Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Serrano.
Andrea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in New Jersey but raised in Florida. Although I do not come from a wealthy family background, by living in this area, it has taught me to reach for the stars and nothing less. I have seen people around me struggle to survive this world that I’m choosing to do something different from the rest of my family. I have always pushed myself in all I do. I started working at the age of 15, sometimes two jobs and full-time college. Through depression and dealing with health issues I graduated from nursing school and stayed in the pediatric field until three years later, I didn’t feel like this was me. I quit my job and took a risk just to follow my dreams. I plan to be an entrepreneur and do what I love which is photography and helping others and doing projects to help underprivileged communities. Aside from my studies, I enjoy building up my social media platform and networking due to an online business I’m working on with my bf and building our photography together. With social media marketing, I’m selling Monat hair products online.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not a smooth road, what’s so ever. I would say teenage years were the hardest. I dealt with a lot of stress due to Financial issues I got myself into for favors and dealing with a lot of depression and mental abuse. Starting to help out my family by paying my own bills at 15/16 was a huge step for me as the “adult world”, once I got my first job until this day, I never asked me parents for a dollar again. I have always been able to take a step back and look at the big picture. I learned a lot at a young age, seen a lot and seen how the system works. Finding myself has been a beautiful process (thank you to everyone who’s in my life, small circle, who pushes me and loves me for who I am). Having responsibilities at a young age has only molded me to become such a strong and independent woman. For women who are just starting their journey, I would tell them to learn their struggles into viewing them as a blessing and something you learn now and know how to prevent that in your future. Don’t ever regret anything it’s always a lesson learned and a better will come after. As long as you push for yourself, your light will show.
Paridox Productions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Right now I’m unemployed or I rather call it self employed. I quit my nursing job to follow my dreams and I work doing photo shoots for any occasion or event. Aside from that, I took a huge risk from getting a regular paycheck to starting from scratch and build my clientele. I love what I do and I love to capture moments. Art is beauty and I look at photography the same way. Travel the world and record every moment, capture every moment. I decided to even enroll back into school and do something different. Build more knowledge that what I already know. I didn’t think I’ll go back to school but it’s never too late. I’ll soon be 23 .. I’m young and have so many opportunities to be successful in this world and be my own boss. I would love to see a difference and be a part of positive change. I feel that I am most known for my easygoing personality and positive energy. I am an open ear to all kind of girl where everyone comes to me for advice. I always say that if I am able to genuinely contribute to someone’s happiness, then that is where my happiness lays. Aside from my personality, I would say I am known for my constant grind ever since I was young. People look up to me for my hard work and all the risks I put myself through. I’m grateful for that.
Is there something we can do as a city to improve the outlook for businesses like yours?
Honestly, anywhere in the world, you can do whatever your heart tells you to do. You have to work your butt off and put a lot of risks to get to where you want to be. Whether you fail you keep pushing and follow your dreams. Starting a business can be done anywhere with the support of anyone. It’s not easy and things aren’t meant to be easy but it’s you who can only take the next step for yourself.
I’m currently focusing on not only growing my photography but working from home as an esthetician doing Makeup and facials @dreas_touch on Instagram for bookings!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dreastouch.com
- Email: andreasrrn@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Drea.xx33 , dreas_touch, paridox.productions
- Other: http://andreaserrano.mymonat.com/
My best friend and my other half who I go to for advice and is always there for me. Growing so much goals together and pushing each other for the better while we both focus on what we love to do which. is photography and working our way up to be our own boss.
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
