We had the good fortune of connecting with Yesi Laver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yesi, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
This has been very challenging for me because when you make your own schedule, it’s challenging to “clock out”. Also, as a creative, sometimes you don’t know when the creativity will spark. At times it can happen late at night, and that’s when you feel the most inspired so you’ll work late. It’s definitely still a work in progress for me. I don’t think there will ever be a healthy balance, but my goal is to find a good rhythm that works for me. Make sure I have enough days to rest, make sure that I make time for myself, my health. A rhythm of work/life balance that makes me happy and works for me. Also, what works for me might not work for someone else. What works best for you and the lifestyle you want?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a fashion photographer here in Miami, Fl. I want to say what set me apart was my work ethic (thanks so my parents!), I worked 2 full time jobs before taking the leap and just doing photography full time. I am very responsible person and take my job duties very seriously, but at the same time can create a fun and relaxed work environment. I can get things done, but also enjoy doing it. I am most proud of where I am going. In 2019, because of some personal issues, I took a “breaK’ in marketing myself, I needed some time and couldn’t find the energy to push myself as a brand, but in 2020 I knew I was going to be different. Of course, COVID-19 hit us, and I didn’t want that to stop me from working on my brand, so I fought through the feelings and started to create content from my 450 sq ft apartment in isolation. I started to show more of my personality, and who I am and people started connecting with me as a person. I’m finally in a place where I’m figuring out who I am as a person and as a photographer and how I can blend the two to create my brand. I want people to know that the only person that holds you back from achieving something is yourself. I got in the way of myself so many times. Once you get past that, you’ll see how you can thrive in anything you put your mind/energy into. You can do this!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is pretty awesome. I think I would take them to south beach at Sunset on a weekday. It’s iconic, and I am all about pastels, and art deco vibes. After the beach, I would have them try Bodega Tacos and Joe and The Juice coffee. I would also take them to Brickell City Center, to experience the magnitude of the building and see all the city views. Def have drinks up in Sugar at sunset time Finally, I would take them to Design District, grab some food at Pura Vida, walk around and end up at sunset on the Museum Garage

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 think I owe a shout out to my friends who have cheered me on…specially the past 2 years of my career. I was very afraid of not being able to continue my passion, continue my calling in life (being a photographer). My friends stepped in. Encouraged me, accompanied me to photoshoots, cheered me on, and provided a space for me to continue fighting for my dreams. Knowing that I had a team of supporters believing in me, and pushing me to continue fighting has made all the difference in my career.

Website: www.Yesi.Fun
Instagram: @simplylively
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesilaver/
Facebook: facebook.com/yesiilaver
Other: Miami Prints: https://yesi.darkroom.tech/ Tiktok: Simplylively