Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Gonzalez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
BIOGRAPHY
A.J. GONZALEZ, was born on January 25, 1962, in a very humble environment in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela. From a young age, he had an artistic curiosity, which he developed by painting on anything he could find—whether it was a piece of paper on the ground or even the noodle soup on his plate, where he would create arabesque designs with the noodles. Because of this, his maternal grandmother often punished him. He also loved playing with his father’s flashbulb camera, which his father treasured. This is where his love and inspiration for photography began.
He studied Sculpture at the Casa de Cultura in Maracaibo while simultaneously pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Administration. After graduating and working for a local oil company, he opened an artisan workshop called Ánfora Punto Artístico, where he developed his skills as a painter, selling all his artwork on the island of Aruba.
As the years passed and his futuristic vision continued to grow, life took a turning point when his beloved mother passed away at the age of 51. Devastated, A.J. decided to move to the United States to live with an aunt who welcomed him into her home 30 years ago. He left behind a world, a family, and a life. Upon arriving, he worked from washing dishes in a restaurant to cleaning offices in Downtown, yet he never lost hope of becoming successful and achieving his goals.
He later worked in hotels as a Front Desk Clerk, a job that helped him learn English, an essential language for professional development in the U.S. During his journey of self-discovery, he also became certified as a Massage Therapist, a profession that brought him much satisfaction, especially as he was able to help many people heal and relieve their pain.
One day, two friends, Barbara and Melba, encouraged him to dedicate himself full-time to photography. One of them gave him an opportunity to work for her, and from that moment on, A.J.’s dedication and determination to achieve his goals led him to build a successful career in a foreign country.
Later, A.J. met what he calls “the best photographer in the world,” the master of poses, Angel Prado, who became a great inspiration and role model for him.
Eventually, alongside his business partner Jose Bethencourt, they started a company now known as A.J. Production Events. With Jose as a Master Stylist and A.J. as a Professional Photographer and Makeup Artist, they became the perfect combination, offering an exclusive all-in-one studio where clients can receive photography, makeup, and hairstyling services in a single location. Over time, their business expanded into a full-production company, providing wedding, quinceañera, and corporate event services.
With the success of A.J. Production Events and the growing demand for entertainment in Orlando, “Discover Your Beauty – The Fashion Show” was born.
Many individuals have walked its runway, using it as a springboard to fame. The show has also hosted prominent figures in the community, such as Raquel Tacón, the Vice-Consul of Spain, who captivated audiences with her Flamenco performance alongside her dancers. Every year, the event features renowned choreographer Eddy Rivera, who designs the entire show’s choreography. After rigorous training and countless rehearsals, many male and female models have walked the runway as true professionals.
A.J. also created the project “A Dream for 5 Quinceañeras,” which has been celebrated for two consecutive years. He has gathered numerous business owners and volunteers to gift a quinceañera celebration to five underprivileged girls who otherwise would not have had the opportunity or hope to celebrate this milestone. This grand event includes a spectacular stage, choreography, princely escorts, dresses, accessories, makeup, hairstyles, food, a banquet hall, a limousine, an extraordinary cake, a professional photo session, video coverage, and, most importantly, God’s blessing, as He is the one who makes all of this possible.
Among A.J.’s most current projects, he and his husband Jose Bethencourt are working tirelessly to create and develop the DYB Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to financially assisting and boosting the self-esteem of cancer survivors and patients. They achieve this through fundraisers and by organizing the “Come to Celebrate Life” event for cancer survivors.
For the future, A.J. is committed to uniting the Hispanic community in Orlando and Kissimmee, which remains divided by pride and resentment. He strongly believes that “we must always work together because we are all children of God. In other words, we are brothers and sisters living together in a foreign country.”
A.J. Photography
www.AJProductionEvents.com
www.TheDYBFoundation.org
📞 407-965-9009 & 407-719-3311
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I arrived in the USA 30 years ago, the road was not smooth. I faced many challenges, including the language barrier, as I only spoke Spanish at the time. No one knew me, and I had to work extremely hard, juggling two jobs at the same time just to survive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
A.J. Gonzalez (President, Producer, Professional Photographer, Makeup Artist & Wedding Planner) & Jose Bethencourt (Vice-President, Cosmetologist, Decorator & Coordinator) offer qualified, impartial advice and solutions to your needs. Whatever your requirements are and whatever your budget, our creative team will work tirelessly to provide an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests.
With over two decades of event experience, at A.J. Production Events LLC, we provide full-service production, including weddings, sweet 16th, quinces, corporate events, holidays, fashion shows, bar mitzvah & others.
Operating from both a design and production standpoint, A.J. is known for producing custom environments complete with inventive design and impactful details, whatever your requirements and budget are.
Whether working with an existing client vision or creating a fresh idea, their access to a vast inventory of décor, props, lighting, custom items, and rentals transforms design visions into seamlessly executed events.
From casual gatherings to formal affairs, our associates guarantee an enjoyable planning experience and a successfully executed production.
Our mission is simple… to create and deliver a wonderful, unforgettable event.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Little Prince, Bible, A Night To Remember, The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter ,One Hundred Years of Solitude, etc
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ajproductionevents.com
- Instagram: ajproductionevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJProductionEvents
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-production-events-llc-a09ab0151/
- Youtube: @ajproductionevents3831
Image Credits
All Pictures belongs to AJ Production Events and I am the owner of this company.
