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

Hi Ariana, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing I have done as a parent in terms of impacting my daughter was to become self employed. The moment I knew the life I wanted to create for her and I meant having to be my own boss was the true turning point in my photography career. I worked hard over the last few years to set us up to where we can take a vacation whenever we want or have weekends where I only get to spend time with her, none of that would be possible with a 9-5 job. I know when she gets older, she will understand more the sacrifice and tenacity I had for us to afford the lifestyle that we live. I want her to have that same drive and passion for something one day.

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.
From what I have been told, my clients say that what sets me apart is my personality. Sure, people come to me because they love my images and my work but, at the end of the day if you dont have a good relationship with your photographer, or can relate to them, you wont hire them. Boudoir is such an intimate and specific niche. Everyday I find new ways to perfect my craft and my client experience. That’s why I never stop investing in my education and learning. It’s also why I really like to get to know my clients before they walk into my studio. It has not been easy, you can ask anyone who is self employed that question and they will all tell you, to be successful it takes tenacity and grit. Even when you fail, you learn from it and keep going.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
My friends and I are huuuge foodies, so our main points of interests would be restaurants, especially those that have a rooftop or a patio area. The weather in Texas, although it can be unpredictable at times, is the best to enjoy eating outdoors. Some of my favorite places include: Legacy Hall in Plano/Frisco for food (tons of small business restaurants all in one place)and Legacy West for shopping/hanging out. I love Tacos and Tequila (TNT) in uptown, they have a rooftop bar and the food/drinks are amazing. Happiest Hour and Saint Ann are also fave restaurants of mine for brunch or night time activities. If someone has never experienced what Dallas has to offer, I like taking them through the downtown area where Kennedy was shot, and also to Downtown Fort Worth to the stockyards. If I want something with less traffic, I go to the Outlet mall in Allen or Adriatica Village for some beautiful scenery and good food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Since my Trailblazer interview with yall, I have dived into the boudoir world more. The goal is to only shoot boudoir starting in 2021. I worked hard to get my own studio space and if it wasnt for my parents support, and help I wouldnt have the dream studio I shoot in now. I have also sought mentorship from lots of other photographers that have been successful in the boudoir niche, but one that has stuck out particularly is Victoria Caroline Haltom. She has helped take my business to a whole new level with my posing and editing, especially. We developed a strong friendship after she mentored me, and I can never thank her enough for everything shes done for me. Another group I want to thank is the Do More photography community. If you shoot boudoir, and you havent joined their forum, you are missing out! So many incredible, like-minded individuals in this group have pushed me to new heights in my business. Not only in finance but creativity. As far as books goes, I love Rachel Hollis and Brene Brown, their words just resonate with me especially when I feel like giving up.

Website: www.arodriguezphotography.com
Instagram: @arianarodriguezstudio
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arianarodriguezphotography

Image Credits
Hair and Makeup by Crystal Zarazua Model with green hair is Lady Law