Meet Mariela Fdez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariela Fdez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mariela, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I attribute my resilience to my Dominican roots. Growing up with my grandparents while my mom juggled school and work—having me at just 15—taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Seeing the dedication of both my grandmother and my mother has shaped who I am today and how I approach life’s challenges. Their strength and commitment are a big part of my own resilience.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a professional photographer and a true hustler at heart, but photography has always been my first love since I was 13, back in the MySpace days. I began with self portrait work and gradually expanded into live shows, sports, and more. My journey has been a rollercoaster of experimentation and evolution, shaping me into the photographer I am today. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.

Being authentic with my supporters has shown me that people relate not just to my work but to who I am. My style is hard to pin down—fashion, editorial, avant-garde—combining creativity, empowerment, and a touch of the unconventional.

I don’t only offer photo sessions, but you can find my merch and prints for sale on my website. I’m also working on rebranding and connecting with people outside of social media through panels and local fairs. My ultimate dream? To have a dedicated creative space outside my home, where most of my work has been created. I believe in making it happen with whatever you’ve got!

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?

For those just starting out in photography, my top advice is to keep experimenting and shooting as much as possible. Dive deep into learning about the business side of photography—understanding the legalities and industry practices is crucial if you want to make a living from it. And most importantly, have fun and don’t let negativity get in your way. Embrace the journey and stay focused on what you love!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always excited to partner and collaborate with fellow creatives like wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, hairstylists, set designers, and creative directors. I believe that the more talented hands we have on deck, the better the final result. If you’re interested in partnering up, feel free to reach out through my website contact form, email, or just drop me a quick DM on Instagram. Let’s create something amazing together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

profile photo – credit to @am7photography

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