In an insightful episode of the “Manifesting Photographer Podcast”, July, a data scientist and part-time wedding content creator, talks about her multifaceted career journey, touching upon the intersections of gender, race, and profession. As an avid proponent for diversity, July encapsulates the essence of authentic living and thriving in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her narrative offers encouragement and direction to aspiring engineers and creators alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Gender, race, and sexuality should be embraced in professional spaces to acknowledge diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Wedding content creation serves as a creative outlet catering to the modern desire for immediate and personalized documentation of life’s significant moments.

Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Place in Engineering

Engineering has long been a field dominated by men, leading to a preconception that women may not fit the typical engineer’s profile. July challenges this stereotype head-on, bringing to light her experiences and the creative flair she contributes to her engineering role. She makes a compelling case that engineering is a form of high-level artistry, asserting:

“I truly believe that engineering is just fancy, expensive arts and crafts.”

By drawing parallels between engineering design and artistic creation, she invites a new perception of the field, one that embraces ingenuity and innovation. This perspective not only defies traditional gender roles but also enriches the profession with diverse thinking styles and problem-solving approaches.

Unseen Struggles: Gender, Race, and Industry Biases

The podcast episode traverses the terrain of implicit biases in engineering. July speaks candidly about the extra hurdles faced by those who are not the presumed fit for their fields, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles of women — particularly women of color. Her experience reveals the high costs of breaking through industry barriers, particularly when facing microaggressions or outright discrimination.

“…you learn to grow thicker skin and protect yourself.”

July illustrates not only the resilience required to forge a path in such an environment but also the assertiveness needed to confront and correct prejudiced behaviors. Her reflections invite broader industry-wide introspection and action towards inclusivity and equity.

The Power of Perspective in Content Creation

In her role as a wedding content creator, July redefines how we record and cherish memories. Exploring her blossoming side business, she articulates the value of immediate, authentic capture of moments, expressing that:

“People feel like it’s a way to look back at it without having to make their friends take videos or give someone else the phone or have interruptions during their day.”

In discussing content creation beyond the glitz of social media, she touches upon the growing desire for genuine recollections of life events. Her empathy for the emotional significance of such occasions reveals how wedding content creation is morphing into a medium that combines artistry with technology, enabling individuals to relive cherished experiences with immediacy and personalization.

July recognizes how this service alleviates the pressure on guests, promoting a more present and engaged celebration. Through this lens, content creation transcends its commercial value, becoming an intimate service that enhances human connections.

Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations in Engineering and Content

As we glimpse into July’s future aspirations, we observe her at a crossroads, weighing the merits of deepening her technical expertise against exploring leadership opportunities. Her ongoing inner dialogue resonates with countless professionals navigating career progressions. She notes:

“You still have to do, you have to still qualify for everything for that job.”

This closing remark ties back to the underlying theme of merit, talent, and personal drive that runs through her narrative. It challenges the misplaced skepticism surrounding diversity hiring and underscores the importance of recognizing an individual’s accomplishments over their background.

July’s experiences unfold a narrative filled with determination, creative expression, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Her journey encourages us to celebrate the multifaceted aspects of identity, both in the technical and creative realms. As July continues to balance her role as a data scientist with her passion for content creation, she paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative future, inspiring others to pursue their own paths with confidence and genuine self-expression.

Notable Quotes:

• “I truly believe that engineering is just fancy, expensive arts and crafts.” – July speaks to the creative aspects of the engineering field.
• “I think you really have to be authentic to yourself and who you are.” – July’s advice on pursuing a career in a field that may not align with societal norms.
• “Engineering Gals. It’s not my page. I don’t run it. It’s a friend of mine. But there’s a whole community of people out there that will post there and you can find other people to talk to so you’re not alone in this.” – July mentions a valuable resource for women in engineering.

Resources:

• July’s personal Instagram: @julyfolzaye
• July’s wedding content creation Instagram: @PearlAndCoralStudio
• Engineering community on Instagram for support and motivation: @engineeringgals

Tune in to the full episode to journey with July through her transformational story, that not only highlights the bold intersection of art and engineering but also offers a refreshing look at weddings through the lens of content creation. Subscribe and stay connected for more episodes that inspire growth, blend business savvy with creativity, and provide spiritual insights.

About the Guest:

July is a multifaceted professional straddling the worlds of engineering and creative entrepreneurship. With a foundational background in civil engineering earned in 2016 from the University of California, Irvine, she has varied industry experience ranging from CFL, automotive, to aerospace, where she currently excels as a data scientist. In parallel, July has established a niche within the wedding industry as a content creator, leveraging her passion for creative pursuits to forge a unique path that marries her engineering expertise with her artistic flair. Despite facing industry bias, July has proven to be a trailblazer—a testament to her resilience and skill.

BREEANNA KAY’S INSTAGRAM:  @breeannakayphotography

BREEANNA KAY’S WEBSITE: breeannakay.com

MANIFESTING PHOTOGRAPHER PODCAST SHOWNOTES:  breeannakay.com/passive-income