Rising Stars: Meet Lizbeth Burgos De Peña of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizbeth Burgos De Peña

Hi Lizbeth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had a creative eye—it’s been a way for me to express my thoughts and emotions in ways that words sometimes couldn’t. When I discovered anime as a child, it opened up a vibrant world of colors and stories that inspired me to explore creativity further.

In high school, I was shy and hesitant to step out of my comfort zone. That started to change when I joined a digital media academy, where I learned marketing, photography, and graphic design. This program not only sparked my passion for photography but also helped me build confidence through speaking and presenting. By senior year, I was already taking college courses, and I earned a certificate in Graphic Design and Advertising before graduating high school.

In college, I decided to take my creative hobbies more seriously. As a proud member of the Hispanic/Latine community, I wanted to use my skills to help others in my community capture memories and bring their business visions to life. That’s how Made by LDP, LLC was born—a creative venture focused on photography and branding. I’ve had the opportunity to work with small businesses to create brand identities and marketing materials, as well as capture meaningful lifestyle moments like graduations, couple sessions, and family portraits.

While balancing a full-time job and working on my master’s degree, my business is currently growing at a steady pace. My ultimate goal is to own a creative studio where I can continue to combine my passion for design, photography, and community impact. I see every step as an opportunity to learn, grow, and bring people’s visions to life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe growth comes from navigating paths full of twists and turns, not straight lines. I’m incredibly grateful for every opportunity I’ve had, viewing each one as a chance to learn and improve. However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

I’ve faced my fair share of long, stressful nights, creative blocks, imposter syndrome, financial struggles, and more. Photography and graphic design can be costly fields to pursue because of the equipment and tools needed, but I’ve learned to work with what I have. Over time, I’ve realized that progress doesn’t require perfection—it requires persistence.

Imposter syndrome, in particular, has been a significant hurdle. There were moments when I doubted whether I was good enough or questioned my place in the creative industry. I’ve worked through this by reminding myself of my unique perspective and focusing on the value I bring to others.

Stress and anxiety have also been challenges along the way. I’ve learned the importance of taking care of my well-being, recognizing that I can’t pour into others if I’m running on empty. Prioritizing self-care—whether through mindfulness, rest, or setting boundaries—has been a crucial part of my journey.

Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me resilience and patience, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. The road may not have been easy, but it’s shaped me into the creative and determined person I am today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a local North Carolina photographer and graphic designer specializing in lifestyle and senior sessions, as well as brand-related work such as logos, business cards, websites, and marketing materials. In the future, I hope to expand my photography to include couples’ sessions for weddings and engagements.

What sets me apart is my blend of research, creativity, determination, focus, and affordable pricing. I take the time to understand my clients’ needs and goals, ensuring each project reflects their unique vision. Whether it’s capturing joyful moments or bringing a brand concept to life, I pour my heart into every detail to consistently deliver high-quality results while keeping professional services accessible.

I genuinely love meeting new people and being part of their journey—whether by preserving life’s precious moments or helping their businesses thrive. Transforming stories into visuals that resonate deeply fuels my passion.

I’m most proud of stepping out of my comfort zone to build Made by LDP, LLC. It’s been a journey of growth and courage, teaching me that success comes from taking action, embracing opportunities, and trusting the process. Every step is a testament to my resilience and drive.

Although I’m still a beginner, I am eager to keep learning, expanding my portfolio, and showcasing my abilities. Every project is an opportunity for growth, and I approach each one with enthusiasm and a commitment to making a lasting impact.

What were you like growing up?
I’m going to be honest: as a kid, I struggled a bit with interacting with people outside of my family. I was incredibly shy and intensely reserved, but I also had a caring and loving side that not many could see until I grew. My low self-esteem made social interactions challenging, and bullying only amplified those struggles. My sass became a defense mechanism, which made it difficult for others to get close to me.

Over time, I learned that not everyone is out to hurt you, and that being open to new people and experiences is vital for growth. My journey of self-improvement began through my passion for art and creativity, which became a way for me to express myself and build confidence. In high school, my shyness still held me back, and I would often tell my teachers I’d rather take an F than present in front of the class. But through the mentorship of key people in my life—those who offered tough love and encouragement—I began to see the value in stepping outside my comfort zone. Their support, combined with my creative pursuits, taught me to embrace courage, take risks, and believe in my abilities. It was through these experiences, along with the unwavering support of my family, that I learned to trust myself and take bold steps toward growth.

My interests have always centered around art and creativity; the colors and storytelling allowed me to explore life in a unique way. Spending time with my family was also a huge part of my upbringing—I grew up in a large, close-knit family, and those moments meant the world to me. I also enjoyed trying new things, from dancing and cheerleading to Taekwondo and beyond. While I may not have stuck with every activity, each experience taught me how much I love to learn and explore different passions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madebyldpllc.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeby.ldp/