Meet Jessica Acuña | Photographer & Owner of My True Savage Co

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

Hi Jessica, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has played a major role in my overall life and career. At 18, I decided to leave the nest and never look back. At 25, I decided to move across the country to California because I hated the cold in NJ and I wanted better opportunities. At 28, my job relocated me to Austin, TX and I’ve never visited Austin a day in my life. I have launched 2 businesses that I’m very passionate about! An online clothing boutique and photography.

I’m all about risk-taking! You never know what doors it may open. Like the saying “There is no growth in the comfort zone.” And you never know what amazing people you will meet along the way that will help you get to where you want to be.

Who I’m most grateful for showing me to be a risk taker in life and for always being my role model is my mother. Her commitment, dedication, and work ethic is what has molded me to be who I am today.

Taking risks is scary but what’s scarier is not taking ANY risks at all. My advice to anyone who is reading this, just do it. Apply for that job – Start that business – Take that trip! I promise you life is too short to not take any risks.

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 absolutely love photography! From taking the initial picture, to editing, and the delivery of my finished work is such a full-filling feeling. I genuinely enjoy every step of the way and I’m happy to have found my artistic passion and to be able to share that with the world. I started my photography business in December 2020 and to see how much I’ve grown as a professional photographer in a year is truly exciting!

What I would say sets me apart from others is that I’m friendly, fun, and fast! My sessions are seriously so much fun and I love getting to know each client and learning about what they are looking to accomplish when they work with me.

Managing two businesses has been quite a challenge but nothing is impossible. I’m learning a lot a long the way and there’s no other way I’d prefer to do it! I’m happy with my journey and where I’m heading 🙂

What I want the world to know is that I’m most proud of being a women-led, minority, and lgbtq person that has taken the risk to be her own boss and go after what we all call the “American Dream.” Looking forward to what the future will bring to my photography career!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would take them to the Capitol and downtown area and snap some cool pics! I would then take them to happy hour for some tacos and drinks at Chupa Cabra on 6th Street. This has been my favorite spot for a minute! Followed by sun bathing and people watching at Zilker Park. At night, I would take them to Rainey Street/6th again and bar hoppity hop.

We would go kayaking, check out Mount Bonnell for the sunset. I love the outdoors so lots of hiking! And of course, I would take them to a some kind of show or festival: SXSW or ACL. And a drag show at Rain!

Let’s see what else…I would also take them on a party barge or go on a boat in Lake Travis or tubbing in San Marcos. We would also visit San Antonio, Dallas, and can’t miss Beyonce’s hometown Houston, baby!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes! I would want to shoutout my best friend, my wife, Semhal Goldja. For supporting and encouraging me to continue to follow my dreams every single day. She is literally my back bone and I’m grateful to have her in my corner every step of the way! I love you boo! lol

Website: www.jmalenz.com

Instagram: j.m.a_lenz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamacuna/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicaacuna5287/

Other: personal IG: @jess_iluvla www.mytruesavageco.com https://www.pinterest.com/mytruesavageco/_shop/