We had the good fortune of connecting with Giselle Villasenor and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Giselle, what is the most important factor behind your success?
What I have found to be one of the most important factors behind my sucess is displaying everyone as they are at the grappling events- motivated, passionate, athletic, and loved by their community. Everyone that is particpating in not only these events but the sport itself deserves to be seen and that has been my motivation since day one. It takes everyone involved to support each other in order to grow as a sport and community.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since I was a young girl I knew I liked to create. I was always drawing or doodling, to the point I would have teachers take points off my assignments. I taught myself how to draw using art books I would beg my parents for. It wasn’t until I got into high school I realize how in teaching myself I was able to enroll early in the AP program. While my story in my artistic career was a steady progression from me being a self advecate for own my learning. It won’t be until I was in my early 20’s that would cause me to lose my passion once I realized that my engagement went from sunflowers into abuse. Its not something I share too often but it is what made change from drawing into photography. My other passion is training Jiu jitsu, which is a grappling sport similar to wrestling with submissions, this was how the engagement and abuse happened. I was told I could never be part of the sport or make a name for myself. That I was only doing this because I wanted attention to myself due to it being a more mae dominated sport. These comments while hurt at the time, it helped because I knew in my heart that those were wrong. I wanted to take pictures of my friends because I was proud of them, then it progressed into I was happy when the white belts would smile with joy after winning their match, when kids run and jump into their coaches arms. I’m happy when I can help capture these moments since it would be wonderful to reflect back on. This really helped get me out of my abusive situation as I was able to travel further away and not have to worry about him trying anything.
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?
My go-to when I travel and I have a free day is to find a farmers market! I love discovering what the local artwork looks like and adding it to my collection for my classroom. Especially if they have food, I love trying a variety of food the locals reccomend. Last time I was in Atlanta the Coke co. Muesum was pretty cool, especially learning the process of how they create it!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, My supportive Boyfriend Benjamin, All the women in the Chicago jiu jitsu community, Josh Hinger for staring my hashtag, and the gyms that allowed me to take pictures when I started.
Website: bjjpics.com
Instagram: @gisellevillasenorphotography