Today we’d like to introduce you to America VanBuren.
Hi America, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Born & raised in Los Angeles, I grew up with my mom in a surprisingly small feeling town in the ’90s- South Pasadena. I’ve always been a creator at heart; I ended up going to Art School. I was lucky to bounce around some very interesting jobs that shaped me after college. I worked for an Art Curator, then with an event planning agency. I was an assistant working in wholesale in the Fashion District in Downtown LA. Talent buying for music venues in Hollywood, celebrity closet editing & vintage consignment resale for a women-owned company in Manhattan beach. I eventually settled down as the Creative Director at a Graphic Design studio before moving across the country. In true Gemini form, I loved to dabble; I loved wearing different hats while learning & exploring new subjects. I still hold this explorative relationship with work as a very important facet of who I am.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If it was a smooth road, I wouldn’t have learned anything useful. My Mother is the strongest person I’ve ever known. She taught me fortitude early on in life, holding herself back from rescuing me while she watched me stumble through life’s lessons on my own. Her incredibly loving intelligence & excitement for life truly got me through all the struggles I’ve faced over the years. I often compare our relationship to the Gilmore Girls. Among the various obstacles, I’ve faced in this life, by far the most difficult to get through was the loss of my favorite person in the whole entire world. In 2020, I unexpectedly said I love you to my mom for the last time. I suddenly no longer had my anchor, my guide to light the path with me through life’s most challenging hurdles. Now, as I come close to the second anniversary of the worst day in my life, I’ve grown so much. What did I learn? You can handle far more than you’d ever imagine. Time heals a lot, but it’s the work you do within that time that matters the most. When it comes to grief, it doesn’t necessarily get easier, but you get stronger, stronger than you’d ever imagine. The tenacity you need to get through the heartache is something no one can ever take from you. You get through the initial pain, then celebrating milestones without them; not being able to share your day-to-day wins will sneak up on you, tear you back down- this is normal. There’s a decent amount of knowledge in the darkness, in the difficulties, don’t push them away but grow through them with an open mind. Kindness is such an underutilized superpower. I believe we could solve a lot of the world’s problems with some more empathy & imagination. Alice Marie Butler taught everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her to enjoy every micro-joy in life. I’ve never known anyone more effervescent. She lit up every room she entered, touched every soul she met. What do I want to be in the future? Just more like her.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently working in ecommerce & product photography. One thing to know about me is I love to figure it out on my own as I go. I landed in the world of photography after having to take a project into my own hands years ago, not knowing what I was doing at first. Oftentimes people take accountability by blaming themselves for the things they do or don’t have- In the same way, I look at my life & all the aspects I am grateful for, thanking my younger self for the decisions I made that helped pave the road to where I am now. I’m proud that I’m never scared to roll up my sleeves & figure it out. It’s never too late to try. The only failure is not having the courage to get out there & attempt whatever it is you seek.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Oh this one is heavy. I lost both my mother, Alice Butler & my grandmother, Paula VanBuren during this time (Covid lockdowns while living in Los Angeles.) One of the most important lessons is not to rely too heavily on the illusion of the future. All we truly have is this moment in front of us right now. I’m glad I made the most of 2020, even if that meant hugging my Nana through a plastic bag or having social distance picnics with my mom in the park. I’ve learned to treat every moment as if it might be the last because one day it will be. Some of my most cherished memories aren’t milestones, but laughs & dinners, hugs & smiles, the simple things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.americajpegs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/america.jpegs
- Other: @america.jpegs
Image Credits
@AMERICA.JPEGS
