resources such as the hotline 988 offers immediate support and assistance from trained professionals when needed most. Understanding that it’s okay to reach out for help, especially during challenging times, has been pivotal in my journey towards healing and recovery.
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?
I have a deep-rooted passion for connecting people with great stories because of the profound influence cinema and other media have had on my life. I learned English through reading Goosebumps books and named our daughter after my childhood TV idol, Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy.
In my career as a creative director, designer, and photographer, I’ve consistently delivered impactful and award-winning work for marketing and branding campaigns across a wide spectrum – from global blockbusters to beloved cult classics in film/TV, music, fine art, and literature.
Recently, I was on an entrepreneurial adventure as I co-owned and led the transformation of a niche sports YouTube channel into a global brand with a devoted fanbase of over a million worldwide. The humbling experience deepened my understanding of crafting marketing campaigns that truly resonate.
Now, through Lighter™, I’m excited to support you and your project. Send me an email—I’d love to hear about it!
-Juan Luis Garcia
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?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of skills and qualities touted as essential for success. However, if I were to distill it down to just three fundamental qualities, I would emphasize curiosity, courage, and candor.
Curiosity: Cultivating a curious mindset is essential for continuous learning and growth. Curiosity sparks innovation, encourages exploration, and fosters creativity. By remaining curious, we open ourselves up to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities, enabling us to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities in our personal and professional lives.
Courage: Success often requires stepping outside of our comfort zones and taking bold actions. Having the courage to pursue our aspirations, even when faced with uncertainty or fear, is crucial. It means embracing challenges, confronting obstacles head-on, and persevering in the face of setbacks. By summoning the courage to pursue our passions and dreams, we unlock our full potential and pave the way for meaningful achievements.
Candor: Authenticity and honesty are indispensable qualities in today’s interconnected world. Being candid involves speaking truthfully and openly, both with ourselves and others. It means communicating openly about our intentions, values, and concerns, fostering trust and transparency in relationships. Embracing candor enables constructive feedback, effective collaboration, and genuine connections, laying the foundation for mutual growth and success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Website: https://www.
Instagram: https://www.
Linkedin: https://www.
Image Credits
Kevin Hart, Rosario Dawson, Danny Trejo
