We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mariam Saifan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mariam below.

Mariam , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. So, we’d appreciate if you could open up about your growth story and the nitty, gritty details that went into scaling up.

It’s crazy to think that I have been passionate about photography for over 15 years! When people ask about how I started my business, I tell them it’s been 15 years of consistency in the making! When I bought my first camera in 2007 and travelled abroad, I loved being able to tell stories and learn more about people around the world. When I studied Architectural Engineering in college, instead of paying attention in my thermodynamics class, I was sketching up my business plan. For as long as I can remember, I was always thinking up how I can make my dream come true of becoming a full time photographer and to be able to do what I love and live a life of freedom and joy!

I’ve learned so much through my years of experience, through online education, learning from peers, and getting lots of hands-on experience. When I was at my 9-5 career, I was always working on my photography business during lunch hours, after work, and on the weekends. Even in my free time, I would be thinking up new ideas about my business. It truly was and still is my passion and through that, I’ve learned a lot! My advice to anyone in the beginning stage is to keep growing, keep going, and keep learning! In 2019, I was blessed to be able to go full time as a wedding and portrait photographer!

My shift came when I niched down on my branding and learned new ways to be able to give my clients the best photo experience they’ve ever had! I collaborated with many amazing wedding vendors in the community to be able to grow by creating styled shoots to cater to my ideal client. When I was out photographing weddings and sessions, I always gave my best! I think one thing that really stands out for most businesses is your connection with people.

Connecting with people is such an important part of your business. I love getting to know my clients on a personal level and being able to be more then a just a photo transaction. I believe everyone deserves to be seen and to be remembered. The portrait experience should make you feel empowered and beautiful! I want my clients to feel joyful and happy when they see their photos! That’s why my editing style is very bright, colorful, and authentic!

I am so thankful every day to be able to do what I love! It’s truly a gift to use your skills for good!

You can find my work at www.MariamSaifan.com

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a destination wedding & portrait photographer based in Kansas City.

My team and I offer both photo & video for wedding photography.

With over 15 years of experience and over 110 5 star reviews, I genuinely love taking care of my clients and being able to connect with them and give them an amazing portrait experience!

My clients rave about how comfortable and empowered I make them feel in front of the camera! The portrait experience make my clients feel joyful and happy when they see their photos! They love my photography style which is very bright, joyful, and authentic.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

When I give my clients an amazing experience, the best gift they can give back to me is referring me to their family & friends! Word of Mouth is my favorite kind of marketing and often give me the best clients!

I also get new clients through social media, blogging on my website, and google where you can see all 5 star reviews!

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

If anyone were to ask my any advice on how to go full time with their side hustle, it’s this. Just keep going!! If you’re passionate about living the life that you want, then just keep pushing forward! You’ll learn so much a long the way. Look at other successful people and use them as inspiration for your self. Continue learning and improving on your skills. See what you can do to make yourself stand out from the market. Everyone has their own unique gift and personality that helps attract your dream clients. Brainstorm ideas and imagine a life of your dreams. Now, go write those dreams down and create an action plan of how you can get there! You’ve got this!

For me, Wedding & Portrait Photography have become my amazing full time business and I am grateful for that every day! In 2019 when I left my Architectural Engineering career, I felt like it was a push from God to go on and to take my business full time. Through persistence and passion over the years, the doors literally opened for me. It is truly such a gift.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariamsaifan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamsaifan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariamSaifanPhotography
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoUvXqpyaNCiz_VVWJqBKSQ