Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as we sit down with Eliana Mendez, creative director and photographer behind Human-Centric Media, for an authentic conversation about creativity, community, and the irreplaceable power of human connection in an increasingly digital world.

What starts as a discussion about camera gear and photography quickly evolves into a powerful exploration of what it means to create with soul. Eliana opens up about their journey from journalism school to building a values-driven media company, sharing how they've learned to embrace authenticity over perfection and flow over force. Renee brings her perspective on trusting the creative process, while Damion explores how innovation often requires standing alone before others catch up—like Prince releasing music on the internet in the 90s when everyone thought it was crazy.

Key Topics Explored:

* Why human connection outweighs technical equipment every time

* The misconception that creativity requires "finding inspiration" (spoiler: stop trying so hard)

* How AI is actually making authentic human creativity more valuable, not less

* The importance of trusting creatives when you hire them—and getting out of their way

* Building a business around values and authentic expression as a Puerto Rican transgender creative

* Why vulnerability and authenticity create lasting connections over vanity metrics

* The art of being a "vessel for expression" rather than forcing creative outcomes

* How the internet has made it impossible to put authentic expression "back in the bag"

Going Behind the Curtain: This episode pulls back the creative curtain to reveal the deeper philosophies that drive authentic creative work. We dive into Eliana's spiritual approach to creativity—their belief that we're naturally attracted to what serves us and that removing blocks creates better flow than forcing outcomes. The conversation unveils the real challenges creatives face when clients hire them but then micromanage the process, and why organizational creative paralysis happens when founders can't let go of their "baby." We explore Eliana's bold stance on living authentically as a transgender Puerto Rican creative in Portland, their intentional choice to work only with values-aligned clients, and their morning routine of waking up at 8:30, stretching, coffee with their dog Lola, and neighborhood flower-sniffing before starting work at 10:30. Most revealing is their framework for understanding AI as simply "an average of everything else"—making the case that the more companies flood the zone with mediocre generated content, the more valuable authentic human creativity becomes.

Whether you're a creative professional struggling with authenticity, someone navigating the AI landscape, or anyone seeking to build meaningful work that reflects their true values, this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual permission to stop trying so hard and start flowing with who you really are.

Connect with Eliana:

* Website: humancentricmedia.com

* LinkedIn: Eliana (Ellie) Mendez

* Instagram: @humancentricmedia

* Pinterest: @humancentricmedia

* Ultramarine Photo: ultramarinephoto.com

* Newsletter: The Southeast Portland Dispatch (bi-weekly)

Perfect for: Photographers and visual creators, entrepreneurs building values-driven businesses, anyone curious about authentic expression in business, creatives concerned about AI, and those seeking community and connection through their work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit droweaudio.substack.com