Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Sofía Ordoñez.
Carla, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I was always interested in photography, however, I never really looked too much into it. In high school, I was asked to drop out of my French class in order to go into the Arts department. It was a bummer because I really enjoyed French, but something very good came out of it. I became part of the yearbook team and it was an introduction into graphic arts. Before going off to college, I got the opportunity to attend a photography class at Parsons, NY. This inspired me to start combining the things I learned about graphic design with my photography. I went on to study graphic design at college and graduated a few years back. I’ve been freelancing all this time and worked in a few startup agencies (helped me grow lot).
Then, a year and a half ago, my mom decided to open up a store where she could sell her all-time favorite things- antiques, home goods, play around with interior spaces & decorate whatever we could with our installations & imagination. I’ve always played around with my own spaces & helped around moving things to make them feel cozy in away. So now, my mom and I partnered up and co-own Yerbabuena. A space where we’ve been able to showcase local art, host exhibitions, sell antiques, restore furniture, sell and promote products made in Mexico and somehow, after many years of doing this at our own homes, we created a whole experience for the public to enjoy when entering Yerbabuena. So many opportunities were put along my way, but I’ve always been able to say YES & I guess that’s what’s been the most important to me. I would not be here today if I were scared of change or failure.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a very smooth road. Juggling with the many tasks you encounter while trying to make a living for yourself has proven to be very challenging. Early on, I struggled with organizing my time and felt very overwhelmed by every moving part around me. However, once I was able to learn this skill (and after some very deep breaths), it was all worth it. You start to see the rewards and feel satisfied with the sacrifices you have to make in order to get where you want to be. I’m still learning and still on my own journey, but I’ve learned to keep doing the little things that unleash your potential. Make sure to take breaks along the way. It’s definitely ok to do it. Specially because those breaks make your creative juices flow. I’ve learned that the hard way. I realized that I had to keep creating my own experiences, not settle, keep traveling (even if it is going to the coffee shop around the corner) in order to feel motivated and inspired.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I freelance with branding, meeting with my clients’ needs- naming, logo design, corporate design, packaging, printing services (my favorite part), environmental design & some social media content. I still photograph, but nothing that professional, I keep it as a hobby but I’ve been implying it a lot in Yerbabuena since we opened. I’m the art director for the store, did all the branding, still work on packaging for products, manage the account & create content as much as I can. I’m proud of how I’ve implemented my own taste into the store and see that there’s a positive outcome.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Keep your mind positive, do the things you enjoy doing and get out of your comfort zone. I realized I stopped carrying my camera with me the past few years. I used to have it with me all the time and take photographs of whatever my surroundings where it didn’t have to be a special occasion. I caught myself and I’m now working on it in order to keep my creative drive.
When there’s an opportunity of doing something new, try doing it, even if it means doing something you’re not that comfortable with even if you may fail. Most of the time, something good will come out of that experience. I’ve learned a lot by putting my fear aside. Always be grateful to the people that make your experiences possible. I’m grateful for my family, friends and clients.
Contact Info:
- Address: Blvd. Gral Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada 10284, Revolución, 22015 Tijuana, B.C. México.
- Website: behance.net/carlasofiaom , yerbabuenashop.mx
- Email: csofiaom@gmail.com , hola@yerbabuenashop.mx
- Instagram: @carlasofiaom , @yerbabuenashop
- Facebook: YBYerbabuena
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