Today we’d like to introduce you to Rikki Hernandez.
Hi Rikki, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
In 2012, I started my retail journey, working in every store you could possibly imagine. Abercrombie and Fitch, Louis Vuitton, and Starbucks. I loved the retail life but my true passion was photography and video.
In a crazy “one in a million” kind of way when I was working for LV I met a YouTube who had just moved to Orlando from Massachusetts. We both hit it off and I offered to help him film YouTube videos. At the time, I had no professional experience all I knew was how to hold a camera and record. I worked with this YouTube for a full year doing free work, slowly learning more and more along the way.
After that year of free work, he offered to pay me a small salary and that sparked my passion even more. I knew that this is what I wanted to do forever. I began to network and offer my video services to as many YouTubers and companies as I possibly could.
Here I am four years later working freelance, having filmed for celebrities and famous personalities. Producing beautiful videos that inspire millions and I have not looked back since.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is there ever a “smooth road?” haha.
No absolutely not a smooth road, I had many obstacles to overcome. Learning how to become a professional in your field is tough. It comes with a lot of disappointment at times and that’s what can cause a lot of people to quit or give up. I refused to give up because this is what I loved.
Freelance can be a tough career because it’s full of instability but if you dedicate yourself to learning every aspect of it you can be successful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time videographer and I specialize in well… a little bit of everything haha.
I film celebrity weddings, I film bodybuilders in the gym or in competitions, and currently, I film incredible hands-on experiences with wildlife.
I am most proud of all the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and what sets me apart is my passion. I create videos that have inspired millions of people and that’s something that I will forever be grateful for.
What matters most to you? Why?
The people I meet. That matters the most because if it wasn’t for anyone that has ever given me a shot to make their vision a reality I wouldn’t be here.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/rikkihernandez
- Youtube: YouTube.com/rikkihernandez
