Meet Ashkan Roayaee

We recently connected with Ashkan Roayaee and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashkan , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

As someone who has navigated environments where I was the only one in the room who looked like me, I’ve learned that success often comes from being confident in my unique perspective and bringing authenticity to the table. I’ve found that embracing my background and experiences has allowed me to contribute in ways others might not have thought of. Additionally, I’ve worked on building strong communication skills, understanding the value of listening, and finding common ground with others, which has fostered mutual respect.

It’s also important to acknowledge that being different can be an asset. I’ve learned to lean into that difference, using it to my advantage when it comes to problem-solving, creativity, and leadership. I’ve developed a mindset that the challenges presented by being the only one in the room are opportunities to make a meaningful impact and to foster more inclusive, dynamic discussions. Ultimately, staying true to myself while also being adaptable has been key to my effectiveness and success.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m 40 years old, a father of twins, and have been with my partner since 2013. My journey has been shaped by a deep passion for creativity, which I believe is fuel to my soul. Over the years, my photography career has evolved alongside my amazing team, and together we’ve grown into a full-service production company.

We specialize in photography and videography, focusing on commercial productions for over 100 days a year, along with another 150 days covering individual, smaller projects. While our work spans a wide range of industries, we’re particularly drawn to the entertainment world and anything that intersects with it.

In addition to my production work, I also own and operate my own gallery, where I exhibit my favorite pieces. The gallery is located in the Silos at Sawyer Yards studio 108, and I host exhibitions every second Saturday, offering a chance for visitors to experience my personal artistic vision.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to bring ideas to life—whether it’s capturing a moment through photography or telling a story through video. The diversity of projects keeps me motivated and inspired, and I’m always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of creativity. It’s not just about creating beautiful images or videos, it’s about connecting with people and sharing a piece of my world with them. I’m also excited to continue expanding the gallery and production side of my business, with plans for future exhibitions and potential collaborations in the works.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been hard work, consistency, and having a supportive team behind me.

**Hard work** has been a cornerstone of my career. The foundation of any success comes from the effort you put in, and I’ve always approached challenges with a willingness to give my all, no matter how big or small the task.

**Consistency** is just as important. It’s easy to get excited about a new project or opportunity, but long-term success requires showing up every day, maintaining high standards, and keeping the momentum going even when things get tough. Consistency builds trust with clients, collaborators, and, most importantly, yourself.

Lastly, I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible **team** behind me. They’ve been integral to my success, bringing their own expertise and perspective to the table. No matter how talented one person is, it’s impossible to achieve great things alone. Building a team you trust and value is key.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to focus on building a strong work ethic and never underestimate the power of consistency. Don’t be afraid to lean on others and surround yourself with a team that complements your skills. Whether you’re working solo or in a team, staying disciplined, showing up, and building meaningful connections will always be crucial for growth and success.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Several books have played an important role in my development, each offering unique insights and valuable wisdom that have helped shape my journey. Some of the most impactful ones include:

1. The 5 AM Club – This book taught me the power of starting the day early and creating a morning routine that sets the tone for success. Waking up early has become an essential part of my daily discipline, allowing me to focus on personal growth and productivity before the world starts demanding my attention.

2. The Power of Habit – This book emphasized how habits shape our lives and how we can leverage the science of habit formation to create positive, lasting changes. It was a game-changer in helping me establish routines that support both my personal and professional goals.

3. Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill’s classic introduced me to the mindset of abundance and the importance of setting clear goals, persistence, and focused thinking. It reinforced the idea that success begins with belief and visualization.

4. The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle’s book helped me understand the importance of living in the present moment. It taught me to let go of distractions, reduce stress, and be more mindful of my thoughts and actions in both work and life.

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age – This book showed me how to build meaningful connections and communicate more effectively in today’s digital world. It helped me refine my approach to networking, client relationships, and team dynamics.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People– This book offered timeless wisdom on how to be more proactive, prioritize tasks, and build strong, collaborative relationships. It provided a framework for achieving balance in all areas of life and work.

Each of these books has taught me different facets of personal growth, from mindset and habits to relationships and productivity. The most important takeaway has been that success is not just about hard work—it’s about creating the right habits, mindset, and relationships to support long-term growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashkanstudios.com
• Instagram: ashkanimage
• Facebook: ashkanimage
• Linkedin: ashkanroayaee
• Youtube: ashkanroayaee

Image Credits

All credits goes to our company and my name