Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lupe Zamora. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lupe, really appreciate you opening up about a very personal topic with the hopes that it can help someone out there who might be going through it. What can you share with us about your journey with postpartum depression and how you overcame PPD? 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.
Being a mom and business owner has been challenging. After giving birth to our third child, my husband and I both decided this would be our last baby so that we could both focus on our goals and careers. I believe, deep down, this was also a push to slow down and embrace the stages of motherhood I have not been able to enjoy for quite some time now. At only three months postpartum, I took a leap of faith and quit my corporate job to follow my dream of being a full-time photographer. I went back and forth on this decision for years. My husband was a little nervous about this, but I reassured him that this would be the best move for my business and, most notably, my mental health. I felt this was the answer to my anxiety and depression. I was completely drained from the corporate world and knew I had what it took to run a business. I was confident in this next chapter in my life. Fast forward to what seemed like the most extended “slow” season for me. Although I was finally doing something I enjoyed, I could not fully appreciate the freedom. I was not seeing any business and started to worry if I had made the right choice. The most challenging part was realizing that, for the first time in my life, I couldn’t financially support my family as I did before. I had difficulty focusing, staying motivated, and noticing I was losing tons of hair. I slept all the time, not leaving the house unless I had to, and my mind was in a total fog. I was incredibly emotional all the time and felt utterly useless. I started losing interest in anything related to photography and was beginning to want to give up. I felt like a total loser and punished myself for thinking I could support my family with photography. I stopped putting my energy into anything that concerned my business. Life was hard for me, and I couldn’t figure out why. I wasn’t enjoying the things that I usually did. I didn’t feel happy. The days were passing quicker than I could gather my thoughts. I read about postpartum depression before self-diagnosing myself, and I knew what would help regarding treatment, but I was too scared to seek help. This led to terrible days when I wanted to give up on life.
Postpartum depression has lingered on for quite some time now. Just when I feel like I’m doing better and I’m busy with work, I lose out on opportunities, and let me tell you, those hit pretty hard. Taking losses didn’t pressure me to work harder; they only felt like jabs in my gut. I felt less and less important and didn’t show up where I was needed. I didn’t think it would affect me the way it has after my 3rd child. I tried my best to have joy and peace, but this was much stronger than I could handle. Although free to be with my children, I felt trapped in this dark place of depression. I felt like I had failed my entire family. Turning my hobby into a full-time career meant I would depend on photography to make a living, which was something I never had any intention of doing. My husband was pressured to work harder and assured me he would not let me give up. I only begged him for encouragement and support to keep going. The thought of “I might need to go back to work” and forget everything I was working for killed me. Knowing I hadn’t reached my full potential, I couldn’t give up. It has been an investment, and I still have so much to invest in and learn. It felt like it was taking a lifetime, but these thoughts controlled my actions and caused me to waste so much time. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here, but I think what’s more important to me now is to enjoy my extra time, and the hustle will come later.
My husband and I did a lot of planning and pep-talking to help me through. This time of uncertainty lasted no more than a few months, and I am so relieved I could get out of my head and finally take control of my stress. I’m slowly learning to balance and understand that this will pass. Staying positive is necessary on hard days. Postpartum depression isn’t brought up enough, but I feel I have been able to conquer the struggles it has brought me in the past nine months. Treatment for me is soaking in all the beautiful memories I am making with my children and reminding myself why I began this journey in the first place.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi! My name is Lupe, and I own Three Suns Photography. My love for my three sons inspired my brand so you may see them often! I am based in DFW but will travel anywhere my clients take me. We have been in business for three incredible years, and I feel blessed to have met so many beautiful souls. There’s something so magical about creating memories for my clients, and I couldn’t be happier doing this full-time. I come with no rules; you are free to be you, which gives a whole story to look back on. My style is not the practical “Smile at the camera” photographer; I focus on telling a story through my lens. I live for the natural moments and laughter I capture from my clients. I’m here to capture you in the most authentic way, no matter where your story lies.
After my last baby, I grew interested in motherhood, maternity, births, and newborns, so this has been such a sweet time for me! I’m soaking it all in! Moms deserve to feel beautiful at all stages of motherhood, so these types of sessions have a special place in my heart. I opened my home studio earlier this year, and although this is just the beginning, it has been such a huge accomplishment!
I am also happy to announce that I am starting up my mentorship program for beginners in photography! This mentorship is a little taste of everything regarding starting a photography business and establishing yourself in a saturated industry. There are so many exciting things in the works for Three Suns Photography, so cheers to the future! My journey has been challenging, but I’m ecstatic to pour my knowledge into others struggling to begin their path in the photography world. The support I have received goes a long way, and I can’t wait to see what the next few years bring.
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?
Patience is KEY! If we all wanted to become successful overnight, we’d never learn what it took to get there. I feel strong because I was able to learn patience. I criticized myself for so long for things I couldn’t control. Being a mother of three can be busy and overwhelming and is not for the weak. You are pulled in a million different directions every minute of the day. You have so much to do and not enough time in a day. You must catch up on work after everyone has been put to bed for the night. It’s hard. But so worth it. If you see a mom hustling out there, know she worked her butt off just to have the time to prove she could do it. Balancing work from home was never easy, but it was vital for my mental health.
Lastly, I could not have gotten where I am today without being my true self. I am genuine in my interactions with potential clients and audiences. They see every side of me, the good and the bad. I want to be open and transparent and create more than just business transactions. I want to be their friend whom they kindly ask to keep coming back into their lives for the moments they share. That’s the best part of being in this field. I could never thank my amazing clients enough for putting so much trust in my craft.
My advice to those too scared to take the jump: DO IT and DO IT GRACEFULLY! Be yourself, and the rest will fall into place. Have patience and give yourself time and freedom to truly enjoy the journey.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Gosh, I have some of the best clients who have become such great friends. What I look for in clients is someone who will trust me every step of the way. From planning to executing all the ideas, my creative mind explodes when free to do what I want. It’s literally like a mental recharge. I love it when I offer a new location or give guidance on outfits, and I am invited to give my opinion. It helps relieve some of the stress of pulling everything together. I want my clients to show up and be ready to have a good time. There’s a 15% chance of rain? Okay, let me bring a cute umbrella, and we can twist it up a bit. I always say, “Trust is all I need” because, truthfully, who wants to work and be creative under pressure? If you want a beautiful gallery full of raw, effortless emotions, I am your girl!
Contact Info:
- Website: threesunsphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesunsphototx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/threesunsphototx/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guadalupeezamora/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@threesunsphototx
https://linktr.ee/threesunsphoto
Image Credits
Three Suns Phototgraphy