Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Garcia
Hi Nancy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in Oregon, raised in Texas and Michigan. I lived in Colorado and California in my twenties. I’d call myself the black sheep of the family. Most of my family is in the medical field or in the military. I have loved watching my family work so hard to be where they all are today. Although I highly considered going those routes it was not for me.
I chose the creative uncertain and unplanned route. Making a lot of mistakes on the way, as both of my parents made their way as immigrants into US Citizens as kids, they did not have the opportunities I had. They worked very hard to give us a normal life as a poor family. Which we never felt that as kids. My parents are strong and always made a way happen. I get all the travel spirit from my mom.
I have a passion to help people with my faith in God and still have seen that unfold in such beautiful ways as I work with clients and collaborate with small business brands.
I had gone to community college for 2 years so uncertain I wanted to go into the medical field. I was naturally bad at school. It was hard to keep up with my classmates. I felt slow and not smart at all. Although it drove me to find my passion and not what everyone wanted for my life. I took a semester off all my medical classes and took all art classes. My art 101 teacher gave me confidence after submitting a charcoal piece and told me I could make a career out of my art. I was a wide eyed college girl who lit up at the possibility of making art people would want to buy. I chose to finish my bachelors degree in fine arts and learned the beauty of humans and how we are uniquely made and wired. It only made me love branding that much more. My biggest hero in the industry still today inspired me is Jeremy Cowart. I want my artwork to be cool and work with famous people and find ways to give back to my community. I hope one day to meet him! I love the Nashville area and have some connections there too.
I had the amazing opportunity to build a big brand out of nothing in the first 5 years and launch them successfully with all hands on deck. Out of those trying years as a young entrepreneur I learned so much through mistakes, heartache and loss the dos and don’ts of small business and working with a wide variety of personalities. The biggest accomplishments was being able to fund to build our orphanage in India through an organization called Angel House.
After a huge loss in everything I invested my life into as a creative in 2019 before COVID believe it or not having nothing during 2020 wasn’t new to me I adapted in that season and stayed hidden for 3 years as I tried to seek counsel in what was next for me. And my faith in God kept me strong through one of the hardest seasons of hitting rock bottom. I found music to be an outlet and writing to help me and staying connected in my local church at the time. Even though it felt lonely as a 30 year old who felt stuck, depressed and a complete failure. God still showed up for me in miraculous ways. I know not everyone believes in God or has faith in Jesus but I wouldn’t be where I am today without my faith in God.
I have as of lately been working to rebrand myself as a travel freelancer to specialize in portraits, lifestyle & weddings and occasionally book branding clients. I have made San Antonio my home base to be closer to my family and hoping the rest of my family makes it down here eventually since I hate snow in the north. I don’t mind visiting places with snow though.
I have some open doors here than I ever had before so I look forward to meeting new friends and making new relationships with clients here in the San Antonio and still having the luxury of travelling to see my immediate family and book more weddings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I mentioned previously college was hard for me. I wasn’t the smartest kid in the bunch.
I have faced many obstacles, not knowing about copyrights and owning the rights to my work as a designer and photographer.
Financially growing up as poor kid and not knowing anything about finances and how to invest and save in my early twenties.
It will never be a smooth road, we are all human and all make mistakes. Relationally and managing others or being managed by others. There was a big disconnect in my early twenties and I had to get rid of a lot of pride too. I didn’t know it all but acted like I did. Thought the hustle mentality was the only way to make it back then. But that is NOT true. There is a better way
Moving and never really feeling settled home anywhere. I am extroverted and always made friends wherever I went but it’s rare to find ride or die kind of friendships. I am a very loyal person and well sometimes because of people pleasing I didn’t know how to say no at the time an honor my time and gifts as a growing creative.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my first post I mentioned a lot of this.
What I am known for the most is I love people well and am one of the most loyal friends you will find. I never want anyone to feel like they do not have a place at my table. I’m not saying everyone is my best friend but I will love you where you are at and make it feel like home. I know a lot of people in this world feel like they are alone but the truth is taking a risk to find your people is tough and after COVID I know people shut down socially. So when I meet new people or clients I try to think of ways to make their time with me extra special because that is a God given gift and I want.
Aside of being able to fund our orphanage in India with the brand I worked at the time, I am proud of being able to still make time for my family. I have two brothers one a Marine still going strong and one retired from the Army national Guard. I am still hoping to meet my life long husband and start a family. And being able to fly to places and make memories with them. Family is one of my biggest core values in my personal life.
I am still a go getter but now in my 30s I want to find ways to bless military families, because I know the sacrifices they make for our country first hand. And how difficult it can be in the early stages of their careers. I want to be able to gift families sessions and engagements or even weddings for them. That is my next goal here in the great state of Texas. Although its still in the works. I know God will open doors for me to make that a part of my brand.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
All honor and glory go to God first who has allowed me to live this beautiful life. I have had countless financial and cars given to me for free in some of my toughest days.
My parents for working hard as immigrants from Mexico to give us a normal childhood although it was very hard for them, they provided us a home to have everything we wanted as kids and still even as adults.
My art teacher in college for opening my eyes and believed in my skills as an artist.
My mentors Milan & Jamie Klusacek in Castle Pines, Colorado for helping me find my way in my early twenties and giving me a home.
My mentor/pastor Leann Connor Lubbock. Teaching me valuable life lessons
My best friends Nicole and Tanya for being my ride or dies as a young 20 year old finding her way. They never let me quit on me in my darkest days.
All my clients who gave me a chance and allowed me to be part of their special days.
Pricing:
- Free Consultations
- Package Pricing Available on my Website
- nancyluciastudio.mypixieset.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nancyluciastudio.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyluciastudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyluciastudio/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nancyluciastudio
