Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Alvarez
Hi Nick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Nick and my story begins in 2018. I was 22 years old and that is the year when I first dove into entrepreneurship. I started a clothing brand that revolved around personal development and finding your purpose in life. In 2018-2019 I co-hosted a couple nightlife events promoted by my brand. During those two years I gained experience, knowledge, and personal growth within my journey. I networked and met awesome photographers, videographers, models, Dj’s and other creatives in the industry. During this time I’d grown a passion of photography being around other creatives and getting inspired by their work. I took photos for fun, pursued collaborations and created content to promote my brand but towards the end of 2019 is when my time with my brand Passionate Avenue came to an end due to financial reasons. Despite the ending of that chapter it helped me with my own purpose and growth as an individual. I met so many cool people that I’ve became friends with and other entrepreneurs that were in my network. The biggest takeaway I got out of that whole experience is that I established good relationships and was making an impact amongst the people and friends around me. People got inspired by what I promoted, the movement I was creating and passion I was expressing out into the world. I was a shy kid and an outcast growing up so to pursue endeavors like that changed my perspective on the world. Fast forward to the end of 2022 and that is when I embarked a new chapter. I moved to Austin, Texas from a small town in Massachusetts. I grew up most of my life in Massachusetts so it was a completely different environment. I moved to seek new opportunity and to make a change in my life. Moving was a scary thing but it was refreshing being in a new environment and needed for my growth. I encourage other entrepreneurs and people in general if you have the opportunity to get out of your home town and live somewhere new, do it. Sometimes that is all it takes that changes everything because it did for me. I love being in Austin and someone that hasn’t been here for years, I can’t wait to explore more and meet more like minded individuals. There is so much growth to be made and to make a positive impact. When I first came down here I started working more with photography and working a full time job. It went from just being a hobby to implementing steps to do it professionally. I created a website portfolio, started working with clients, and networked with other Professionals. Currently I focus on Portrait and event photography but I offer other photography services as well. I’m also contracted with Austin Area Photography. As I continue to progress with my profession and in personal development my goal is to reach the phase of financial freedom and time freedom to inspire others and travel the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No it hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting out of my comfort zone especially in the beginning of being an entrepreneur. I know that is a very common one among the majority of people but so essential for progression. It’s a lonely road and a lot of mistakes that you make but it is part of the game. I was an introvert so in certain ways it was a positive because I was able to self motivate myself and get recharged by being alone but other ways it was a con because it made it harder to meet new people and be in different environments. It would drain my energy and I needed to be alone in order to recharge. It makes the process harder. You’re not only dealing with external factors but internal struggle as well. I was still in the process of learning to love myself and that’s such a crucial part of self development. You need to love yourself first because when you do you’re able to spread that love amongst your peers, loved ones, and into the world. Energy is contagious and people can feel that with what you express. It was also hard to be a leader at the time because I grew up being an outcast. Exposure to different situations taught me to become a leader when I needed to be. People became inspired and I had to step up. There’s times where you need to take a step back and fall in line and times where you need to rise up and lead. I’m blessed because I consider myself an ambivert now, a combination of introverted and extroverted features. That time frame in my life taught me the importance of networking and how powerful it can be. It’s not just about what you know, but about who you know. From my experience I believe in that saying heavy and will preach on that for the rest of my life. Financially I’m not at my goals however mentally I am. You have to build a strong mindset first to be able to face and push through the challenges. Having a strong mentality is the foundation in your life. That is a strength that you must have in order to thrive in this society. Another challenge I faced is not having enough financial investment to facilitate the big ideas that I had. I thought big and so did my people that were associated with me back when I was working on my brand.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer specializing in portrait and event photography. I am most proud of becoming the man I am today and overcoming challenges. Failing and facing rejection is part of the process but always getting back up to keep striving for a better life is always on my mind. What sets me apart from others is having a positive and growth mindset. Always being reliable and a genuine person.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Currently I am looking to build up my client base, work with local businesses, and collaborate with other creatives and entrepreneurs in the community. I’m not just a photographer. I am a creator and someone who wants to always continue on growing with personal development and inspiring others. For some this is just the beginning of their story or you may feel that you’re lost along yours. Everyone has their own demons that they are facing but I hope I can shed some light and you can see through the eyes of my lens. My name is Nick and I am now 29 years old. Some chapters of my story have ended while others have just begun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nickavmedia.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickavmedia/
