Meet Aquina La’Shae | Photography & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aquina La’Shae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aquina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance has changed drastically over time especially with having kids, and working for myself full-time. Being a mother of 4 has shown me the importance of work life balance and why its necessary to create that balance not only for you, but for your family as well. I chose to work for myself full time solely for that reason was to be present for my children more.

I worked as a graphic artist for a new budding start up before working for myself, and that job alone showed me why it was important as a mother to have work life balance. Management didn’t understand the need for flexibility as a parent. I was often leaving in the mornings before my children were up, and coming home when it was literally time for dinner with little to no time to spend with them. Once my children picked up extra curricular activities, and began to get a bit older I noticed the need for me to be fully present for school trips, school meetings, as well as time on the weekends to just spend with them. I made the decision to work for myself full time and vowed to work my personal schedule around my children. Over the last 12 years of working for myself and dedicated the time to create a viable schedule that made everyone happy. With my latest pregnancy I’ve definitely had to re introduce balance with a 7 month old, and what that may look like for myself. But to be able to have the option to do so, and to be able to just pick and choose which days may be best for myself or my family is why balance is key in anything you do especially as a working parent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a beauty photographer and makeup artist is truly one of the most gratifying jobs to wake up and be able to do everyday. What sets me apart from other’s is my journey, my why and my passion for what I do. I’m most proud of being able to stay in business for 12 years despite of how rough the journey may have been, I’m still here and learning and growing each day.

Getting to the point of being where I’m at today wasn’t easy at all. But it is one of those moments, lessons, and time you’ll never take for granted. When I barely knew what I was doing was probably when I created some of my best work because I was so anxious to create, learn and truly loved what I was doing. That was when mistakes were made, lessons were learned and I grew as an artist, photographer and professional overtime. I overcame a lot of my challenges by literally just rolling with the punches. Sometimes I would take a short break and step away from creating to really give myself peace of mind, and the ability to just decompress through whatever it was I was going through. Going through life and trying to work for yourself while providing for a family can become extremely stressful especially when life is just happening while running a business.

Lessons I’ve learned is if you truly want something you’ll find a way to make it happen always in all ways. Anything that is worth having will always require hard work, dedication, and consistency. Lastly you always want to show up for yourself first because if you aren’t the best version of yourself and healthy mentally, emotionally and physically you won’t be able to truly give what you love your all. I want the world to know my brand and story are literally what has given me purpose and life in so many ways. A.La’Shae Photography is more than a photography brand. I uplift, empower and inspire because often people are not seen the way they desire to be seen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
hmmmm this is tricky hahaha but if my best friend was visiting we would first take a trip to San Jose ( which is where I’m from) and visit one of my favorite places and one of my best friends favorite places as well which is La Vics aka La Victorias.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to always shoutout my little family. Just overall THANK YOU! With how much I’ve grown as a business and the major and minor sacrifices we’ve all endured has truly made my journey so much more personal, and meaningful. My partner also plays a major role in my journey. Seeing me, understanding me and just truly trusting in my chaotic visions, investing in me and UNDERSTANDING as a fellow creative has truly been such a blissful, inspiring and dope feeling to have that in a relationship and partnership. Not many people come by that in life and I am thankful that I have.

Website: www.Alashaephotography.com

Instagram: alashaephotography

Twitter: alashaephoto

Facebook: a.lashae