Meet Rachel Garoutte

We recently connected with Rachel Garoutte and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

Growing up, my childhood was far from easy. My father passed away when I was seven, and my mother battled addiction for much of my life. Watching her struggle with depression—and seeing how others treated her because of it—taught me empathy at an early age. I learned to put myself in other people’s shoes, trying to understand their pain so I could connect with them on a deeper level. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate that my experiences didn’t harden me. Instead, they shaped me into someone who leads with compassion. My trauma gave me perspective and a sincere desire to understand others, even when their behavior might be difficult to accept. I know now that empathy isn’t just a response to pain—it’s a choice I make every day, and one I’m proud to carry with me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hi, I’m Rachel — a photographer based in DFW, Texas, and the heart behind Oliver & Zoe Photography. I’m also a proud mom of two incredible kiddos who inspire so much of what I do. I’m the daughter of two addicts who never had the chance to heal from their trauma — but I broke the cycle and beat the odds. My life is proof that your past, your pain, or your parents’ story doesn’t have to define your future. I share my journey to offer hope — to show others that healing is possible, and that success is still within reach, no matter where you come from. As a proud lesbian business owner, creating a safe, inclusive space is at the core of my work. Everyone deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and completely at ease while having their lives, love, and families beautifully documented.
My journey into photography began as a yearbook photographer in high school, where I first discovered my love for capturing moments. In 2019, I took that passion further by starting to take on paid shoots. But it wasn’t until six months ago that I made the decision to go all-in, rebranding and officially launching Oliver & Zoe Photography with clear intention, heart, and a renewed sense of purpose. This rebrand marked a pivotal moment where I transitioned into photography full-time, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to telling meaningful stories through my lens.
At the core of my work is a mission to capture real people and real love in all its beautiful forms. Whether you’re newly engaged, growing your family, or simply celebrating yourself, I’m here to highlight your joy, your connection, and your unique magic.
Every day, I feel so grateful to wake up and do what I love. Photography is not just my creative outlet, but also how I connect with others, honor their stories, and preserve life’s most meaningful moments. This summer, I’m launching my very first High School Senior Rep Team — and I couldn’t be more excited! Working with seniors is something I absolutely love, and I’m thrilled to begin this new tradition. I’m also focusing on growing my elopement and wedding portfolio, with a goal of traveling for love stories near and far within the next two years.

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?

For me, three key things have made the biggest impact on getting to where I am today.
First, having a growth mindset has been essential. I’ve come to understand that I’ll never know everything—there’s always something new to learn, and that’s actually really exciting for me. It keeps me motivated and open to growth.
Second, having a great mentor early on made a huge difference. I was lucky to have an amazing yearbook teacher who gave me the foundational knowledge I needed to start my journey in photography. She also gave me opportunities to attend multiple yearbook conventions—experiences I didn’t fully appreciate at the time but now realize were incredibly inspirational. Hearing stories and learning from other photographers helped shape my perspective and passion.
Lastly, self-discipline has been vital. I consistently push myself to stay on track in all areas of my business—whether it’s posting marketing content, staying active with photo shoots, or challenging myself to try new things with my camera. I dedicate time each week to learn something new or improve my skills. Watching educational content from other photographers on YouTube has been one of the most accessible and effective ways for me to continue learning and stay inspired on a daily basis.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My amazing therapist has truly been a game changer for me. As a CPTSD survivor who deals with anxiety and depression on a daily basis, having her support has been life changing. She’s taught me how to stay grounded and has given me practical tools that have helped me succeed not only in my business but also in life. One of the most powerful parts of my healing journey has been EMDR therapy. It’s helped me process and heal from deep trauma, and because of that, so many other areas of my life now feel lighter and more manageable—like things are finally falling into place. I genuinely believe that everyone can benefit from having a therapist. The clarity, strength, and growth I’ve experienced through therapy have been invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oliverzoephotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: oliverandzoephotography
• Facebook: Oliver & Zoe Photography

Image Credits

Oliver & Zoe Photography