Meet Ryan Yero

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

Ryan , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I’m not entirely certain I can say that I have. I think most people spend their entire lives trying to find what their purpose is: where they fit in, what they can impact the most, how they can contribute to a community, both locally and globally, and I’m certainly no different. While searching for my purpose, I do feel like I’ve found some direction. I’ve closed a lot of chapters in my life to get where I am today. Many were enveloped in self-serving pursuits, and others enduring mistreatment from the places I thought I should’ve found community: school, sports, workplaces, churches, even at times from my own family. A lesson I’ve learned from those parts in my life, is that these chapters are important building blocks, and nothing to hide or be ashamed of. As a means of leaving those chapters behind, and something fundamental they taught me about myself, is that I want to live as openly as I can, and be able to lend a helping hand to whoever I may cross paths with. So, while I can’t exactly say that I’ve found my purpose, what feels essential to my being right now is serving others as best and authentically as I can. It is exhausting at times, but ultimately incredibly fulfilling for me to be able to connect with like-minded individuals who understand what I am here to offer them, and are able to reflect back to me what I have poured of myself into others.

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?

Hello, my name is Ryan. I divide my time between two passions which are Funeral Directing and my ongoing project called Long Island Film Club (LIFC). What appeals to me about funeral directing, that many might not understand, is the authenticity I feel the occupation calls for. An authenticity I can bring that hasn’t been calloused by the world. In my life kindness has always been seen as a weakness and for the first time I can confidently be who I am towards others at one of the hardest times in their lives. While I feel grateful to find my vocation, one thing that comes with facing death, and handling grief delicately, is burnout and isolation. Spending as much time and energy as I do being there for those on their worst days, how do I find the time to be there for myself? Is there a way I can express my emotions in a way that others relate to? In my spare time, I like to drive around Long Island to new towns, arboretums, churches, autobody shops, beaches, taking photo’s of things I find interesting. After my solo adventures I would spend many nights developing my film. What was once a very therapeutic process become very lonely. I spent months searching for artistic and creative community but that was difficult to find. So I decided to create one. My idea to make an all inclusive photography club that would break the norms of conventional photography beliefs and focus on in person intentional relationships. A place where photographers could share their work open and vulnerably. A place where artists can share their secrets, tricks, and techniques. Long Island Film Club would host photo-walks to explore interesting places introduced or proposed to by members of the community. LIFC started small, as most things do, but within a few months our group has grown exponentially. We’ve now published two photography zines that have showcased over 70 photographers. Flux Coffee in Farmingdale, NY was kind enough to allow us a space to host a small gallery showcasing 60 photographers unique works, and now we have a revolving gallery every month allowing chosen photographers to display 5 prints every month. My continued goal is to grow how we showcase other photographers work, whether it be in magazines or through gallery spaces. All-in-all, I feel very fortunate to be in the position I’m in: to find a purpose of lifting up others both through death and through art.

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?

I believe the three most important things I bring to the LIFC are understanding, connection, and authenticity.
Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and understood, but opening yourself up to receiving those things can be difficult. By creating a non-judgmental, understanding community that values honesty and creativity, we strive to make an environment that allows members to be vulnerable in that way. Finding like-minded people in a hobby that can be isolating reminds us that we aren’t alone, and that there’s value in expressing ourselves honestly. When we can express ourselves authentically and are met with support and kindness, we can only grow stronger in our practice as artists and as members of a community.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Ensuring a funeral goes smoothly or a Long Island Film Club event goes off without a hitch can be a lot of pressure and it’s incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to take time for myself to make sure I’m not burning the candle at both ends. One of my favorite things to do when I need an escape is to play Dungeons and Dragons. I’ve been very fortunate to find a small group of other creatives who love playing as much as I do. For a few hours every week we allow ourselves to put everything else aside and tell the best story we can. I’ve also started making music again after a long hiatus. Overcoming the initial fear of judgment was scary, but finding people who trust the creative process has been rewarding not just in creating friendships but in creating art we believe in. I think it’s imperative that everyone finds something they can escape into. Something that brings joy, fulfillment, and fun into their life. If you’re not having fun on your journey then it’s time to find it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/ryanhorrorfilmshow
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longislandfilmclub