Meet Juan Sandoval

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juan Sandoval a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Juan, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

In Colombia, as a journalist, I often faced significant challenges from groups resistant to the truth . There was a lot of hostility towards reporters who tried to investigate issues deeply. That experience taught me resilience, discretion, and the importance of staying committed to the truth, no matter the obstacles.

Since moving to the United States, I’ve been able to channel that same persistence into my work as a photographer in South Carolina. Just like in journalism, photography requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to tell stories visually. I persist despite challenges—whether it’s criticism, difficult shoots, or learning a new environment—because I’m motivated by the impact of sharing stories, whether through the written word or images. My experience in journalism gives me a unique perspective as a photographer: I see beyond the surface, I look for the narrative, and I don’t shy away from challenges that others might avoid.

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 am originally from Colombia, where I graduated as a journalist and focused much of my work on peace and reconciliation issues in my country. I also covered protests and social movements, striving to report stories that mattered to the community. Unfortunately, my dedication sometimes put me at risk, and I faced several threats in Colombia. That led me to seek asylum in the United States, where I found a new opportunity to continue my passion for storytelling in a safe environment.

Here in this beautiful country, I was able to combine my journalism skills with photography, and I founded my company, Macondo Agency LLC. We specialize in marketing and photography, working with several restaurants in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. What excites me the most about this work is that it allows me to tell stories visually, connect with local businesses, and help them grow, while still honoring the investigative and narrative skills I developed as a journalist. Over time, our company has grown steadily, and I’m constantly looking for ways to expand our reach and continue delivering high-quality content for our clients.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I would say the three most important qualities and skills in my journey have been resilience, storytelling, and adaptability.

Resilience: As a journalist in Colombia, I faced significant challenges and even threats while covering sensitive topics like protests and reconciliation. Learning to persist despite obstacles has been essential, both in journalism and now running my own business in the U.S. My advice for those starting out: don’t be discouraged by setbacks or criticism—see them as opportunities to grow.

Storytelling: Understanding how to convey a story clearly and impactfully has been central to everything I do. Whether through writing or photography, the ability to communicate a message that resonates is invaluable. For newcomers: practice constantly, study different forms of storytelling, and pay attention to the details that make stories compelling.

Adaptability: Moving to a new country and combining journalism with photography to start Macondo Agency LLC taught me how important it is to be flexible, learn new skills quickly, and adjust to different environments. My advice: be open to opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself professionally.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

One of the most important people in my life has been my brother. Whenever I have doubts or face a crisis, I call him. He is also a journalist and photographer with extensive experience in Colombia, and he has been an incredible example for me. I often follow the approach he takes in his work and replicate many of the strategies he uses. His guidance and the passion he shows in his career have inspired me deeply, and I truly believe that because of his advice and example, I am where I am today. I’m genuinely a fan of both him and his work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juan94sandoval/