My Story with SunglassLA

Posted by DJ Morales on Sep 11th 2019

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is DJ Morales.

I am the photography and social media intern for Sunglass LA.

As an intern, I attend events, assist in managing the social media account, and work on creating content for the website, instagram, and the bloggers we collaborate with.

I am currently entering into my senior year of college at Savannah College of Art and Design where I am majoring in commercial photography with a minor in fashion photography. Early on in highschool, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in the field of photography after finding a deep passion for the art in middle school. In November of 2015, I launched my photography business and began freelancing as a photographer while simultaneously enrolled in school.

I started working with SunglassLA in 2017. Like many other content creators and artists, my collaboration with Sunglass LA began as an ambassador. I hand picked several sunglasses I wanted to utilize in my photo shoots and when I received the product, went out and created content. I worked with SunglassLA when new arrivals came in and the photographs were featured on their Instagram. (If you’d like to inquire about collaborations with SunglassLA you can email collab@sunglass.la.com)

https://www.instagram.com/djmoralesss/

Instagram: @djmoralesss x @georgiavannewkirk

Fast forward to Summer 2019. I reached out to the company in search of a creative position. I went from working with Sunglass LA strictly through emails to meeting the creators behind the amazing company that is Sunglass LA.

The opportunity to work with Sunglass LA has been a huge impact on my life. Since working with Sunglass LA I have met so many new individuals from my co workers, to my boss, to creative individuals in Southern California.

I want to answer two questions: who is Sunglass LA and more importantly, what does Sunglass LA mean to me?

This is definitely a loaded question. Sunglass LA is a family, it is a community of individuals working to nurture creativity amongst a generation of artists and entrepreneurs. Even before working with the company, I recognized that they had a unique identity and selfless desire to spread kindness and encouragement. It has never been about the followers but rather the potential of an individual. When looking for collaborations we reach out to individuals who have a passion for creating content. For me, being welcomed into the Sunglass LA family helped foster my creativity. It’s been an incredibly nurturing and supportive experience working for them. As an artist, finding my voice, style, and pursuing what truly brings me joy is very important to me. With Sunglass LA I found just that. I was reminded why I began photography. I photograph because it gives me the creative freedom and opportunity to story tell, to make something from my own vision. Photography is a way of meeting new individuals and sharing like minded ideas to produce something liberating.

My internship with Sunglass LA was more to me than just a job or line on my resume. It was an opportunity to grow as an artist, gain wisdom from genuine individuals, and find a family who would support me until the end of times.

My advice to you guys: Find what brings you joy in life. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and want you to succeed just as much as you do. Every missed opportunity has its reasoning. For me, I was meant to be apart of the SGLA team. I had something to give to them and they to me. Nurture your passions and make sure you love what you do as well as the environment you work in because it truly makes all the difference.

I hope your job brings you happiness, I hope you come into work every day excited and full of life. This is a reminder to alter your mindset. Rather than allowing negative thoughts such as, “I have to go to work”, tell yourself, “I get to”. What you have is a blessing which many individuals may not have the fortune of having. So take every opportunity into light and appreciate where you are because it’s going to help you get to where you need to be.

Sunglass LA, you have been one of my most cherished experiences. To everyone who has worked with me or taught me along the way, thank you, thank you for helping me grow.

To wrap things up, here is a brief preview of the work I have created while working with the company!