Meet Savannah Garcia-Araniva

We had the good fortune of connecting with Savannah Garcia-Araniva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Savannah, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks is a necessary part of building the life you want. Although I know I’m still early on in life and career, I’d say this is an ideology I’ve really come to live by especially after the events of these past two years. I graduated from college in the spring of 2023, and although I received my degrees in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies, there wasn’t a career path I felt passionate about pursuing. I’m passionate about both major’s and their real-life applications, but I was having difficulty finding a job that didn’t require me being over-worked and under-paid. All I knew was that I needed a job, and the one I had at the time had let me go right before I was set to graduate. Luckily, I found a part-time job a few months later as a health insurance assistant, and although it paid the bills, I didn’t feel passionate about the work I was doing. Over time, there was more and more disconnect between me and my work environment, and after applying to a few jobs and many heartfelt conversations with my partner and friends, I ultimately made the difficult decision to leave my workplace without another job lined up….and there began my 6 month-long job hunt. I’ve always been a creative at heart, whether it be through visual mediums like painting or photography, or auditory mediums such as music, but it was never really presented to me as an option for a viable career path. Growing up my parents pushed me to attend a four-year university, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve been presented–especially as a first-generation college student and U.S. citizen. But I’ve always known a traditional 9-5 wasn’t my dream. I decided to view my time being unemployed as an opportunity to throw myself head first into creating. Any job rejection I received, I took as a sign to work harder on my photography and creative endeavors. During that time period, while applying to multiple jobs a day, I: showed my work at various galleries, made SO many incredible new friends in the creative community, booked photography clients, sold prints, and even created my own business. Although I can now look at this time fondly through the security of a full-time job, it was difficult to navigate not knowing if the money I had would last me long enough until I got offered a job opportunity–and at times it didn’t. I had to be vulnerable this year, in both sharing my work and in sharing my hardships. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of community, and how the amazing people that make up mine have not only kept me alive but revived parts of myself I didn’t think I’d see again. Although my ultimate goal now is to have a creative job or to support myself fully through my art, I never would have came to that realization had I not left my previous job. I never would have pushed myself to create had I not left that job. I never would have met the friends I did had I not left that job. I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I hadn’t left that job. As terrifying as it is to take risks, I’d say to go ahead and do it scared, because living a life full of regret is even scarier.

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.
I’ve always seen photography as a means of seeing the world through another’s eyes. I was very fortunate to grow up looking through photos that my family took during different stages of their lives, and it always felt as though I had a chance to step into that moment in time through the photos. They served as reminders of memories, often prompting stories of years past. My love of photography stems from the appreciation that my family had for it, and as I grew older, I realized it can also serve as a way to uplift communities. I grew up a Chicana in the San Fernando Valley, surrounded by lowrider culture. Although the pin-striping and chrome is beautiful and should be recognized, I also saw a different kind of beauty within the culture. I’ve seen friends and family come together to support one another during hard times, spending the day with each other, exchanging stories and appreciation for each others’ hard work. And yet, there’s been a history of depicting this culture negatively in mainstream media. I wanted to document the beauty of the culture, the community that is created and fostered within these spaces. This need to document was also present in other aspects of my life, as I would often photograph candid moments with friends and family whenever we were fortunate to spend time with each other. I slowly began delving into more creative photoshoots throughout this year, having the chance to branch into the world of creative directing. If there’s anything I’ve learned from this year alone, it has been to “start on it now”, and surround yourself with people who genuinely support you and encourage you to pursue what you want to experience in life. Whatever endeavor it is that you’re thinking of embarking on, take any small step today that will bring you at least a tiny bit closer to achieving your dreams. It’s definitely much easier said than done, and there will be days in which your anxiety and self-doubt creep in, but those moments are when you lean into the community that surrounds you so they can remind you of the person you are, and what you’re capable of when you set your mind to it. I’m still working towards many of my professional goals, but I’m proud of myself for finally having the courage to pursue what it is I actually want out of life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s say we’re beginning this journey on a Monday afternoon First, I’d take them to have brunch at CiCi’s cafe in Tarzana. Seeing as my brand name is “La Hija del Valle”, I see it fitting that we start our adventures in the Valley. After a filling brunch. we’d walk down to CD Trader to peruse the aisles of records and DVD’s. Once we’ve seen all that we can, I’d take them to the Sherman Oaks Castle to try out the batting cages. mini-golfing, and arcade games. We’d end our night early with some in-n out to rest for the next morning. * Tuesday morning, we’re taking a trip to spend the day out in LA. Our first stop would be to get breakfast and coffee at Las Ranas Adams–their cafe de olla is a must have. After our much needed breakfast stop, we’ll be stopping by Persona the Shop to check out their latest releases. Once we’ve shopped around their latest releases, we’ll be traveling a bit further to continue our shopping spree at Los Callejones in downtown LA. After roaming and snacking for a couple of hours, we’ll be ending our day with dinner at Yuko’s Kitchen also located in downtown LA. Not only is their food delicious, but both restaurant locations are beautifully designed and definitely worth the trip.
* Wednesday, we’re grabbing breakfast at Nat’s West Cafe in the San Fernando valley. This is a cafe I’ve been going to for over 13 years, and although the food alone is amazing, the warm and welcoming energy you feel as soon as you step through the door is hard to replicate anywhere else. We’re staying in the valley today for more of a rest day, getting tickets to see an early movie screening at the AMC in the Westfield Topanga Mall. After our movie, we’ll be walking around the mall and the Topanga Village for a few hours until we get hungry. Once we’re hungry again, we’re taking a trip down Topanga to visit the Big Burrito truck at Lanark Park. This is a truck and park that has seen generations of my family move through life, and I believe it’s only fitting to visit at least once during our week-long excursion. My family has deep roots to this park and it’s something that I’m proud to share with those close to me. From showing them the mural my uncle helped paint to showing them where my family and I used to have late-night softball games with each other.
* Thursday is another valley day! We’re starting our day by picking up pupusas from Jaltepeque on Winnetka and Roscoe. Coming from a Salvadorian, these are some of the few pupusas I’ve ever found that even come close to my grandma’s. After breakfast, we’re going thrifting! After thrifting for a bit, we’re going to begin shopping for some snacks to have a picnic at Lake Balboa Park. Before heading over, we’re going to Uncle Ernies to pick up a pizza to complete our picnic lunch. We’re ending our day at 818 brewery for a night surrounded by friends, laughs, and karaoke. Their in-house pizza is amazing and their Valley Girl Blonde brew is one of my all-time favorite beers–it’s definitely a place i think everyone should try, whether you’re from the Valley or not.
* Friday is a rest day, a day filled with at-home movies and left-overs from the day before since Saturday is another day full of adventure.
* Saturday, we’re starting our morning with a hike in the Los Angeles Forest. One of my favorite trails is the Switzer Falls trail–it has a wide range of beautiful scenery and difficulty, but the view at the end and along the way is worth it. We’d be stopping by George’s Liquor on W Altadena Dr. to purchase our adventure pass and snacks for the day since the owner has an amazing energy, and we’d be grabbing coffee at Unincorporated Coffee Roaster located right next door. After a couple of hours of hiking, we’re driving back to LA to explore the rows of vendors at Los Feliz Flea. They have an amazing array of vendors, all of which have amazing selections of items to choose from. We’re then having dinner at Kouraku, one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Little Tokyo. My order goes back and forth between their ramen and chicken katsu, both of which are amazing meals to have after a long day. And last but certainly not least, we’re headed back to the valley, either to Van Nuys Blvd or Laurel Canyon to photograph lowriders cruising along the streets.
* Sunday, we’re heading out to Long Beach to check out the Long Beach Flea, and our first stop once we get there is to get some coffee from The Caffeinated Cart. After getting our coffee and walking around for a bit, we’re staying in Long Beach to explore the area on our own mini photowalk, exploring the areas by the bay before making a stop to meet friends at Ambitious Ales. After a drink or two, we’re ending our day with dinner at Kimu Sushi in Long Beach before saying good-bye.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my partner, friends, family, and mentors who have shown me nothing but unconditional love and support during the time in my life I’ve needed it most. My partner has seen first-hand, the wins and heartbreaks I’ve experienced during my time job-hunting and building a business. I’m so incredibly grateful for his unwavering support, generosity, and kindness–I genuinely wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without him. My close friends, both long-time and new, who have always encouraged my endeavors and have often believed in me when I didn’t have that confidence in myself. Whether it have been through forcing me to share my work, attending my galleries, sharing opportunities, or sharing my work with others, words genuinely can’t begin to express my gratitude for their continued support and friendship. My family and mentors, who have expressed their love and excitement for my work, encouraged me to keep going, to keep my head up when things seemed bleak, and who have cemented core values that continue to guide me through life. And last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank Thalía Gochez, Sabrina Garcia Diaz, and all the women of color in creative spaces for inspiring me and showing me that women of color can succeed and make an impact in the creative world. I genuinely wouldn’t be anywhere without this incredible community of people, a million thank you’s from the bottom of my heart.

Website: lahijadelvalle.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @savy.g // @lahijadelvalle

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannah-garcia-araniva-548129184/

Other: https://lahijadelvalle.myportfolio.com/ (portfolio)

Image Credits
1. Photographer: Abel Diaz (Personal Photo)