Check out my interview with Jetpac :)

jetpacapp:

This Week’s Featured Photographer: Ylenia Cuéllar

Every week in the Jetpac app we’re exploring a new destination through the eyes of a local. This week we’re featuring a young and talented Mexican fashion photographer living in Paris. Her name is Ylenia Cuéllar and her photos make us want to pack our bags and live the Parisian life.

Ylenia was born and raised in Mexico. Ever since a young age she was really passionate about anything and everything, but then she realized that her true passions are fashion and photography. She studied marketing with the plan to pursue fashion once finished, so she decided to move to Paris.

Once in Paris she graduated from ESMOD, worked with the Portuguese designer Felipe Oliveira Baptista, and collaborated on some projects with other designers. Ylenia wants to give back all the incredible experience that Paris gave her, so she became a fashion guide who will lead you through the most secret designers and vintage shops in the city via Localers.

Ylenia also starter her own a fashion blog, Ambitieuse,  that displays some of her photography and snaps from her daily life and small adventures. She does her photoshoots in different locations to allow her readers to visit and experience Paris with her. 

What was it about Paris that made you want to live there? 
It certainly was the Paris dream! There are so many reasons why I wanted to move here. I was intrigued by the culture and was amazed by its beauty. 

I wanted to learn the language and it seemed to be the best place where to exploit my two passions: fashion and photography.

Has Paris lived up to your expectations?
Definitely yes. The thing is, one has to learn that no matter where; if you move to a different country of course there will be a small culture shock and difficulties along the way. Once you understand that, you are able to find the beauty of the experience and this new place.

Paris has its good side and bad side, but I often still get butterflies thinking that I live in this amazing city.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve found about Paris after moving there?
To see how many faces Paris has. When visiting, most people get to see and experience just the surface of it; there’s so much more to Paris than just the Eiffel Tower and the baguettes.  

Where do you love going with your friends and why?
We love going to Le Marais and Montmartre. These two areas are so alive and have so much to offer: places to eat and drink, art galleries, boutiques, cinemas, workshops, parks, etc.

Where in Mexico are you from and what do you miss the most about Mexico?
I’m from Mexico City. What I miss the most is the real Mexican food and the warm weather. There’s many other things I miss, but I think these two are the ones that have me pulling my hair most of the time.  

Since you’re already living in Paris - one of the most dreamed-about cities in the world, where are you dreaming of going on vacation?
I think being from a big city and now living in another great city, makes me long for the opposite; isolated peaceful places, surrounded by nature or places where the people are very much in touch with their roots and ancient traditions. To name a few, I would love to go to the Maldives, India, Cambodia, New Zealand and Peru.  

Go explore all her wonderful Paris photos in the Jetpac app!

Jetpac, the iPad app for travel inspiration. 
See where your friends have traveled! www.jetpac.com