Meet Azucena Flores Aranda | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Azucena Flores Aranda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Azucena, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it started when I just wanted to be in control and make sure no one was able to delegate my “fun time.” or tell me what to do. I always dreamt of being my own boss, of having that control.

The whole concept of wishing away my weekdays to only enjoy life on the weekends seemed absolutely crazy to me. Life moves slow but it goes by fast, and at my core, I wanted to enjoy it with those around me, both clients and loved ones alike.

Some people love their 9-5 jobs, but some of us crave bigger things , I think that’s the beauty of humankind, is we’re all created so uniquely + intentionally, with different strengths and core values. Humankind is at its best when it functions as a body – if the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? We thrive + serve others at our best when we lean into our purpose and what means the most to us. I’m so fulfilled being a part of such a special chapter of my couples’ , families lives, from being there and helping in real time, to gifting them tangible memories that will last for generations.

There were sure as hell learning curves – any business will have them. But everything is figure-out-able & the time you invest will always pay off. Outsourcing time consuming tasks has also been a huge factor in making sure my core value of spending life with my people is my first priority. Whether that’s my circle of loved ones, or my clients on their wedding day – my soul is fueled by the people in it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a part time familiy,couples, and elopement photographer for the wildly in love. I mostly work around my hometown in Kingwood Tx, North of Houston area, but I’m always down to travel. At my core, I cherish presence and genuinity more than just a perfect photo. Weaving together documentary photography by being a fly on the wall, with stepping in when I need to in order to create hype, peace or order, is a balance I’ve fallen in love with within my career.

Everything I’m proud of, I really owe to my incredible clients. They’ve been my motivation for everything. Each couple has their own story, their own dynamic + their own quirks and things that make their hearts wild for each other. No family or couple is anything like the next – and I really really love that. I really do work for the raddest people & feel like bff’s with each one of them by the end of their day.

Lessons I’ve learned — there’s control in letting go. Whether its accepting I don’t always have the answer and being willing to learn, to outsourcing tasks that aren’t my strengths, to not allowing my business to be my identity. It really all comes down to surrendering in one form or another.
In order to love your work life, you have to prioritize your personal life. You can’t pour from an empty cup, just like you can’t be fully present if you’re exhausted. Know your limits and honor those.
Nobody’s gonna hand it to you. You really do have to be your own teacher + researcher (shoutout Google) and channel your boss energy if you want to create anything. The cool thing about this is your time + energy you invest will always pay off, and you really do get to build your business the way you want to.

At the end of the day, life’s sweetest moments are those we spend with our people. Be sure that when you’re living them, you have someone to document them who truly cares about you and your day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ya’ll can’t visit Houston without going to the pit room for some bbq & taking a walk on the beach afterward – a local fave. I actually reside in Kingwood Tx even though I work mostly in Houston and it’s surroundings– so I love going to the Coffeebar (any of their locations,) Mayitos ( their ceviches are bomb,) Houston botanic garden,Houston water wall for some evening walks, Cielito cafe for some bomb Mexican Brunch their cielito sandwich is a must! If your craving some sweets I recommend the chocolate bar!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all I want to thank God, because of His mercy I am were I am. Secondly, I want to thank my husband Adrian for always being by my side. For always supporting me in my dreams, my visions, and my crazy ideas, thank you so much mi amor.

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