Meet Andrea Tafoya | Creative & Model

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

Hi Andrea, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Over the years I have struggled with a lot of battles I don’t speak about but I believe that my struggles push me and keep me motivated. I really don’t have the option to give up. I want so much from this life and for myself. I believe in who I am and what I can bring to the world. It’s beautiful but really hard sometimes. I’ve learned to see the beauty in the struggle and how it is only temporary. I also am blessed to have a partner who motivates me, grounds me, helps me grow through the hard times, and he teaches me to not take life so serious so that really helps.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Model & content creator that specializes in restaurant, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. I am currently working on a new project where I am launching my own social media consulting/content creation business.

I began my content creation journey back when I was just 16, I call myself a retired IG baddie because I was posting back in the day when I didn’t know I could potentially make this a career but I went to college, yes I graduated from CSLUB, and went a completely different route. I thought I wanted to become a teacher right away but later realized I needed to follow my dreams.

When I landed my first collaboration with Pley Beauty in 2021, I was obsessed with product photography and videography. I post my life through videos and pictures not because I want something out of it but genuinely because I love to do it.

I began to model for small businesses in my city and never really let that dream go. I’ve had collaborations with Good American, Pley Beauty, and ABH but It’s my dream to become a full time fashion /E-commerce & beauty model. It’s still in the works but hey if you know anyone send them my way. *wink

I fell in love with taking pictures of restaurants aesthetic when I worked as a waitress at a crafty bar/ restaurant. I love to capture the vibe of the whole place from cocktails, guests, and food. I learned the true meaning of what hospitality is and how you can experience that through a lense. I definitely have a vision/ eye that is unique.

I am obsessed with my life and my fashion style is a way to express myself. I’ve learned to not be afraid to be myself. I’m special in so many ways and the confidence that a cute outfit gives me? Yes pls! I stand with the saying, “when you look good, you feel better”.

I have been posting on social media for quite some time. I have had some viral videos but I’m not where I wanna be. I took time off to recover from real life situations that put me in a mental block. I know that there stills much work that I need to put in. A lot of times I think is this for me? But I remember I am my happiest behind and on camera. I know life will continue to reward me but putting myself out there really brought me to where I am today. I was a cheerleader in high school, I was in ASB, I was in advanced drama, so I feel like I’ve always had it in me to be creative and artistic.

I’m excited to begin to show the world who I really am. There’s so many ideas in me and I believe I’m headed in the right direction.

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?
Oh, this is definitely right up my alley!

OK so Monday we are getting a latte at Homeboy coffee in Cerritos. Then we will drive to Old Town Orange where we will do a little bit of thrifting, will finish off our night with going to Habana in Costa Mesa for happy hour and appetizers.

Tuesday is for talking & tacos so we are going to Mezcalero in Long Beach. They have a DJ, the cutest ambience and a rooftop bar. If we’re still feeling more vibes, we will hit Bungalow in Long Beach and maybe do a walk at the beach so we can you know walk off our drinks because we are responsible.

Now, Wednesday halfway through the week it’s feeling like the weekend but not really so we’re gonna do a Hollywood sign hike. Busy town but I mean you have to visit the iconic Hollywood sign hike. Get some Poke bowls and hit the IPIC movie theater in Pasadena to relax. It’s giving luxurious.

Thursday really is Friday junior so we’re driving to Palm Springs. We’re staying at Drift Boutique Hotel getting dinner at Boozhounds then do some night swimming under the stars.

Friday is here and we’re doing LA girl. We are hitting Death & Co for some craft cocktails and a good aesthetic ambiance. Grabbing dinner at De La Nona, driving a couple minutes to LEVEL 8 to stop by and peep the scene. To finish our night we’re dancing at the Victorian in Santa Monica.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I don’t think I would be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for God but I am lucky to have my family, my soulmate, best friend, cousins, and truly myself. There is one person though that deserves all the recognition and glory. My man my man!

I never thought I would find someone like him. Someone that would hold such a big impact in who I am today. I would like to thank Cjay Tafoya, my hubby! He has been by my side through the lows and the highs. I was lost before I met him and he brought me back to life literally! He grounds me, he teaches me things everyday, he’s the strongest person I know. I love him so much I cannot wait to have his babies haha. But seriously though he deserves everything life has to offer. I didn’t know what real love was until I met him, he made me love myself again and ultimately believe in myself.

Instagram: @thegooddiares

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-gonzalez-0586262a4?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@itsofficiallyandrea?si=TZvQaOADqrhCsGpI

Other: TikTok: @styledbydrea

Image Credits
Andrea Tafoya (me)