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

Hi Fefe, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Expectations and needs change over time. I wanted different things out of a job when I was fresh out of college, now I want/value different things such as healthy me time, the ability to be creative on shift or after shift, a good work environment, etc. I have found fulfillment in experiencing and playing different roles far from what I imagined during college.I am very grateful I have had the opportunity to work a good amount of “odd jobs” as they would call it. That experience has helped me by creating a healthy balance, staying intrigued and keeping on exploring the different sides of me and acknowledging my potential. Sometimes these jobs aren’t the ones that offer most pay, but I am at THAT moment in my life where I am privileged to take those risks. I check out what I want or need in my life at the moment: is it money? Do I want more downtime? Do I want to learn something new? What do I value the most right now? Then I think of what I need to compromise (if I need to) to get what I want and what I am not willing to sacrifice. Thats how I think of the balance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My Art has been in constant fluctuation! A lot of the times I feel confused on what it is I want to make. Is it “commercial” now? Do I want to commit to working with one medium? Do I want to explore? I have learned to listen more to what it is that I am attracted to at the moment and flow with that. In my photography I have noticed I am not quite “perfect” when it comes to technicality. When you see my photos there is something Raw about them. I love that. At some point I didn’t. I wanted to change that but I am learning to embrace it. I like to think my photos are somewhere between raw and dreamy. I can’t say it has been hard. I consider myself a hard worker so I naturally think you gotta do what you gotta do to get somewhere and I don’t complain much. Plus, I have an amazing support group and I have found peace and inspiration there. I am truly lucky. When I doubt, I just have to remind myself it’s really ok and nothing is detrimental.. Yet. I am not at that point where I can make a huuuuge mistake and can’t ever come back from it!!! Naah.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
YESSSSS!! First, lets go to little death. Lets check it out an see if its oyster night and make it a priority. My favorite wine bar. We can have breakfast the next day and go to extra Fine bakery. We def have to check out Ruby city (if they are open) which is a contemporary art museum. We can go to the botanical garden we NEED to go to georges keep! its far from downtown but it is worth it. I fell in love with this bar in college and their northweside drink. Estate Coffee shop is a must. During summer they have amazing refreshing drinks like their espresso old fashioned. For brunch we should go to liberty bar, I love their bloody marys We need to go have breakfast tacos at Chapala on Mccullough avenue. Would love to take you to first friday or second saturday and get too see the art shows and see if they have an afterparty or gathering. I would take them to Broadway News. Interesting people with different stores inside of airstreams! coffee shop and food trucks as well. I will take you around on the VIA bus number 11 to go see all the touristy spots!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Community in SA! Art community and Local businesses. During college I learned the importance of showing up to support the art community. It has been the best advice I received at the time.Then I started working at local shops and it was amazing to see how everybody was connected. I learned a lot from these women owners from La Casa Frida and Feliz Modern but also from the neighbors of the shops. Natalie from Greymoon Vintage has been someone I have learned from ( or tried to) when it comes to putting more intention in the way I operate when working. Something that I don’t master but I aspire to do so in a way that is true and authentic to me. Also every single friend that has modeled for me!

Website: www.florameira.com

Instagram: fefe.foto

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