Meet Leslye A. Alvarez | Photographer/Videographer & Senior Recruiter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslye A. Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslye A., what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are just unrevealed steppingstones to reaching your lifelong destiny. I’ve seen firsthand how taking a risk or chance on an opportunity can change one’s life for the better. For both, my Photography & Videography business and also for my role as Senior Recruiter, at Fortune 500 Northwestern Mutual, I needed to take a leap of faith.

Although I have been a creative my entire life, I never thought of it as a profession, it was always just for fun. But, one day as someone reached out to me and told me they would pay for me to take photos and create a promotional video for their business, everything changed. That day I took a risk by saying yes and becoming an entrepreneur. Shortly after, I left my comfort zone even further as I accepted a brand-new position at this huge firm in the financial sector (which I have never done before). The ability to extend an opportunity for others to enter entrepreneurship and gain financial literacy has been most rewarding. Also, the incomparable work culture my firm provides has allowed me to meet lifelong friends, develop leadership skills and even include my camera skills with taking headshots for our Financial Advisors and staff and even creating videos for introductions and other professional usage.

Take that risk!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to recruitment – I don’t think you choose it, it actually chooses you. Getting to where I am now has not been the easiest path, but if I did not go through each job, have met each person along the way, picked up the skills, etc., I would not be the person I am today, so no, it wasn’t easy, but it sure was worth it.

I want everyone to know that when you are driven, motivated and passionate about something, you can overcome any challenge and reach that goal. I am able to watch others do exactly that, as my primary job right now is to seek aspiring Financial Advisors who want to step into the sector and create their own practice and book of business with the help of Northwestern Mutual. Regardless of the background, whether they are career changers or not, with our award-winning training and licensing process, they are able to advise on the levels of insurance, investments, financial (business, retirement, estate) planning. My job is to find those who want to make that impact in the community!

When it comes to my photography and videography business, it came shortly after a heartbreak I received when I was rejected from a job I desired at the time. Things did not work out, and it was not easy, but I decided to take matters into my own hands – I started with photoshoots, professional headshots, moving my way up to creating seasonal videos, promotional business videos and even music videos. Everything happens for a reason!

The only way I think I was able to overcome the challenges was first and foremost my faith, but in addition to that, always reminding myself of what lies ahead, what that final goal will look like, and that is happiness. When I say I love my job, I mean it. I’ve only ever said that once before starting with Northwestern Mutual, but now I’m grateful to be able to say that for both businesses.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Because I love to drive, and I’ve been told that I am an excellent and confident driver (as anyone from Miami is), we would be all over South Florida!!! We would first start with brunch somewhere in the city of Doral and of course grab a Cafecito. Shortly after, we would take a walk around City Place and check out what is going on in the center. Afterwards, we could probably grab some Boba and find a thrift store neither of us have been to and be hopeful for some interesting finds. We can then pick a few options from: strolling at the Shops of Pembroke Gardens or shopping in Aventura mall (I grew up in this mall, so it means a lot to me), going to AMC, taking a dance or cooking class or going the beach!

I’d book us some Miami Heat AND Inter Miami tickets for the week, and maybe even sneak in a Panther’s game. So much to do here, we’d find time for it all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m first thankful to God for opening each and every single door of my life! I’d also like to thank one person in specific for being the one to encourage me to take the final interview at Northwestern Mutual when I almost didn’t because of fear that I wouldn’t do well. Thank you for always pushing me in my creative business and consistently reminding me that I am a professional and that I can do this. Thank you for always believing in me, you know who you are.

I’d like to shoutout Northwestern Mutual, The South Florida Group for taking a chance on me and pushing me outside of my comfort zone to meet people from different walks of life (if they didn’t, I probably wouldn’t even be on Shoutout Miami. Last but certainly not least, my family. Thank you. You are the reason why I do what I do.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/leslyealvarez

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslyeaalvarez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leslye.528

Image Credits
Leslye Alvarez – LAProductions