MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT
Each month, we feature someone whose work reflects what SisThought is all about—realness, creativity, and self-expression. This space exists to celebrate people who aren’t afraid to share who they are through what they create.
Know someone who fits that? Or maybe it’s you? Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to be considered for May’s Spotlight. Let’s keep making space for honesty, one story at a time.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Damien Perez
-
Redefining Business and Creativity
Damien Perez, a 24-year-old from Bay City, Michigan, is redefining what it means to blend business and creativity. A natural leader and visionary, Damien serves as the head of sales and marketing at Kalpa Solutions while also guiding the creative direction at Taln Media, a company he founded in 2020. Taln Media is a creative agency he built from the ground up, driven by his passion for innovative design and meaningful storytelling. The agency specializes in user-centered design, video marketing, website design, and social media management, providing a diverse range of services to help businesses engage their audiences and grow their brand. By focusing on creating solutions that resonate with target audiences, Damien has developed a reputation for delivering impactful content that drives results.
While Damien excels in the business and creative realms, his journey hasn’t always been smooth. When asked about the challenges of sharing his work with the world, he reflects on the vulnerability of putting yourself out there for others to critique. "Every artist struggles with that process," he shares. "It's hard not to take negative feedback personally, but you have to realize that not everyone is going to like your work. That’s part of the growth process."
Damien’s creative journey began with a passion for photography. While he initially gravitated toward video, he now finds himself drawn to the art of photography. "I’ve always loved the idea of making the world look beautiful through my own eyes," he says. "Photography just feels like a natural way to capture that beauty and tell a story." His love for photography started at age 16 when he bought his first camera with the money he earned from a summer job at an ice cream shop. Inspired by other artists online, he set out to create photos that reflected his unique perspective.
For Damien, creative expression has been a way to process personal emotions and connect with others. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, "When I first started creating, it was a way to define myself during a time of uncertainty. After graduating college and dealing with the changes brought on by COVID, art became something that held everything together for me. It was a medium that allowed me to find my voice and understand who I was."
While his artwork has always been a tool for self-expression, Damien’s focus has evolved over time. "In the past, I wanted to inspire others by sharing my ideas and experiences. Now, my art is more about advocating for myself and finding what I need to hear," he says. He recalls advice from author Kurt Vonnegut, who believes that art should first and foremost be for the artist themselves. "Art shouldn’t be about impressing others. It should be something that comforts you. If others connect with it, that’s just a bonus."
When asked what advice he would give to someone struggling to express themselves authentically, Damien emphasizes the importance of taking that first step, even when it’s difficult. "The first step is always the hardest. I was lucky enough to be naive enough to just put my work out there without caring what others thought," he says. "But as you get older, it becomes harder to do that. My advice is simple—just do it. When you're about to post or share something, just hit send or share without overthinking it. The more you do it, the easier it gets."
Damien leaves one final piece of advice for anyone reading his spotlight: "Don’t focus on the completed project. Focus on the process. What you get out of it—how you grow and learn—is more valuable than the end result. The journey is where the real value lies."
A note from SisThought
Damien’s creativity and kindness have deeply impacted me, both personally and professionally. He’s been a true friend—offering unwavering support and inspiration during my creative journey. Damien embodies everything SisThought stands for: vulnerability, authenticity, and empowerment. His ability to inspire and care for those around him is a gift, and I am grateful for his presence in my life.
Recently, Damien took another step in his journey by marrying his beautiful, smart, and kind wife, Hannah, at the end of 2024. Together, they are a true example of love, growth, and the power of embracing who you are.
Where To Find Damien’s Work