Influential Woman · Creative Agency

Giselle Villegas Correa

Founder, Gemini Studio

Bothell, WA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of Washington Degree Double Degree in Medical Anthropology and Linguistics Degree 2022 Degree Community College Degree UX/UI Design Certification Cert UX/UI Design Certification Cert Lash Extension Certification

Her Story

About Giselle

I graduated from the University of Washington in 2022 with a double degree in medical anthropology and linguistics, one of my dream schools. After graduation, I wanted to give back to the community health clinic that had helped my family since I was little, so I ended up working there. But I realized I wasn't good at the medical field and that something was missing. I've always been good at art, design, and creative stuff. I had originally wanted to go to art school in San Francisco but couldn't because of the money, so I spent my time at UW trying to have a safety net with medical anthropology and linguistics. After quitting the clinic job, I started applying my photography skills because I'm really good at photography. I happen to be a jack of all trades. I landed a job at a film shop and ended up being the head editor there when the senior left, working in editing, Photoshop, printing, and photography. I knew I was going to outgrow that job, so I decided to quit with no safety net and no plan. I also went to Japan with very little money, and that experience changed me. When I came back, I moved in with my parents and applied for a loan to get certified in UX/UI Design. I pursued that for a whole year with no job, lost my car, didn't have an apartment, but I kept going. Right after I graduated from my UX degree, I landed a virtual assistant job for a real estate photography company. I've expanded my responsibilities to include content creation and involving myself more in the creative side of virtual assisting. I also went to Mexico because I couldn't afford living here, and while there I learned beauty esthetician skills and got certified in lash extensions. When I came back, I came back very jacked up in skills. I do a little bit of everything.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Giselle

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say love, and some books I've read, some spiritual guru that I've met, or not met, but know his work. I also follow this Buddhist belief that helps guide me. When I'm coming to a decision or analyzing my reaction or doing the self-work in any aspect of my life or work, I ask myself: is it coming from fear, or is it coming from love? The majority of the time, it comes from fear, so knowing that helps me realize I'm just scared. If I push through the fear, something good might actually happen.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I have this Buddhist belief that we're not really supposed to give advice to people or alter their path in any way. We can only be like a mirror. But if someone asks me for advice, I would probably say this: When you're coming to a decision, or you're analyzing your reaction, or you're doing the self-work in anything, in every aspect of your life, your work, or anything, ask yourself: is it coming from fear, or is it coming from love? The majority of the time, it comes from fear, so knowing that helps. If it comes from fear, it's easier to recognize that I'm just scared. If I push through the fear, something good might actually happen.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think it's getting exposure. When it comes to showcasing my photography, there's many photographers and I blend in. I'm like camouflaged with the rest of the photographers, and I think it's hard to stand out and to show people that I'm different. My backup plan to stand out is to know different skills and have different skills, because I feel like that's what's helping me with this challenge. I'm not just a photographer, I'm a designer, I do beauty outside, I'm also a VA, and what do I not do?

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The first value would be integrity. The second one would be honesty over comfort. I also believe in keeping my word - if I say something, I do it. And always doing my best. These values guide everything I do, both professionally and personally.

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