Meet Regina Mejia | Marketing Coordinator

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

Hi Regina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve taken many risks in my life. I have a Master’s in English, my plan was to teach overseas. When Covid hit, those plans got turned around. I always loved photography and social media. So, during the pandemic I took an internship in marketing. I was a preschool teacher prior to this internship, so the switch in offices was quite the culture shock. With a background in English I could write captions and newsletters, when they found I was also fond of social media I was brought on as an assistant. Switching careers right after spending thousands of dollars on a degree I wouldn’t fully use was risk I was willing to take. I look back and am so grateful I had the guts to do it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was without a job for two months. I found myself taking a desk job that I was miserable at. I was working in marketing but to what extent? I couldn’t see myself growing in the company and I hated the corporate world. After a month I felt the Lord to me to quit that job. Only a couple days later I found myself getting a job offer for the Marketing Coordinator at my church. I never even thought that would be possible. Now, six months later, I’ve grown so much. I’m happy serving my church community and knowing I’m right where God wants me is truly beautiful. I was able to change jobs, have better hours, and better quality of life. Taking this position was one of the easiest divisions I could have made. Our staff is a family, not just a team. So, if there’s conflict, we address it in love but firmly. I didn’t ask for this job, I was just serving my church. I trusted in the Lord to be my father and to take care of me, and He has. I never would have thought I would have ended up here, but I am. I continue to grow and trust that God has a plan, because my plans have never worked out. I stopped fighting Him and He’s been true to His Word. When we surrender, that’s when He can begin to work and turn things around. I take photos, run social media, create graphics, but it’s now all with a purpose. I tell my photography team, that we’re not just taking photos, we’re capturing moments where people are being touched by God. That thirty years from now they will look back and see the exact moment where their lives were changed. We’re the modern day scribes, and it’s a powerful tool. A picture is worth a thousand words, but I believe people can be touched by God through a photo, and that will say more than any photo could.

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.
In Texas there is no shortage of places or things to do. One of the best spots is going to be in Dallas. The Adolphus Hotel, is one of the most beautiful hotels with its artwork and fine dining. There is also an amazing cafe with the best avocado toast. If you’re looking for fun things to do, Grapevine has the cutest shops and old town feel. Southlake is the spot for high end shopping, Andy’s has the best custard, and Keller is great for their Seven Mile cafe. Head to Fort Worth for an endless amount of museums and art. If you’re here in the summer check out the Concerts on the River and take a paddle board and sunscreen with you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Since I was little, my mother always encouraged me to follow my gifting and trust that God would guide me to the right path. About a year ago that led me to Texas. I was taking a low paying job, no benefits, and long hours. I left California to better my life, but I was going nowhere. I was depressed, angry, and hurt. 2021 was crazier than 2020 for me and I needed to get out before I went insane. I came to Texas and got plugged into the church where my sister was at the time. It took a few months but I got plugged in and starting helping by taking photos for events and volunteering for Sunday service. I was just willing to serve. A few months in I lost the job I was at, I had pastors and my community doing their best to connect me to other employers. I went without work for two months, praying to find something that I could do to just make it through to pay my rent. I took a job that was I miserable at, but it was helping. A month in I felt that God told me I needed to quit. I had no idea what I was going to do, I just needed to trust that I was going to be taken care of. A few days later I got a call from the church saying they wanted to hire me on full time as the Marketing Coordinator. I cried for a few hours that day, but I knew God was faithful. My church community surrounded me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Website: Plainjaneelaine.com

Instagram: @plainjaneelaine101

Image Credits
Risen Nation Church Photographer: Regina Mejia