Meet 20 Year old Visionary – Santana, Freelancer/Creative Services of SeeSantana
Tell us about how you chose your career/business and what your responsibilities include?
It kind of happened by accident, I used to intern at a radio station for music and ended up filling in for the cameraman. Using my camera to my advantage, I get media gigs all over New York City. Responsibilities range from photo shoots, editing photos, color correction, filming, video-editing, web development and other technicalities.
Tell us about the company you work for or own?
My site SeeSantana.com is a platform I use for people to find a creative service. Whether someone needs an event covered for their magazine, a product shot or a music video, I make sure my site provides all the answers to a question they may have about a service.
What are some of the most fulfilling projects you have been involved with so far (include your non-profit/volunteer work here)?
Aside from the awesome limelight life of New York, I would say when I have to do a job a bit more intimate, like a father’s birthday or a baby shower. It’s beautiful how little things can make people so happy, I find to capture the most heart-warming smiles and expressions during those gigs.
Are there any people in your field you would like to meet and/or work with and have not yet had the opportunity?
Absolutely! I admire the women who are trendsetters like M.I.A., Christina Caradona, Venus X and Va$htie. By being themselves they change the course of culture to the point where major urban clothing companies are looking up to them to see what they are wearing and what they are up to and imitate a collection in dedication to them. The media is very aware of their influence.
What are some of your favorite ways to network?
Going to events night and day and social media. Outlets like Facebook and Twitter keep you up-to-date and connected with the world while you’re at home watching Netflix all day.
Do you have a mentor – if so how did you choose one another? If not, is this something you think would benefit your career and is there anyone you would like to have as a mentor?
Not at the moment but I did have a wide variety of mentors on my path. Multiple mentors have taught me the business side of the media, the creative side, being a woman in one and many other life lessons that a book may not be able to teach you. I am always a student of life and I hope to have dozens of new mentors as the time passes.
What have you learned from your mentor? What do you hope to learn?
I’ve learned that things may not always go your way, you’ll find yourself to be disappointed more often than not. For every ten rejections you get, you will have two opportunities open for you. Time is all you have so spend it wisely. I hope to learn how to juggle and strategize my time more effectively but freelancing is one of those jobs that you get called in for three hours ahead of the event so now you have to rearrange your day to accommodate a client.
What’s been the most surprising thing that has happened to you so far in your career?
Being recognized by a celebrity. With all the media, reporters, big TV channels all in their face on a red carpet, who would think a celeb would remember a camera girl?
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
Eat lots and lots of cheesecake, go shopping and create artwork.
Any parting advice for someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?
25% is talent, 75% is getting up and doing it!
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Myspace, etc and websites)?
www.SeeSantana.com
Facebook: Crys Santana 5k
Twitter: SeeSantana 2k
- www.linkedin.com/pub/see-santana/39/123/476/
