We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Fisk-Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mary, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
inding my purpose emerged from a blend of personal loss, self-discovery, and the eventual realization of the impact I could make through my profession. My journey began far from photography, with aspirations that lay in law and justice, driven by a challenging childhood marked by the loss of my father and the close bond with my grandmother. Her belief in the importance of preserving memories through photographs, despite her own reluctance to be photographed, deeply influenced me. This contradiction sparked my initial love-hate relationship with photography, a field I never intended to pursue.
The turning point came unexpectedly during my own wedding preparations, when an encounter with a compassionate photographer transformed my self-perception and introduced me to the world of photography. What started as a part-time job to support a fledgling business soon evolved into a full-fledged career and partnership. My grandmother’s influence, combined with my own experiences in front of and behind the camera, shaped my approach to photography. I strived to capture the beauty and strength of individuals, particularly women, during their most significant life moments, fostering an environment of empathy and empowerment.
As my skills in photography grew, so did my interest in painting, adding another dimension to my work. This new avenue allowed me to further celebrate the individuality and beauty of my subjects, blending my photographic eye with my emerging artistic talents. However, it was a poignant reminder from my own daughter about the scarcity of family portraits that truly brought my journey full circle. It compelled me to confront my insecurities and prioritize capturing these fleeting moments for my family and others.
This personal evolution not only heightened my creativity but also deepened my connection with clients. I learned to see beyond the technical aspects of photography, understanding the emotional and symbolic weight of these visual heirlooms. My work became a medium through which I could share love, loss, and life’s milestones, helping others see their own beauty and value through my lens. It underscored the importance of preserving memories, not just for the immediate gratification but for the lasting legacy they create.
In embracing my vulnerabilities and the transformative power of photography, I found my purpose. It lies in the stories I capture, the memories I preserve, and the impact I make on individuals’ lives, encouraging self-acceptance and confidence. My journey reflects a continuous process of learning, growth, and giving back, inspired by those I have loved and lost. Through my work, I aim to empower others to see their own worth and beauty, fostering a cycle of positivity and self-fulfillment that transcends the immediate frame.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At the heart of my work lies the intersection of photography, art, and mentorship, a passion that has evolved from a deeply personal journey into a multifaceted professional calling. As a photographer and artist, I specialize in capturing life’s pivotal moments, focusing on portraying the strength and beauty of women through my lens and paintbrush. Beyond creating portraits, I am deeply committed to empowering small creative businesses, drawing on nearly three decades of experience in building a successful and profitable business.
What sets my work apart is not only the empathy and understanding I bring to each session but also the guidance and mentorship I provide to fellow entrepreneurs. Rooted in my own experiences of self-doubt, transformation, and triumph, I strive to help other small businesses find their path to success, profitability, and sustainability. My aim is to create a community where creativity and business acumen coalesce, enabling others to thrive in their endeavors.
This mission is deeply personal and professional. Inspired by the loss of my grandmother and my journey towards self-acceptance, I’ve learned the importance of being present in our own stories and the value of capturing those moments. As a mentor, I extend this philosophy to the business realm, advocating for a balanced approach where passion and pragmatism meet.
Professionally, I am focused on expanding the reach of my artistic work and my mentorship program. To this end, I’ve embraced digital painting alongside traditional photography, offering clients unique portraits that carry emotional and generational value. Moreover, as a coach, I am dedicated to developing resources, workshops, and one-on-one sessions tailored to the needs of creative entrepreneurs, aiming to foster growth, innovation, and resilience in their businesses.
Looking ahead, I am excited about several new developments. I am planning a series of exhibitions to showcase the empowering stories of the women I’ve photographed, aiming to inspire and connect with a wider audience. Additionally, I am exploring collaborative opportunities with other artists and mentors, to enrich the community of visual storytelling and business mentorship.
I am also committed to continuous learning and sharing in both my artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether it’s mastering new photography techniques, exploring innovative painting methods, or developing cutting-edge business strategies, I believe in the importance of evolving to bring fresh perspectives and sustainable success to my work and those I mentor.
For anyone interested in the transformative power of photography and art, or seeking guidance in navigating the challenges of creative entrepreneurship, I invite you to follow my journey and explore how we might collaborate to tell your own unique story and build a thriving business. Together, we can create lasting memories and forge paths to success that celebrate the beauty of the human spirit and the innovative spirit of entrepreneurship.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge stand out as being most impactful: empathy, adaptability, and business acumen. These elements not only shaped my personal and professional growth but also my ability to mentor others. Here’s how they contributed to my success and how others can develop them:
1. Empathy
Impact: Empathy allowed me to connect deeply with my subjects and clients, understanding their desires and insecurities. This connection is vital in creating art that resonates and in building relationships that sustain a business. It’s empathy that enables us to see beyond the surface, capturing the essence of those we work with or for.
Development Advice: Cultivate empathy by actively listening and engaging with diverse stories and perspectives. Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes, whether it’s through reading, volunteering, or simply having deep conversations with people from different walks of life. In your professional interactions, focus not just on the transaction but on the human connection.
2. Adaptability
Impact: The ability to adapt is crucial in a landscape that is constantly evolving, whether it’s through changes in technology, consumer preferences, or the broader economic climate. For me, embracing digital painting alongside traditional photography was a testament to adaptability, as was pivoting towards mentorship and coaching.
Development Advice: To improve adaptability, challenge yourself regularly by stepping out of your comfort zone. Learn new skills that are not directly related to your current line of work, and stay informed about trends and changes in your industry. Practice problem-solving in unfamiliar scenarios to build confidence in your ability to adapt.
3. Business Acumen
Impact: Understanding the fundamentals of running a successful and profitable business—such as marketing, finance, and strategic planning—was indispensable. This knowledge ensured not just artistic success but also financial sustainability, allowing me to invest back into my passion and support others.
Development Advice: Start by educating yourself on the basics of business. Online courses, workshops, and books on entrepreneurship can be incredibly valuable. Seek mentors who have walked the path before you, and don’t shy away from asking for advice. Consider internships or volunteer work in business settings to gain practical experience.
General Advice for Early Journey Folks:
Be Patient and Persistent: Growth and success take time. Embrace the journey, including its setbacks, as each step teaches you something valuable.
Network and Collaborate: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Networking can lead to opportunities and collaborations that can accelerate your growth.
Stay True to Your Vision: While adaptability is key, it’s also important to remain faithful to your core values and vision. Let these guide your decisions and your development in these areas.
Cultivating these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge can create a strong foundation for anyone at the beginning of their journey, not just to achieve professional success but to build a fulfilling and impactful career.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has played a transformative role in both my personal and professional development is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Dr. Carol Dweck. The core principle of the book, distinguishing between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, catalyzed a significant shift in how I approach challenges, failures, and learning opportunities. Here are a few of the most valuable insights I gained:
1. The Power of “Not Yet”
Dweck introduces the concept of “not yet” as a way to view failures and setbacks. Instead of seeing an unsuccessful attempt as a definitive failure, it’s seen as not having succeeded yet. This simple shift in language and perspective encourages perseverance and resilience, underscoring the idea that growth and competence can be developed with effort and time. Applying this to my work meant adopting a more patient and persistent approach to mastering new skills and techniques, both in photography and business management.
2. Effort as the Path to Mastery
The book emphasizes that effort is not just a path to improvement but the path to mastery. This dismantled my previous belief that talent was a fixed trait and that struggling meant I wasn’t “naturally” good at something. Understanding that effort and struggle are integral to learning and growth transformed how I approached my craft and mentorship, encouraging a culture where effort is celebrated and viewed as a stepping stone to excellence.
3. Embracing Challenges
Dweck discusses how a growth mindset leads to embracing challenges instead of avoiding them. This was particularly impactful for me. It helped me see challenges not as threats to my ego or my identity as a successful professional but as opportunities to evolve and innovate. Whether it was navigating the complexities of digital painting or developing my mentorship program, I learned to lean into difficulties with curiosity and openness.
4. Feedback as a Gift
Another pivotal insight was viewing feedback not as criticism but as a valuable tool for growth. This perspective made me more receptive to constructive criticism, whether from peers, clients, or my own self-assessment. It fostered an environment where continuous improvement was the goal, and feedback loops were a crucial part of the process.
5. The Importance of Yet
Lastly, the concept of “yet” has become a mantra for me and my team. It serves as a reminder that we are all works in progress, and that skills, capabilities, and even our creativity are not fixed but can be developed over time with dedication and hard work.
Integrating the principles from “Mindset” by Dr. Carol Dweck into my life and work has been revolutionary. It has not only enhanced my resilience and adaptability but has also enriched the way I mentor others, emphasizing that with the right mindset, there are no limits to what can be achieved.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hayesandfisk.com
- Instagram: @maryfisktaylor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.fisktaylor
Image Credits
Hayes & Fisk Photography I want to discuss the use of any of my images before they are published due to client privacy etc.
