We had the good fortune of connecting with Cherish Ann Martinez-Bellocq, BSN, RN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cherish Ann, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” -Paulo Coelho, the Alchemist It means a lot to me coz I have seen how everything unfolds in my life if it is really meant for you. I always believe that if we work hard and manifest the things we want to happen in our lives it will eventually happen at the right time. I read the book few years back and since then whenever I feel down or struggling with my goals it reminds me where I want to be and comforts me that’s why i like and love it so much!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m originally from the Philippines and a nurse for over a decade. Lived and worked in Kuwait for 9 years and moved here in the Us summer of 2021. To be honest I am proud of all the hard work I put to become a nurse but what excites me right now is the freedom I have when I finally gave myself that chance to do photography. Its not really easy to be honest as I love my nursing career and it’s something that I am very thankful because it gave me the chance to take care of people specially my dad on his last days on earth. The challenges I have faced while making my way through photography is tough coz at the same time I’m adapting to the American living, but having my husband and family to support me made it easy for me to overcome the hurdles. I have learned this lesson over and over but still its the most profound one and its “Change is the only constant thing in this world.” We have to adapt and believe in our own capabilities in order to live our best life. I want the world to know that a Filipina like me can dream big and be an inspiration to others and that following their passion is never too late.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I’m not a big city girl fan but instead I’ll bring them to the coast 30minutes from where I live. Will drive through Bay St. Louis going through Gulfport and Biloxi but passing through the beach. We’ll hangout to some local seafood restaurants and my favorite Indian restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I personally wanted to dedicated this shout out to my husband Chris and my family for their outmost support and of course to Horizon Found and The Photographers Path community which is led by Nicole Hill and Dustin Damron. I would never be the photographer I am now if not without their guidance and passion they put into the whole TPP community.

Website: https://memorylanephotography431.mypixieset.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mml022/

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