Meet Abel V. Riojas | Image Strategist & Commercial Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abel V. Riojas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abel V., how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
All these questions are so good! I think as Americans everyone is looking for that one thing that will unify not only your work schedule but also your home life and honestly I don’t think it exists. I think you have to be happy in what you’re doing and what ever it is you’re doing it to the best of your ability. I’ve spent years reading books and trying to follow advice but in the end its how you see your life that will shape your destiny. If you believe life will be hard and you’re always focusing on the negative then that is EXACTLY what you will find, but if you stop and realize that every day is a blessing then you’ll learn to slow down and appreciate the little things. And you’ll also stop and celebrate the wins along the way and not focus on what you can’t control. Also one thing that changed the course of my life was realizing I was comparing my life to other people on social media. Then one day it clicked when I was at church when our pastor said “social media is just the highlight real of life” Not everyone lives like that every day. Once I looked at my social media in that perspective it changed. I’m blessed to have another day and I choose what attitude I will have. It won’t always be sunshine and lollypops every day but if you know the sun will rise tomorrow then you have a chance of making it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I feel what separates me from other people is a servants heart. It’s one thing to volunteer when it benefits your business it’s another to want to help other succeed. I’m not really comfortable saying it but it’s something that I feel business owners can benefit from. Helping someone that has no way of helping you in return, you can’t help everyone but one person can make a difference if it’s done with a humble heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I may not be the right person to ask something like this. If it’s noisy or it’s too crowded I’m gong somewhere else. haha. Believe it or not I like the simpler things in life. If it’s possible I love to get out to the parks and just relax on the cooler days of the year. My family and I will often go to a park durning the weekend and have a picnic out there (when the weather will allow). And as always if you’re in the area for the first time you do have to hit the island. We’ve had a Jeep Wrangler for almost 20 years now and if possible it’s the only way to see the island. Take the top off and head off the sand dunes for a quick reset. Just to get away from all the noise and stress.

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?
I would love to give a shout out to my parents for always pushing me. I know that sound typical but my folks provided a great home for me to grow up in. Both showed me that life is worth living and I was blessed have an opportunity not just to make money but also be a blessing to others. Both were social workers and saw the need here in the Rio Grande Valley, and my mother eventually retired from the state but went right back in and became a teacher to support low income students. I’d also like to thank my wife of almost 20 years for supporting me on my journey. Not just in my businesses but on supporting me though tough times and aiding in my self development. There were some dark days and lean years but though it all she helped me navigate two recessions and even this whole COVID epidemic where our lives were all turned upside down.

Website: abelriojas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themcallenphotographer/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcallenphotographer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McAllen.Photography/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClO7otkI4NU-L77E8AHzAiw