November Mina Maven Mayleen Gonzalez

Where are you from originally and where are you living now?

I was born and raised In Miami and at the moment living here.

You are currently working two different angles the photographer and the blogger. How did that come to be?

I am a photographer first it is how I make my living and what I love to do. I started to blog to incorporate other stuff for me to shoot and also to talk about all the great things that are happening in Miami that people don’t know about or get to experience.

Tell me about your ideal reader?

The ideal reader of WordinTown is into fashion, luxury, art and in the mix of what’s going on in Miami.

What is the primary reason you decided to get into blogging?

I feel that Miami has a lot going on that should be talked about. I have a lot of blogger friends that I get to collaborate with on blogging projects with and not to mention having fun as well.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of raising my son Jonathan. I had him at a very young age and I am blessed and thankful that he is a great young man. I am a very focused person as well, I make sure to accomplish everything I set out to do in my life weather I succeed or fail at it.

What types of challenges have you faced in the past two years and how did you overcome them?

I have had many challenges and changes in my life. I wake up everyday with gratitude for everything and everyone I have in my life. Being a spiritual person with prayer and having faith is what get’s me through anything.

What advice would you give to someone that may want to follow in your footsteps?

Nothing in life comes easy that is worth having. I am not the type of person to give up easily so my best advise is to give it your all and it will pay off.

Any fun projects you are working on now?

Yes, I am very excited to be launching My Photo Boutique site now in November where I can show all my work from weddings, fashion, and family photography. Check my facebook page for launch date https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photo-Boutique/326708340749830.
I am working on a Room Service project with Annie Vazquez “The Fashion Poet” as well that we run on our blogs with the best hotels to stay in around Miami and my ongoing photography project that will be showcasing Cuba as I see it. I will be traveling there by end of the year to continue on it.

How did you hear about Mina Miami Beach?

I heard about Mina Miami Beach through my good friend Melissa Valenzuela one of your former mavens. She has great style and you know us girl always share fashion and shopping info.

Who is someone you have worked with, that you would like to work with again.

Well I have not worked with him but I am wanting to work with Pharrell Williams. He has embraced Miami and I feel that he is so creative and talented.  

When you aren't working how do you like to spend your free time?

I like to spend time with my family and friends. Life can get busy, so when I have a moment to catch up with everyone I always take advantage. I really enjoy catching up with them.

Who inspires your work?

I feel inspired by many people’s work, everyone is different in the styles of photography but I’ll name a few Terry Richardson, 13^th Witness, and for fashion photography I find a lot of inspiration in look books and magazines.

Leave us with your favorite quote.

If you can dream it, you can do it. – Walt Disney

*Mayleen's Blog: http://wordintown.com

*Photo Credit: Karla Garcia of www.kargarohhsnap.com