Meet Fia Raboy | Travel Photographer & Digital Content Creator

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

Hi Fia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have been pursuing a creative career because I have realized that it makes me smile about myself and life. I remember excitedly drawing and coloring well starting at about 4 to 5 years old, and my parents would be proud of me having artistic talents at that age. Ever since I’ve held any kind of camera, I would get internally excited taking meticulous shots. I was choosy how to take pictures because I did not want to waste film or megabytes! Eventually I went to college initially for arts – until I chose to be influenced by an ex-lover who said “art won’t give you that much money.” From then it took a whopping 16 years to wholeheartedly revert to my full-time love in creativity. At the same time those 16 years were not wasted because it took a science degree, like-minded college friends, photos of food and scenery, work in a small business in healthcare, plane rides, photography courses, and truly loving family and friends to collectively push me to photography and other creative media towards travel. I will stubbornly keep working on this newfound career to give a humongous thank you especially to my childhood self.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The combination of my dedication to show appreciation of travelling and my frank curiosity of anything that catches 1 or more of my 6 senses is what sets me apart from fellow creatives. I am most excited about exploring a seemingly endless supply of cities, nature, and culture both in my own backyard and around the world. As far as my current professional life: working for yourself is one of the most difficult journeys I have ever experienced. But once I get myself grounded and focus on the big picture – as well as both writing and discussing my small plans – this ongoing chapter gets more tolerable. One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way is that I constantly remind myself that I am ultimately pursuing this career for myself and it is up to me to be aware of my own mindset especially when situations get tougher. I want the world to know that it certainly is never too late to pursue something you love. You may be deluged with bills or other significant circumstance, but it is absolutely okay to realize that perhaps your childhood contained moments that actually paved your way to your passion. Once you do, I hope you can forgive yourself and your past because you’ll feel that your pathway is closer than expected.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Can I pick both Tokyo and Paris in the springtime? If money grew on trees, I’d take her on a jet first to Paris and then to Tokyo. Paris was my childhood dream to visit. When it finally came true, I now have the perfect opportunity to show my friend all the cafes and boulangeries I have visited to get a sumptuous taste of butter and then have a picnic either facing Eiffel Tower or The Louvre. Then we would fly to Tokyo to get awestruck with the labyrinth of skyscrapers, experience the magical Cherry Blossoms and — other than the typical Japanese food — eat their delicious Egg Sandwiches from 7-Eleven or other “conbini” stores.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are hundreds to thank when it comes to my creative career. I am utmost grateful to my Mom and Dad because, especially being Asian immigrants, all they have wanted from myself is to be happy. I am thankful to my mentor, my former boss, my blogging buddy, and my “Boss Gal Friend” who have seen my potential to succeed from the skills I have obtained. Thank you to everyone travelling with me and tagging along with my adventures. Finally I am so appreciative to my current Love of My Life who simply wants to also see me happy and successful everywhere I go.

Website: fiarosephotography.com

Instagram: I have 2: @fiarosephotography and @fialarose

Twitter: fialarose

Facebook: fia.rose

Other: fiarosephotography.picfair.com