We recently had the chance to connect with Ena Castillo-Barillas and have shared our conversation below.
Ena, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I am currently studying in an MFA photography program and working as a graduate assistant in the marketing department at Barry University. On a typical weekday, I arrive at Barry at 9:00 a.m. for work. At 11:00 a.m., I attend a teaching-preparation class, and once that class ends, I return to my job and continue working until 5:00 p.m. After that, I usually head back to the fine arts building to work on assignments for my other classes, often staying until 7:00 or even 9:00 p.m. if something needs more time.
Some days, I have dance rehearsals with a Nicaraguan folk group I am part of, so on those days I leave school a bit earlier to attend rehearsal. I typically get home around 10:00 p.m., have dinner, and go to bed—ready to start again the next day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course. My name is Ena Castillo-Barillas. I was born in Nicaragua and currently live in Miami. I am a photographer pursuing an MFA in photography, and my artistic practice explores themes such as religious analysis and the migrant experience, given that I am a migrant myself. Aesthetically, I tend to lean toward psychedelic and surrealist influences.
I am also a folk dancer specializing in Nicaraguan rhythms and participate in a dance group that performs for the Nicaraguan community in Florida. In addition, I work as an event and studio photographer, as well as a graphic designer.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, my mom. I grew up as the daughter of a single mother. She is a medical doctor in Nicaragua, and throughout my childhood I watched her work late shifts at the hospital while still finding the time to come home and help me study for exams whenever I needed it. My maternal grandparents also supported us by taking care of me on the nights my mom had to stay at the hospital.
Over time, she transitioned from hospital work to the management side of health clinics, which gave her a more stable office schedule. I grew up watching her work tirelessly to climb the healthcare management ladder while still being present in my life. That example has stayed with me and continues to inspire me to always do my best in every job I take on and to strive to improve every day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
When I was around seven or eight, I attended English classes every Saturday. I remember feeling incredibly anxious about going, though I’m not entirely sure why. The classes included both boys and girls, and at the time I was attending an all-girls school, so it was my first experience in a mixed environment. I also felt very nervous about speaking English.
If I could say something to that anxious version of myself, I would tell her that no one in the class knew more English than she did—everyone was learning, just like her—so she didn’t need to worry about not knowing what she was there to learn. I would also tell her to relax around boys; they were just kids too. Some of them were probably just as nervous about being around girls, and that’s why they acted a little wild. I’d tell her to try to understand them and not let it bother her.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I was born and raised in Nicaragua, and I was fortunate to experience my childhood during a period of calm between two socialist dictatorships—both led by the same person. I believed things were stable because the presidents in power at the time were right-wing, and I assumed that meant freedom: freedom of thought, freedom of the market. At the same time, I consumed a lot of socialist music and literature, and I genuinely believed that this utopia was the ideal way for a society to function.
I think many young Nicaraguans grew up romanticizing a particular set of values that were easy to understand, easy to support, and easy to promote—but also suspiciously simplistic and overly idealistic, with little encouragement for critical thinking. Now that I’m an adult, I’m still not sure which side is the lesser evil, honestly—right or left—but at least I’ve learned that if something sounds perfect or absolutely terrible, it’s probably propaganda. No one ever lays all the cards clearly on the table.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Wow, this is a deep question. If I had to let go of what I answer to, what I do, and what I have, I think what would remain are my knowledge and my feelings. That is the essence of the self. I would hold on to what I know and what I love, and I believe that is enough to start over and earn a new name, a new role, and new possessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enacastillo.passgallery.com/client
- Instagram: @by.enaloop and @enalu2212
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ ena-castillo-barillas-521a05291/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ena.c.07
Image Credits
First image (my headshot): Bruna Marcon Weber, all the others are mine.
