Meet Monica Juarez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Juarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is to just go for it. You’ll never know how successful your idea or talent can turn out to be if you don’t take that risk of finding out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m just a simple woman who happens to love and have an eye for photography! I absolutely enjoy meeting new people & capturing moments for them that will become beautiful memories. Whether that’s a senior graduating high school, parents cherishing their small children, couples madly in love, or a woman embracing herself. Pictures become a return ticket to a moment<3 I love that I can do this for others.

If I sat here and told my story, I’d be typing a novel! Long story short, I have always loved taking photos of everything and everyone. I always saw the importance of capturing moments. We can’t always remember every moment or what we wore, how we looked, etc. However, if we see a photo, it takes us back to that moment as if we’re reliving it. I started photography as a hobby & did it sporadically from 2018-2021 with only friends/family. Then in Summer 2023 a special friend of mine reached out & expressed how she would love it if I could do her maternity pictures. First of all, I was in awe that she was pregnant & I was flattered that she wanted me to do her pictures. I almost didn’t, because of fear. I decided to do it anyway and it turned out to be the best decision ever. This session is where the seed to my business was planted. Since then, I’ve had several challenges and I’ve learned to embrace each one of them considering they’ve made me better at what I do. I’ve also had lots of wins & amazing milestones. I stand firm that my success does come from God, being he is the root of it all. I took it to the Lord from the start & it all just unfolded beautifully in front of me. Of course I’ve put in the hard work, remained consistent & dedicated to grow in this industry; but it’s all been possible through him. Call me crazy, though, if you know you know!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take her for a short hike to one of the most beautiful spots I’ve found & grab a bite to eat at Los Dos Potrillos afterwards or some brunch place. I most definitely would bring her along to one of my sessions because it’s fun for me. I know my bestie would love to chill, order take out & binge watch a show so that’s exactly how we would end our day. I’m also the worst at planning fun days so I would play it by ear every day and see what we feel like doing or eating. I’ve learned from experience that planning things ahead like that don’t always go as planned for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I’m being honest, my shout out goes to God. He is the reason I have this business & why it’s been successful thus far. Also, shoutout to my family for their constant support especially my husband, parents, siblings, & tias. Each one of them helps me tremendously in their own way & it never goes unnoticed. I have so much love & feel grateful for everyone that has supported me in all possible ways to make MJ Photography a beautiful journey.

Website: https://mjphotography03.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/latinawcamera

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092433465393&mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Image Credits
Monica Juarez Karina Asitimbay (took photo of me, & edited by me)