Meet Ana Milena Rojas | Creative Director, Artist, and now film maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Milena Rojas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana Milena, how do you think about risk?
Risk has shaped every chapter of my career—it’s honestly how it all started. I got my first job in the industry just ten days after I started studying design. I had no real knowledge yet, just curiosity and the decision to jump into the deep end. I figured, why wait? And I’ve been learning on the spot ever since.

Every project I take on is one where I’m still a student. I never really know if it’s going to work or what it might lead to, but I’ve learned that without taking that risk, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’ve always said, “We all carry a NO in our pockets, so we have nothing to lose.” That mindset keeps me moving—keeps me saying yes even when things feel uncertain.

Risk, to me, is not recklessness—it’s trusting your gut before everything feels perfect. It’s putting yourself in motion so that growth has no choice but to follow. And that’s where the magic tends to show up.

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.
My art lives somewhere between storytelling and emotion. I create visual worlds—whether it’s through photography, film, or design—that are meant to make people feel something. What sets my work apart is that I don’t try to hide the mess or the process. I create from a place of vulnerability and curiosity, and I think people connect to that honesty.

I never really followed a traditional path. Ten days after starting to study design, I decided to just go for it and got my first job in the industry—without really knowing what I was doing. But I’ve always believed in learning as I go. Every project I take on teaches me something new. I’m always a student, and I think that’s actually what keeps me evolving.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. I’ve had moments of doubt, financial instability, rejection, and burnout. But I also had passion, community, and this unshakable feeling that I was meant to create. I overcame challenges by trusting the process, staying close to the people who believe in me, and by constantly reminding myself that I don’t need to have it all figured out to move forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your voice matters—even when it shakes. And sometimes, the things that make you feel “different” or “behind” are the very things that make your work powerful.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about stories that need to be told, feelings that need to be seen, and trusting your intuition enough to create the thing that doesn’t exist yet. I want my work to remind people that they’re not alone. That it’s okay to feel deeply, to dream wildly, and to start before you’re ready.

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?
Funny enough, one of my best friends does always come visit for a week or so, and our schedule is usually packed! But here’s the truth—I’m not the one planning anything. I’m the person who just passes the credit card and enjoys the ride, haha. I fully accept that I’m terrible at picking restaurants or activities.

So the itinerary would be just as much of a surprise to me as it is to anyone else until we’re in the middle of it. But it usually includes the perfect mix: museums, moody bookstores, weird desserts to try, rooftop cocktails, and nights that end with deep conversations over late-night food. Somehow, even though she’s not from here, she always finds the hidden gems—those hole-in-the-wall spots with incredible food, the cozy corners of the city I’ve never noticed, or the kind of random pop-ups that feel like magic.

But honestly, the real highlight isn’t even the places—it’s the feeling. The laughter, the spontaneity, and that warm sense of being with someone who knows you inside out. That’s the real itinerary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is such a hard one—because with every step I’ve taken, there’s been someone beside me, behind me, or even unknowingly guiding me. I lean on so many people to get where I am. Even the ones who closed doors or opportunities on me—I’m thankful for them too. I truly believe things don’t just happen to us, they happen for us.

With my latest project, A Matter Of Time, it all started as an idea between Brian and me—just the two of us wanting to tell a story. And next thing you know, we were surrounded by this incredible wave of support. From the fans who sent messages of encouragement, shared their own stories, and inspired parts of the film… to every single person who donated—whether it was money or their skillset. It wouldn’t have happened without them.

I also have to thank my family. They might not always understand exactly what I do, but they never stop supporting me. And of course, my creative team—who also happen to be my best friends. Every time I show up with another wild idea, they’re right there with me, ready to jump into the next adventure. This journey is made of so many hands, hearts, and voices. I carry all of them with me.

Website: https://amilena.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anamilena__rojas/

Image Credits
Monica Molto, Ashlee Espinal