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

Hi Sarah, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
It’s a lesson I am still learning, but it is that of self-worth. Knowing what that is and valuing it. I, like a lot of other creative professionals, doubt my work from time to time and I am constantly my own worst critic. It took a long time for me to understand that if you don’t value your work and time and effort, you’ll never know its worth, and neither will anyone else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Firstly, thank you again for featuring my story. I am so thankful for the exposure! My work has long been in photography. I grew up snapping pictures for fun – pictures of friends, of family, of strangers. I was obsessed with the medium and had a myriad of good and (really) bad cameras. Some were new, some were old, some were ancient and obsolete, but I was fascinated nonetheless. The fascination never left except now I take pictures for business and pleasure. With unwavering support from my family and friends, I sharpened my skillset, opened a studio and really started taking my work seriously, after that so did everyone else. My clients, some of which are my closest friends now, are what I am most proud of through all of this. Creating a safe and comfortable environment for them and seeing them open up in front of my camera is how I know I am doing my job well.

It took a long time to get here, and coming to the realization that my passion project could be my career was hard. Society puts a lot of pressure on creative individuals to suppress their artistic desires for work that is more practical and more lucrative. I don’t know what could be more practical or lucrative than doing work that you love and are proud of and feel fulfilled in doing. I’ve learned to quiet the voice of societal standards and want people to know that all creative work, not just mine, is worth consideration and appreciation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Easy! Breakfast at Baby Barnaby’s with freshly-squeezed orange juice to start and “green eggs” and a waffle to finish. Then maybe mosey on over to the museum district and spend the afternoon nodding our heads at abstract paintings, maybe go and sweat a bit in the jungle that is the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Museum of Natural Science.

For dinner we’d call in a reservation at Nanyc’s Hustle and swoon over the Nancy Cakes, maybe have two too many cocktails, but if not, we could pay Capt. Foxheart’s Bad News Bar a visit and watch people stumble along Main St. from their perfect balcony.

Houston is a miscellany of restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment, and it truly is one of the best cities I’ve been in. That may be biased but say the word and I will gladly reveal all of my favorite places to go and things to do here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

If I owe credit to anyone it is mom and dad for sure! Dad for introducing me to the world of cameras and photography, I don’t think he knew just how much it’d become part of my life’s work. Mom for her undying support in every aspect of my life! From my passions projects and beyond. She is my number one fan.

All of this to say, I have had tremendous support from all of my family and friends and clients. I would not be where I am without them and thank you all so much for continually rooting for me and my work and for just being in my corner and in my life. I love you all endlessly!

Website: www.sarah-o.format.com

Instagram: sarrah.o

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