Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Omar Francia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Omar, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Over the 8 years of my professional career I’ve learned to embrace my skills and wear them with pride even if I’m the only one in the room. There was a point in time when I felt like being the only person in the room with a different perspective was a bad thing. I questioned whether I was on the right path, and if this was truly meant for me. It was only when I started to look inward rather than outward that I realized that there’s a reason I was meant to stand out from the crowd. I wasn’t meant to look like anyone else.
I began to embrace it and make my empty room a giant vision board. The universe had revealed to me that I had to make room (no pun intended) for success both literally and figuratively. I had to move away from the noise and pressure of the outside world in order to make more room for success. It’s almost impossible to not be successful at that point.
Over time I also slowly started to realize that being the only person in that room was in fact a great thing. I now prefer it to stay this way and I’m beyond grateful to be given this opportunity. It’s incredibly easy to get stuck in the negatives, however, once you allow yourself to see the positives, it’s liberating.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Not only was photography a creative outlet for me during covid, it opened my eyes. I realized how special capturing a moment in time is. When I look back at some of my very first photos when I started I get flooded with memories of where I was and what I was doing at the time. You don’t really realize how fast time flies until you look back at your old photos.
Since then I’ve worked as a freelance photographer all throughout the central Texas area. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph all things from senior portraits, graduations, social events, and concerts. Although it’s not my full time job, it’s my goal to bring that to fruition.
I just recently published a website that showcases some of my work. There you can also find my contact information if you’d like to schedule a meeting to work together – FocusFrancia.com
Most of my work is on my Instagram @FocusFrancia
I will soon be selling prints of my artwork – keep an eye on my website and Instagram!
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?
When it comes to starting a new project, pursuing a new career, or just simply learning a new hobby, you must learn to be patient with yourself. You cannot set expectations to see your desired results instantaneously. That’s like going to the gym for just a week expecting yourself to look like the next Mr. / Ms. Olympia.
Give yourself grace. It’s okay to take your time; there’s no rush. More often than not, the more you rush something, the worse off it is…
Then comes resilience; keep getting up no matter how many times you fall. It’s incredibly easy to throw in the towel when your first photoshoot doesn’t go as planned. Or when you realize reaching Mr. / Ms. Olympia status isn’t possible within a week. Always remember that the journey isn’t supposed to be easy, and if you keep picking yourself up no matter what, you’ll start to see your results. The thought of giving up then slowly starts to vanish.
Finally, the piece that glues everything together is curiosity. Allow yourself to be curious and open-minded. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore new ideas no matter how intimidating it may feel. Don’t close yourself off from the unknown but instead invite the unknown with open arms. You won’t know what you’ll learn, but that’s the beauty of it!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
As with everyone else, the pandemic had a significant impact on my physical and mental health. I wanted to do something about it, so I decided to join a gym and learn as much as I could about weightlifting. After some time, I became obsessed with getting in shape and working on my mental health. I learned that breaking a sweat really does drastically improve your mental health. Not only that, but it forced me to socialize with other people at the gym.
I ended up making a few friends that I now regularly talk to, but one friend in particular (Chris Keiser) noticed my efforts and the work I was putting in. He asked me what my goals were and what I wanted to accomplish in the gym. After I explained, he put me in contact with his coach, Russ Hosmer. He explained that Russ owns his own coaching business (Constant Progression) and thought we’d be able to make great progress together.
I’ve worked with Russ for over a year now and can say that I’ve made more progress towards my goals in the past year than the previous 4 years combined. Not just the fitness side of things, but also my mental health, career, business, you name it. Life in general. He has supported me through many challenges I’ve faced and made me realize how much potential I have. Russ has helped me become the best version of myself in all aspects of life, and I am incredibly grateful to work with him.
Had I not started going to the gym and socializing more, I wouldn’t be where I am now. You never know who you’ll meet if you don’t try…
Times can and will change, but ONLY if you try.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://FocusFrancia.com
- Instagram: @FocusFrancia
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