At the starting point of our creative journey, we make choices that will either drive us toward what we want or drive us away from it. At the time, we might not even realize what's driving us. We think outside forces play a bigger role than internal determination and intuition, which in the end is the reason we arrive anywhere. Norton Zanini is a Florida-based photographer and creative entrepreneur who left his home in Brazil at the age of 17 to come to the US to pursue his passion in photography and film. With no money, education, experience, or prospects, he shares how he turned his dream into a reality.

What he did, got him noticed and an opportunity he needed to break-in. But it was not easy, and it certainly wasn't overnight. Norton started at my photography studio as an intern over a dozen years ago and has been working with me ever since. He grew his career from intern, to production assistant, to studio manager, to content creator.

Norton's story reminds us there's no competition to persistance, perserverance, and diving in with your whole heart.

Enjoy!