We recently connected with Natalie Sahloff and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I believe the recipe for success lies in your mindset. The most successful individuals do not fear failure, but welcome it as a learning tool. In addition, they are resilient. Failure allows us to tailor our process to perfection and resilience gives us the strength to continue to strive towards achieving our goals.

The best example that instilled this mindset for me personally was gymnastics. It was tough and strenuous but the reward was always greater than the time it took to refine. During the process of learning something new, I encouraged failure as my teacher. Giving myself grace along the way and remembering each failure had a purpose; I may have failed 300 times but each time I was really calibrating my body to succeed on try 301. With the hard work put in, now the move was effortless and I could begin the process again for the next challenging move. Gymnastics taught me that I was my only limitation, to push past failure, and ultimately I was my own competition. This became my foundational approach of any new venture. Success is right around the corner of failure, and if you are brave enough to push past it, if you allow yourself to be uncomfortable, you will truly learn what your capabilities are.

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

I’m Natalie Sahloff, owner of Sail Off Photography LLC. I am a multi-published Commercial and Portrait specialist helping clients leverage the power of photography to captivate audiences, build brand loyalty, and drive business growth.

Collaboration and open communication are at the core of my approach. I believe in working closely with clients, colleagues, and community members to understand their unique challenges and goals. This dedication to quality has been instrumental in building long-term partnerships and driving business success.

Photography has been a passion of mine ever since I could hold a camera. I never dreamed it would be anything outside of a hobby until I was given the opportunity to become a mother. As a young single mother, I faced numerous challenges but was passionate to forge my own path as an entrepreneur. With limited resources and no formal training, I relied on expanding my knowledge, seeking out mentorships, and honing my skills.

Over time, my dedication and hard work began to pay off. I started receiving recognition for my unique style and ability to capture the essence of my subject. Local businesses began seeking my services, and I poured my heart and soul into every project, ensuring that my clients’ visions were brought to life.

Through word-of-mouth my reputation grew, and I soon found myself working with global brands and Fortune 500 companies. The trust placed in me by these esteemed organizations was both humbling and motivating.

Becoming an honoree of the 2023 Under 40 Leadership award and earning the title of Top 3 Commercial photographers in Winston-Salem, NC is a testament to the progress I’ve made and the impact of my work.

My life has been shaped by my love for art, community engagement, and dedication to family. My passion for visual imagery has allowed me to build a thriving business and find true fulfillment in helping others succeed.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Something I don’t mention often to peers is my continued battle for health. After having my daughter and over the course of six years, I began struggling with cognitive abilities and noticed a slow decline. Towards the end of 2016 I had lost all function of mobility, could not form sentences or communicate. I was a complete shell of myself and felt like a prisoner in my own body. I knew it was only a matter of time before I went to sleep and would not wake up the next day. Specialists were unable to find the cause and I turned to friends who suggested trying a gluten free diet. I was sure it was something more serious than a food allergy but to my surprise, celiac disease had progressed into ataxia.

Within two weeks of a gluten free diet, I had regained full mobility and cognitive abilities. My speech and quick thinking came rushing back and through this struggle I knew I had a second chance to reclaim my life and my calling. I was able to process new information, retain information and begin the journey of entrepreneurship and community service.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the concept that a degree made you qualified. That is not necessarily true in the creative industry. I fully believe in continued education and developing the craft, but it doesn’t necessarily have to look the same for everyone. I was raised in an environment where your value was determined by your degree and was told I would have no career options without one. Immediately following high-school, I had to be innovative on how to enter into the work force to provide for my daughter. With no degree and no childcare support, the only feasible option was to become my own boss.

The best advice I received from a professional in the industry was that by the time I went to school for a photography degree, I could have learned on the job and simultaneously built a book of business at the end of those few years. And he was absolutely right. I’ve been able to be a present mother and an award winning business owner which has meant more to me than you could imagine.

Too often imposter syndrome gets the best of us and stops us before we can even begin. There is a reason we are drawn to specific interests and more often than not, we already have the tools needed to develop those innate skills. You can achieve great things if you are willing to put in the work, not be afraid to fail, and keep at it!

The importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth is key. I never stop pushing myself to learn new techniques and explore innovative ways to serve my clients. I am grateful for the support of my loved ones, who have been my pillars of strength, and for the opportunities that have come my way. My journey is a testament to the power of determination and the belief that with passion and resilience, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sailoffphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sailoff_photo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sailoffphoto
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nataliesahloff

Image Credits
Sail Off Photography LLC