Meet Cynthia Mia Mendoza | Photographer, Advocate and Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Mia Mendoza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia Mia, how does your business help the community?
Growing up, I faced a significant amount of discrimination and prejudice that often made me feel marginalized and misunderstood. These experiences shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for storytelling through photography. My primary goal is to shine a light on my culture, capturing its richness and vibrancy in every frame. I strive to highlight the beauty of resilience and perseverance within my community, showcasing the strength that emerges from adversity. Through my lens, I aim to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding, celebrating the narratives that deserve to be seen and heard.

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.
Throughout my life, I have faced numerous hardships and adversities that have tested my strength and resolve. Each experience, filled with pain and struggle, has served as fuel for my art, igniting a passion within me that refuses to be extinguished. There have been countless moments when I felt like giving up, overwhelmed by the weight of my challenges. Yet, something deep within me—a relentless fire—would not allow me to surrender. This inner flame drives me to transform my pain into inspiration, motivating me to create powerful imagery that reflects my culture and the resilience of my community. Through my photography, I strive to shine a light on the beauty that can emerge from hardship, celebrating the stories of perseverance that often go untold. My journey has been one of struggle, but it is also one of hope, and I am committed to using my art to uplift and inspire others.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to my incredible community for their unwavering support. Your encouragement has been a driving force behind my photography journey, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share my work. A special thank you to the media outlets that have amplified my story, helping to reach even more people with the messages I aim to convey. To my friends and family, your constant support and belief in me mean the world, and I couldn’t have come this far without you. Together, we are creating a powerful narrative that celebrates our culture and resilience, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you by my side.

Instagram: @lovely_hue_photography_

Image Credits
Self Portrait