Meet Molly Polus

We recently connected with Molly Polus and have shared our conversation below.

Molly , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me is a reality I’ve known most of my life. Growing up as an Asian adoptee in a predominantly white city in Texas, I became familiar with navigating spaces where I stood out. Over time, I’ve come to see my presence in these rooms as more than just a personal challenge—it’s an opportunity to create change and expand what’s possible. One of the most profound pieces of advice I’ve heard came from Alisa Bowens-Mercado, founder and brewmaster of Rhythm Brewing Company, on the Forward Obsessed podcast. She said, “Walk into a room and you’re the only one who looks like you in the room, know that you’re in the right room because that’s where change happens.” Those words struck a chord with me because they reflect my own journey. If I hadn’t worked tirelessly to build my photography career and earn my place in the rooms I’ve been in, nothing would change. Those spaces would remain the same, filled with the same people, repeating the same ideas of what’s possible.

But change isn’t just about shifting the dynamics of a room—it’s about challenging the spiritual stagnation that comes from being confined to the same perspectives, the same stories, and the same limitations. By stepping into these spaces, I’m not only altering the composition of the room but also expanding the collective imagination of what could be. My approach has always been to stay in my own lane and let my work speak for itself. I’m not here to convince anyone that I deserve to be here; my photos will do that for me. My presence is a small but meaningful step toward making those spaces more inclusive and reflective of the diverse world we live in. It’s a reminder that change doesn’t happen by staying on the sidelines—it happens when we walk through those doors, own our place, and use our voices—or in my case, my lens—to disrupt the status quo. Spiritually, it’s about breaking free from the same tired ideas and creating room for new possibilities, new visions, and new ways of being. It’s about showing that we don’t have to keep repeating the same patterns—we can imagine and build something better. And sometimes, the most powerful way to do that is to let your work speak louder than words ever could.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a photographer who focuses on live music and visual storytelling, but really, my work is about capturing the moments that make us feel alive. My professional career started in 2017 when I worked full-time at Apple and attended the University of North Texas, where I studied psychology and sociology. While I gained invaluable experiences with these two endeavors, I felt something was missing—a creative outlet that allowed me to express myself in a meaningful way. So, in 2019, I picked up a camera for the first time and started wandering the streets of Dallas with no agenda other than to see the world differently. I found myself drawn to the quiet, in-between moments—the ones most people walk past without noticing. There was something beautiful about freezing those fragments of life in time, and it became my way of making sense of the world around me. When the pandemic hit and the streets emptied, I turned my lens toward the stillness. It was a strange, lonely time, but it taught me to find emotion in silence and to tell stories through imagery. That phase of my life unexpectedly led me to the vibrant, chaotic, and deeply human world of live music.

What I love most about what I do is the ability to capture moments that are raw and unscripted—moments that can’t be staged or repeated. Whether it’s the way a performer pours their soul into a song, the collective energy of a crowd moving as one, or the quiet exhaustion backstage after a show, I aim to create images that feel real. My photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty. It’s about finding the thread of connection that ties us all together, even in the most fleeting moments. I want people to look at my work and feel something—joy, nostalgia, curiosity—even if they weren’t there to experience it themselves.

I’ve always believed in letting my work speak for itself. I’m not here to convince anyone I belong in the room; my photos do that for me. This approach has allowed me to build a portfolio that feels true to who I am, and it’s opened doors I never imagined—like shooting at iconic venues and collaborating with artists and industry professionals who inspire me. Along the way, I’ve learned that staying true to my vision, even when it feels unconventional or vulnerable, is what makes my work meaningful.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep diving deeper into live music photography, capturing more festivals, concerts, and the behind-the-scenes moments that often go unseen. I’m also exploring ways to expand my storytelling, potentially through documentary projects that shine a light on underrepresented voices or untold stories. For me, photography is more than just creating images—it’s about building a body of work that resonates, challenges, and connects. It’s about leaving something behind that feels authentic and human.

If you’d like to follow along, I share my latest projects and behind-the-scenes glimpses on my social media and website. This journey has been unpredictable, messy, and deeply rewarding, and I’m so grateful for the chance to do what I love and share it with others. I don’t know exactly where this path will lead, but I’m looking forward to finding out—one photo at a time.

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, three qualities have shaped my journey more than anything else: resilience, adaptability, and inner trust. Resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built through practice. I’ve learned to embrace failure as part of the process, not as a reflection of my worth but as a stepping stone to growth. Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you, and remember that every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” Most importantly, trust in your ability to figure things out as you go. Life doesn’t come with a manual, and that’s okay. You’ll surprise yourself with how much you’re capable of when you keep showing up, even when it’s hard.

Adaptability has been my lifeline in moments of change. When the pandemic hit, I had to pivot from street photography to capturing the stillness of a world in pause, and later, I found myself stepping into the chaotic, exhilarating world of live music. Staying open to change and seeing challenges as opportunities to experiment has allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. Life will throw curveballs, but if you’re willing to adapt, you’ll find that even the toughest moments can lead to something beautiful.

Inner trust has been my anchor—the quiet belief that even when I don’t have all the answers, I can rely on my instincts and intuition to guide me. Developing this trust takes time. It means reflecting on your decisions, celebrating the small wins, and learning to listen to your gut, even when it feels risky. There were times I doubted myself, but looking back, I realize that the moments when I trusted myself the least were often the ones that led to the most growth.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this: be patient with yourself. Growth isn’t linear, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Seek feedback, not validation, and stay curious. Your path won’t always be clear, but if you trust yourself and keep moving forward, you’ll be amazed at where it takes you. The journey is messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal—but it’s yours, and that’s what makes it so worth it.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My community has been the most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to succeed. But it wasn’t always this way. When I first started, it was just me—alone in the streets with my camera and my headphones, wandering through Dallas, searching for moments to capture. At the time, photography felt like a solitary journey, something I did to make sense of the world and express myself. I didn’t have a circle of other photographers, and I often wondered if I was doing it “right” or if I even belonged in this space.

It wasn’t until I started meeting other photographers in the streets that I realized I wasn’t alone. Those chance encounters—whether it was a nod of acknowledgment, a quick conversation, or even just seeing someone else with a camera—made me feel like I was part of something bigger. Slowly, I began to connect with other creatives, and those connections grew into a community that has become my foundation. They’ve been my sounding board, my source of inspiration, and my support system during moments of doubt and uncertainty.

My community has celebrated my wins, no matter how small, and reminded me to keep going when things felt overwhelming. They’ve helped me see the value in my work, even when I struggled to see it myself. Mentors within this community have shared their experiences, offered practical advice, and challenged me to think bigger. Their guidance helped me navigate the complexities of the creative industry and gave me the tools to turn my passion into a career. But perhaps most importantly, they showed me that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, humility, and a willingness to learn.

Collaboration has also been a huge part of my growth. Creativity thrives in connection, and some of my most meaningful projects have come from working with others who share my vision and values. Together, we’ve been able to create something greater than any of us could have achieved alone.

For anyone looking to build their own support system, my advice is to seek out people who inspire you, challenge you, and genuinely want to see you succeed. Be open to learning from others, but also don’t be afraid to lean on your community when you need help. Success isn’t a solo journey—it’s a collective effort, and having the right people by your side can make all the difference. I’m endlessly grateful for the role community has played in my journey. They’ve reminded me that even when it feels like you’re alone, there’s always a community out there waiting to welcome you in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mollypolus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollypolus/

Image Credits

Molly Polus