Today we’d like to introduce you to Joana Vargas.
Hi Joana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My passion for photography really began when I saw my mother bring home negative 35mm film for the first time. I can’t recall my exact age but I was probably 10 or 11ish.
I don’t recall my mom seeing herself as a photographer, yet she was because I remember she was the kind of person that took pictures of every occasion. Now, I don’t think she or I would have imagined that one moment became the spark of what is now my full-time career. Photography went from a creative elective in high school to the tool that awarded me all my college scholarships and now it’s what I do for a living.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Most definitely not a smooth road! I didn’t necessarily grow up with your typical household or your “normal” childhood. Unfortunately, I faced traumatic hardships while I was still very young. Although many of those hardships were not easy, they did sculpt me into who I am today. The struggles and curveballs of life definitely taught me how to be a better storyteller.
I think in my head I always wanted things to be a little different so, many times I caught myself making things up or envisioning them as if they were different. Imagination and storytelling initially were a way of escaping reality but as I grew older I knew it wasn’t about escape but about creating my new truth. When you experience something like physical, sexual, and mental abuse it truly breaks you to a point where you think there is no repair and I refused to make that my truth. I refused the idea of becoming another stereotype or falling into self-destructing because of what was done to me, so photography became my tool (and in some ways my weapon) in rewriting my story.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a professional freelance photographer here in Nashville and specialize in lifestyle and commercial photography for creative female entrepreneurs. Marigold Photography helps women elevate their stories through authentic and attention-grabbing imagery.
What I am most proud of is winning an international women’s photography award where my entire series was selected and showcased in Barcelona.
What sets me apart from others is that I know the importance of sharing our truth, not the truth others expect, but what we see and believe and letting that take up space in the world. I care and support women who want to bring that to life through photography.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
When I was little I was quiet and some even say I was a bit geeky. I loved science, math, but hated history. To me this is kind of funny today because now as an adult I find history so important. I was an A student but could never get an A to save my life in history. I am the oldest on my mother’s side so I grew up bossing them around and taking care of them when someone tried messing with them. I love my family and growing up we didn’t always have it easy but as a first generation everything I do is to inspire the ones I love. Little Joana would be proud of me so any time I ever doubt my potential I think of her.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joanavargas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_marigold.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joana-vargas-752613199/
