We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rich Taylor. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Rich, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
This is a fascinating question, one I often pose in my coaching sessions. Many people tell me that once they achieve this or that—a higher income, a better job, new friendships, or some other external milestone—then they will finally experience joy. Yet, what I consistently observe is a recurring cycle: joy is deferred, placed in the future, dependent on circumstances that may or may not arrive.
The truth I share with clients is this: the very idea of “pursuing” joy or happiness is misleading. Consider it—how does one chase happiness? Happiness, in its most authentic form, is not something to be captured in the future but something to be recognized and cultivated in the present.
When I reflect on what makes me happy, the answer is not abstract. It is concrete, lived experience: the challenge of rock climbing, the simple pleasure of a movie, the inspiration from a thoughtful podcast, the comfort of pumpkin coffee on a crisp autumn morning, or the peace of lying in a hammock with a book until I drift into sleep on a cool afternoon.
Rather than focusing on what I lack, I consciously engage with what I already have that brings me joy. That shift—from postponing happiness to practicing it—changes everything. So, let me ask you, the reader: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My story is both complex and deeply intertwined.
I began my career as a graphic designer, and soon after, I expanded into web design and coding. I loved—and still love—the process of creating beautiful, high-end designs that resonate with clients. The work was rewarding, but over time, I felt something was missing.
That search led me to professional photography. With my design background, I already understood composition, balance, and color theory—what I needed was to learn the technical side of the camera. My teacher once told me I picked it up with unusual speed, and before long, I was working with high-end clients, earning recognition, and being published in international photography magazines.
But what photography gave me went beyond artistic achievement. Clients began to open up to me during our sessions, sharing their thoughts, fears, and aspirations. What started as a photoshoot often became a space of trust, reflection, and even healing. I found I loved those moments just as much as the art itself. In truth, it wasn’t new—throughout my life, people from all walks had confided in me: family, friends, and even strangers.
Photography, in many ways, became the catalyst for the next chapter of my journey. I returned to school, became a certified life coach, and stepped into the work that felt like a natural extension of everything before it.
Today, as a life coach, I have the privilege of working with people who are ready to change their lives. My focus is empowerment—helping clients develop self-worth, self-respect, and, most importantly, self-love. I draw from real-world experiences, teaching that each of us has choices and that it is okay if not everyone agrees with them. What matters most is that you agree with you!
My mantra is simple: “I got me.” It’s a truth I live by, and it’s a gift I pass on to every client who walks into my world.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
This is a deeply personal question — and one I love.
Growing up, I struggled with self-worth and self-love to the point where I felt invisible; I believed that if I disappeared, no one would notice. Those years were dark, shaped by external voices that slowly chipped away at my belief in myself. Those voices were corrosive, wielded like tools of control to keep me small. But that chapter ended a few years ago and these people would not recognize the man I am today.
Through an intentional and difficult journey of change, I reclaimed my life. I discovered self-respect, rebuilt my self-esteem, and—most importantly—learned to love myself. What surprised me most was the emergence of something deeper: empowerment. I discovered an inner strength I never knew I had. Today I stand on my own two feet, make my own choices, and live by a simple truth: I got me. I choose that every single day.
If I could go back, I would wrap my arms around my younger self and whisper, “Don’t believe the lies. You matter, and you will be okay. The road ahead may be dark at times, but it will shape you, strengthen you, and ultimately empower you into a proud man. Proud of yourself. Hold on—you will be more than okay.”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Not long ago, I faced a moment that tested me deeply. When I moved back to North Carolina, I believed I would simply pick up where I had left off. I expected to reconnect with old friends and reestablish relationships with former clients. Many had encouraged me before my move, giving me the impression I would be welcomed back into the same circles as a professional photographer.
But what I found was the opposite. Old friends had moved on, and past clients had gone in different directions. The reality was heartbreaking, and for a short time, I felt isolated and alone.
After a few days of self-pity, I began to coach myself through the experience. What I uncovered changed everything.
I realized that I hadn’t just moved back—I had been given the gift of a true restart. The universe had answered my request for a “new beginning,” though not in the way I had expected. This was an opportunity to build new friendships, connect with new clients, and embrace experiences I hadn’t yet imagined.
What I’ve come to see is that perspective is everything. A situation can appear devastating at first glance, yet with a shift in attitude, it can reveal itself as a blessing in disguise.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
If you had asked me this question just a few years ago, my answer would have been no. Back then, I wore countless masks to hide the pain I carried. I played roles to fit whatever version of me others seemed to want. In friendships, I molded myself to be accepted. In relationships, I turned a blind eye to disrespect and mistreatment just to avoid conflict. In truth, I had become everyone’s puppet—anyone but myself.
That is no longer the case. Through a difficult but transformative journey, I learned a powerful lesson that I now share with my clients: be yourself, fully and unapologetically. Why? Because you cannot be everything to everyone. You can go through life pretending to be someone you’re not in hopes of being accepted, or you can stand authentically in who you are—even if that means rejection. And yes, rejection is painful. But why does it cut so deep? More often than not, it stems from a lack of self-worth. More on that in a future article.
Today, I live authentically. This is me—real, unfiltered, and unapologetic. Love me or hate me, I will not change or apologize for being myself. I accept that I am not everyone’s “cup of tea,” and I am perfectly okay with that. Because I know that living authentically draws the right people closer while naturally distancing the wrong ones.
What surprises me is how many struggle to grasp this simple truth. So I ask: is being accepted really worth losing yourself?
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had ten years left to live, my plan would be simple—and deeply fulfilling. I would shift my schedule to part-time work. Not because I don’t enjoy working, but because I do. Work brings me joy, purpose, and a sense of achievement, so I wouldn’t want to let it go completely.
The rest of my time would be dedicated to adventure. I would buy an RV and travel the world—camping with my dog, rock climbing in breathtaking places, visiting friends and family across states, and savoring new restaurants along the way. Life on the road: exciting, fresh, and full of discovery.
In essence, my life would be balanced—part work, part play, and entirely fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richtaylorphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richtaylorphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richtaylorphotography
- Other: https://www.richtaylordesigns.com
https://www.richtaylorcoaching.com
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