We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria De Jesus Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria De Jesus, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art has not only inspired my life since youth, but it has propelled me into my truest self by allowing me to express myself through every event in my life. Whether it was writing poetry as a teen to cope through trauma, art journaling in my professional modeling career to keep sweet memories, or creating digital art in Photoshop to incorporate my photography and digital painting skills… art has ALWAYS played a big role in my life and it always will. Through art we can all tell our stories, inspire others to create and also share their own tales and triumphs. To create is to share a piece of ourselves, perhaps the pieces we kept hidden in our hearts… to reveal them is to reveal ourselves. Art is a most magical expression. <3

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Covid-19 has changed a tremendous amount for a lot of businesses. While my photography has slowed down, my creations have increased. I have recently been busy creating freebie planner printables to help others stay organized in their personal and business lives. We all need a lil boost and extra motivation in moments and by creating cute planner pages and graphic downloads, I feel I can extend that lil power boost to others. In writing down our plans, we pave our paths into our bright futures.

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?
Graffiti Park- The perfect spot for seeing great art murals AND a perfect backdrop for photo shoots for models, bloggers, vloggers, brand ambassadors, and influencers. Pink’s Pizza- Devouring a fresh and lovely pizza from Pink’s Pizza while enjoying it at Menil Park on a picnic blanket is my idea of BLISS!!! Memorial City Mall- Shop til you drop, enjoy the food court carousel and lovely restaurants like The Rouxpour with EXCELLENT service and food! Walk downtown and explore everything!!! From the parks, the eats and the downtown tunnels, there’s so much to see!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to a few wonderful and beloved people in my life. Firstly to my mother, Sandra Chapa… you are my most sacred love. You have shown me the truest love and I couldn’t be more blessed than to know such love in my life. You are my heart, always and forever. To my brother, Celio Chapa Jr., your love and protection have meant the world to me. You are a most amazing brother!!! To my precious husband, John Berry… your support, love and motivation have elevated and propelled me . You are loved beyond measure dear John. I am looking forward to forever. To my Father in Law, Johnny Berry… I thank you endlessly, for everything… for absolutely everything. To my cherished friends, Aisha Koroma, Mildret Suell, Joshua Mares, Krist Bender, Manuel James Villalovos, Nabia Abid, Myriam Diaz Codner, and Cecilia Mendez… your friendship and love have carried me through some of my darkest moments. I love you all dearly.

Website: https://mariadjchapa.wixsite.com/verymaryusa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verymary81
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapaartsandphotography
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Berrysicles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verymaryusa
Other: PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/chapaartsandpho

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.