We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valerie Mata a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Valerie, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
How I overcome creativity blocks is by stepping away for a brief moment. Stepping away from my desk or any space where I am creating, gives me the time to breathe, center myself, reflect, and the opportunity to fill my own cup. I like to center myself through prayer, leaning onto faith, and going for outdoor walks. I also listen to music to shift my thoughts, my perspective, and help release any feelings or thoughts.
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?
Throughout my childhood and early adulthood, I have always been a part of the arts. I use to play the violin, danced, drew, and painted. I also had a passion for photography but was unable to financially support it. Upon college graduation, I became a solo traveler. I took photos everywhere I traveled that included various scenarios and kept the photos as “memories” of one day storytelling. When enlisted in the military, I then realized how much I missed the arts. I craved for a creative outlet. This is when I had thoughts on pursuing an artistic career and becoming a business owner. Becoming a first time mother at the age of 35, motivated me more to start my own business. I felt I had a purpose. I wanted to show my son that passions instilled in us are worth exploring. Although I had no idea what that was going to look like, I became fearless.
A year in a half into launching my professional photography business, I am very proud of referencing myself as a creator, a photographer, and part of a brand. I rely heavily on my faith to keep rising, growing, attracting clients, and building a community. I am most excited for others to feel they are part of an “experience” when working with me.
This upcoming year of 2026, I have big plans for my business. I will be establishing the blueprint with opening a small studio in the West Valley for not only photographers, creators, and programs for young teens. I will also be launching a service for young photographers to build their portfolios and start their own photography business.
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?
Looking back, the three most important qualities that shaped my journey were perseverance, self-belief, and hands-on experience.
First, learning not to give up when things got hard was essential. There were many moments where I felt unsure, afraid, or unprepared, but growth often came from continuing forward anyway. Doing the work even when you don’t have everything figured out builds confidence, resilience, and clarity over time. My advice to those early in their journey is to allow yourself to be a beginner and keep showing up, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Second, overcoming comparison and self-doubt played a major role in my growth. It’s easy to fall into imposter syndrome, especially in a creative industry where you’re constantly exposed to others’ work. For a long time, comparison held me back from fully showcasing my own work. Learning to focus on my unique perspective and voice – instead of measuring myself against others – helped me build confidence and show up more authentically in my business.
Lastly, experience has been one of the most valuable teachers. I leaned that not every opportunity or collaboration aligns with your brand or long-term vision, even when it’s offered for free or promised as a “stepping stone.” While some of those experiences were disappointing, they ultimately helped me develop discernment, stronger boundaries, and a better mindset. Consistently getting out and shooting, learning from real sessions, and refining my process through experience has been key to my growth.
For anyone early in their journey: keep going, keep learning, and trust that clarity comes from action. Every shoot, every challenge, and every lesson is moving you forward – even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to show up more authentically – both as a business owner and as a person. I’ve become more honest, more open, and more willing to share small pieces of my life and journey with others, which has helped me build deeper and more genuine connections with my community.
I’ve also grown by choosing to take action even when I feel afraid or uncomfortable. Whether it’s putting myself out there creatively, talking about my business despite being naturally shy, or stepping into conversations with people I admire, I’ve learned that growth happens outside of comfort. Educating myself, seeking guidance from those I look up to, and staying open to learning has been a huge part of that process.
Most importantly, I’ve developed a mindset focused on continuous improvement – always looking for ways to be better, more intentional, and more aligned with who I am and what I want my brand to represent. That shift alone has made a significant impact on both my personal growth and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vsuzannephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsuzannephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583955370647
Image Credits
VSuzanne Photography LLC
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