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

Hi Estephania, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I don’t think creativity was ever a decision I made—it’s simply embedded in me, a fundamental part of who I am. It began as a way to express what often gets lost in voice—the nuanced, in-between-the-lines exposition of stories. From writing my feelings in a journal to poetry that captured raw emotions, and even short stories reflecting life’s simple struggles, storytelling has always been my outlet.

As I’ve grown, I’ve realized my stories center around the authenticity of my present life and my desire to share my voice as your own. Ultimately, I see creativity as a way to remind us all that, no matter what era of life we’re in, we are never truly alone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love seeing the growth of my craft over the years, discovering the perfect voice to pour onto the pages. I’m excited to see how my voice continues to evolve in the future, reflecting the different eras of my life.

Allowing myself to fully rest and take things slow during writing blocks has been essential. It’s in those moments that I’ve been able to shape an even more authentic voice. Knowing that there are no true restrictions on what or how I write is freeing—it makes creating easier and helps me discover new ways to connect with readers.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is not knowing who my target audience would be or who my work would resonate with. I’ve learned that trying to target someone too specifically can restrict creativity. Instead, I focus on creating authentically and letting the universe guide my work to the right audience.

Through my writing, I want people to feel seen and connected. I hope they find themselves intertwined with the stories I tell, immersed in pages filled with undeniable relatability.

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.
I would take my besties to eat at Waffle House as soon as they land.
After they finish settling in I would take them to dinner at Taverna in Buckhead for the best Italian food and drinks. Then head to Painted Duck for a good night of fun and games, unless we’re in the mood for some dancing, we would go to the following places: Johnny’s Hideaway, Eclipse di Luna, Habitat, El Valle, or Sebastian’s.
For a Sunday afternoon, we would go to church at the 1145 service at Passion City then head to Foxtail Coffee in Buckhead for some coffee and a sweet treat. Then head to the beltline for some casual walking in the city.
Throughout the week we would explore some town squares, like Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, Duluth, Virginia Highlands, or Inman park. I would take them to The Supermarket for some live poetry readings, artwork being displayed, art vendors and food vendors, all locally made. Biking through piedmont park, visiting little five points and show them Bellow’s film lab. Eat a slice of felinis’ pizza. catch live music at eddie’s attic. some nice live jazz music at Burle’s Bar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give endless thanks to my dearest friends, who physically joined me in the stories unfolding before our eyes—stories curated during nights out, or even nights spent in. They are the first to receive any drafts, acting as my editors and offering unfiltered creative criticism.

A big thank you goes to the many strangers who became friends, friends who became lovers, and lovers who became strangers—the inspiration behind our connections is the heart of everything I write.

I’m forever grateful for my mom, whose unwavering support and selfless love have been the foundation for all my projects. I know I wouldn’t feel as free as I do to be a woman today if it weren’t for her.

mom. mariana. heidi. gaby. my muses.

Website: https://www.ebarona.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohhinia/

Image Credits
all photos and credit belong to me.

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