All things Destiny - Yup that's me!
I've introduced myself a countless number of times, but here we go.. again.
I'm Destiny, duh. Middle name Danae, (duh-nay). Maiden name Garza.
Last name, Saldivar. I am 22 years old, and I was born and raised in deep, deep, DEEP South Texas. I am currently located in Minot, ND with my kids, and the love of my life. I am your average hispanic girl. Loud, fun, outgoing, and a little crazy (the good kind), caring with a huge heart. I'm the type of person to always put others before myself. It's pretty hard having a business when you just want to help everybody and be so giving, lol! BUT.. that's why my prices are so affordable and why I always plan to make sure my clients and I find a solid medium. I know how important and fun photo sessions can be while also knowing how expensive. I've been on the other side. I've been the client wanting pictures for my daughter every season, and every milestone. Being a single mother at the time. I just couldn't afford them, which would cause me to miss out. I know how it is. I'm just like you.
That's what has shaped and created the meaning and reasoning behind SBS, "capturing priceless moments at an affordable price."
Let's back up and tell you how and why I'm the STRONG, INDEPENDENT, women I am. What has shaped and made Destiny, well Destiny.
Single. Teen. Mom.
I got pregnant at seventeen years old. A senior in high school.
The moment I found out I was pregnant I knew life wasn't about me anymore. I had a child I needed to raise, protect, and care for. I found out I was pregnant November 2015, and decided that I needed to hurry up and close out my high school career. I need a degree, and a job. My parents weren't going to support me or my child, and neither was her donor. It was time I bossed up, and did what I needed to do, for her. That's when my hard work and dedication first began. I did whatever I could to earn money. Selling old clothes on Facebook marketplace, to being a caregiver for my brother.
Which brings us to how we got here today - the same reasoning, doing whatever I can to not only support myself and daughter, but now newborn son, and husband. There was more people to the equation.
When me and my husband first got married (blog on how we met + married coming soon) I wanted to vlog, so my husband bought me a Canon Rebel T100 and we did. If you want to checkout our YouTube channel - its The Saldivars - I'll leave on of our videos down below!
We did it for a while and then life just got crazy and we put the camera down. It was in my closet collecting dust up until November when I realized "holy crap we live paycheck to paycheck how am I going to buy my daughter Christmas presents." So I begun taking pictures, and haven't stopped since. Literally didn't even stop for maternity leave!
It wasn't a joy in the beginning. It was more like a burden having to go out in freezing weather, but as I continued to grow so did my love for it. It stopped being a "need to do" and more of a "want to do."
Now not only is it an extra source of income, but it's a coping mechanism.
*TRIGGER WARNING: Depression*
Becoming a military spouse is life altering. I went from having two jobs, going to college, and constantly being on the go to being a stay-at-home mom + wife. It wasn't what I was used to and it took a toll on me mentally and emotionally. I needed something to get out of the house to get me excited, something for me. Although it was a burden in the beginning to take pictures at almost 8 months pregnant it was also a blessing in disguise. It gave me meaning, a definition other than wife and mom. I'm more than that. Before getting into a steady pace of booking sessions I was in a rut. I was in a hole that a couldn't dig myself out of. I was sad not looking forward to things anymore, I had the same routine, the same life, and Snaps by Saldivar gave me something more. My children are my reason why, but so am I. I needed something for myself and I am so glad that this business is something for all of us. Although I'm not a hundred percent okay and well, because hello postpartum depression as well, but I know how to cope and deal with the anxiety and sadness now, by booking sessions, posting about my photography and the little things that have to do with SBS. (if you see me posting a lot on insta, twitter, Facebook, I'm going through a depression or anxiety episode and trying to distract myself, so please don't get annoyed with me lol)
That's me.. in a nutshell.
A sad/happy devoted mother, loving wife, and photographer.
xoxo, Destiny
