We had the good fortune of connecting with Dario Valenzuela and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dario, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Do more of what you are asked for. This is the one thing I always do with my clients. Going that extra mile not only let’s customers know that you’re serious and selfless but helps build that trust; relationship.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think I am very proud of my business, that my name is out there in someway. Not as much as I wish because I’m not this huge production name or company but hey someday soon, it will. I learned in my early years in the business to enjoy the process. I guess, not to rush things but to learn everyday. We all start with something and the one thing my mentor taught me was to get out of the mindset of “If I had this one thing it could of end up better” instead I was taught to work with what I had and make best the out of it. So with that, I started with a very simple set up. Offered a bunch of work for free specially things that I haven’t done before or I wasn’t “confident” enough to pull off. All those projects led to other projects and so on. It started with people saying “Hey man can you help me do this video?” to “hey how much would something like this cost?”. I learned that owning a business means work AM and PM nonstop. Believe it or not my business grew tremendously mainly by word of mouth. In the end, I want everybody to know that every time I make something or I become part of something I will give my 110%. I am a very passionate individual, I care about relationships, and happy clients.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If I was stuck with my best friend in Houston I would apologize at the end of the week because he would leave our city at least 20lbs heavier. I am also a very basic person so when I find one restaurant that I enjoyed, I’m there! But I really enjoy The Breakfast Club, Mia’s, Torchy’s, and Yoyo’s Hot Dog. For drinks Perhaps, the Beer Market on Montrose, the Heights beer garden, St. Arnold Brewery, and Kings Bierhouse. I don’t go out as much as others. I usually leave the city if we’re being honest!

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?
Man this one is a tough one but special shoutout to my mentor Henry Bradford with S. Digital Studios. This guy saw something in me that I didn’t know I had it. Molded me, pushed me to the right direction, and the rest is history. Another would be Cindi’s Hope. I worked with this organization very close and it was my first “big” client. After working with them I feel that my career as a filmmaker took off.

Website: www.darva.life
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