We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laurie Pilia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laurie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

At the age of 28, I found myself a single mother, working two jobs just to get by. It was during this challenging time that I made a bold decision – I sold all my belongings and, along with my 4-year-old daughter, embarked on a journey to Ireland to pursue a Master’s Degree and start a new life with my now-husband. Taking this risk turned out to be the best decision of my life, leading me to a world of dreams I never thought possible.

Today, not only do I have an incredible husband who hails from Italy, but I also get to live my passion as a full-time photographer, meeting and capturing the stories of remarkable people. In 2020, I achieved another milestone by publishing my first book, a memoir titled “Kisses from Sardinia.” This memoir was born from my deep desire to share my joy and offer hope to others, proving that you can shape your own destiny by being brave and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Life is filled with opportunities, often hidden in plain sight. They might appear insignificant at first glance, but they hold the potential to transform your path. Pay attention – your life may be concealed behind a friendship waiting to be forged, an unexplored journey, or even a simple act of kindness, like a ride home after a long night.

Taking risks and saying yes to opportunities has afforded me the most amazing life. 🌟💫

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Laurie with Laurie Pilia Photography! A photographer, author, and dreamer who resides in Central Florida with my beautiful girls and beloved Sardinian, Carlo. When I’m not taking beautiful photographs, you can find me traveling to faraway places or relaxing at the beach.

Believe it or not, photography actually found me during a trip to Ireland. During my trip, I found that I had a knack for capturing images with innovative depth and perception, and a love for documenting real and authentic moments. Recording life through my camera became a passion and fervor that truly swept me away. Having the ability to document my daughters’ lives inspired me even more. This compelled me to share my gift of recording timeless imagery with others.

My husband Carlo and my daughters remain my favorite subjects to photograph. I’m especially honored to share the same positive energy and devotion while capturing the milestones and special moments for my amazing clients.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME

I AM A PUBLISHED AUTHOR

This is the kind of book you can curl up to on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee. My journey through difficult times to moments straight out of a romantic movie will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend ‘Kisses from Sardinia’ to anyone who can relate to relationship struggles, divorce, being a single parent, or someone hopeful to find love.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Below is the announcement I shared last year when I made the life-changing decision to leave my role as a Manager of Organizational Transformation at a major healthcare system and transition into a full-time photographer. I decided to pivot because I had reached a point in my life where I was determined to embrace the life I was truly meant to live. Taking that leap, leaving behind my secure, well-paying job, and pursuing photography full-time was undoubtedly a significant risk. However, looking back, I can confidently say that it was a risk worth taking, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. Here is the announcement I posted in August 2022 on my social media:

I am excited to share a big announcement with you. I have decided to take the leap and follow my wildest dreams! First I want to share how I got here today….

My family and I moved to Florida from Ireland 10 years ago – long story short Carlo received his green card, we moved and created an amazing life in Central Florida.

8 years ago a recruiter asked me if I would consider a 3-month maternity leave coverage position with Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth). That day I said yes to the possibilities that lie ahead…I left a full-time job for a 3-month temporary position. Fast forward to today and I can say it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Working at AdventHealth has allowed me to meet the most amazing people, grow both personally and professionally, and make a difference every day. It has been life-changing in many ways.

2008 – I dreamed of becoming a photographer
2014 – I was gifted my first DSLR camera
2017 – I poured my heart & soul into photography & slowly built a photography business while working full-time

So, the BIG NEWS – I have decided to follow my wildest dreams and pursue photography full-time. I am saying YES to myself and the life I have always dreamed! It is bittersweet in some ways – closing one amazing chapter and saying YES to chasing a dream and seeing where this adventure takes me!

In closing, I want to say thank you to AdventHealth and all the amazing people I have met, thank you to all the people who have trusted me to capture their photos, and thank you to my husband, family, and friends for believing in me and encouraging me to follow my passion. New adventures await…

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Everything in your life has led you to this point. You’re thinking about how you want to capture it, how you’d like to remember these passing days. Maybe you want to have something to turn in your hands once the dust settles. To pass on to family, to have on your wall, to tack onto a love letter.

That’s where I step in. Committed to capturing unique stories, adventures, and every day love affairs, I feel so lucky to be able to do what I do best day in and day out. Just know that I don’t do things in halves. Book me, and I’m all in. Down for the ride, up for a dance, and here for the real stuff.
I value the moments that are real and raw. The moments that you cannot imagine not being able to relive, and that’s why I’m here. So that you can relive those days, over and over.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lauriepiliaphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lauriepiliaphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauriepiliaphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriepilia/