When was the last time you walked into a room and instantly felt seen? That’s what it felt like stepping into a space filled with BIPOC entrepreneurs, creatives, and dreamers who were unapologetically themselves. The energy was electric. The conversations were raw. And for once, I didn’t have to explain the weight I carry, it was already understood.
That’s the power of community events like this one.
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, Jer & I joined Built For Us, a free community gathering hosted by The Valuable, a Winnipeg-based BIPOC creative collective. Held at RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the evening brought together panel speakers, live performances, local vendors, food, and networking, all centered around BIPOC stories and voices.
Check out The Valueable on:
Emmeline & Jer setting up the backdrop.
Rearranging the table to make sure it's eye-catching!
All set-up!
Emmeline showing the photos after posing!
Honest Conversations & Powerful Stories
The panelists left us deeply moved. They were raw, vulnerable, and unafraid to speak truths that rarely surface in professional spaces. They talked about generational trauma, what it’s like growing up as immigrants or children of immigrants, and the realities of being judged or treated differently based on appearance. These are conversations I’ve carried silently for years. To hear them voiced out loud was powerful, healing, and affirming.
As BIPOC people, our above-and-beyond work ethic is often exploited. We’re undervalued and belittled. These panels reminded me that I’m not alone and that there’s a different way to approach these challenges: with curiosity, courage, and community.
The Chaos of Setting Up
Since this was my first ever vendor event like this, setting up was definitely a learning curve. It took longer than expected!
Unfortunately, we ran into a few logistical issues, and to top it off, things at the studio broke right before we left! We were scrambling to arrive in time for set-up, and what usually takes me 15 minutes to put the backdrop, lights, and space.. it ended up taking 30 minutes.
Check out the REEL on Instagram or TIKTOK.
Because of that, I didn’t get a chance to sit with the crowd and really watch the panelists. But from where I was set up, I could still hear and feel the emotions. Even though I wasn’t sitting with the audience, I clapped, gasped, and awed from my little corner of the room.
My First Time as a Vendor
This was also out first time taking part as a vendor at a BIPOC Business Networking Event. I had one table to showcase my work as a Winnipeg photographer, and I also created an interactive experience. I set up a backdrop, light, and director’s chair for what I called The Posing Experience by Emmeline Guerrero.
Here’s how it worked: I invited guests to step in for a quick 30-60 second portrait session. In that short time, I guided them through poses and then showed them the back of my camera. “Wow, that’s actually really good!”
So many people hate being photographed because they feel it won’t flatter them, or they’ve never seen themselves captured through an artist. That’s where I come in. As a portrait photographer and posing expert, my focus is on Connection-First Portraits. For me, it’s about connecting with the person in front of me, learning their energy, and then creating poses and angles that highlight them. Beautiful photos come when the subject feels comfortable, confident, and connected.
(video will be updated once on instagram!)
Why These Events Matter
Events like Built For Us are more than just gatherings. They remind us that we don’t have to shrink ourselves to fit into systems that weren’t built with us in mind. They give us space to build community, amplify each other’s voices, and redefine what it means to thrive as small business owners in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
I walked away from Built For Us feeling inspired, connected, and committed to continuing this work both behind my camera and in my community. Thank you!
Below are some photos from the event!
