We were lucky to catch up with Shaun Taylor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shaun thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

If I could change one aspect of the education system to better prepare students for fulfilling lives and careers, it would be to integrate comprehensive, culturally responsive pedagogy and anti-racism training at every level of the curriculum and teacher development. This isn’t just about adding a diversity module; it’s about fundamentally shifting the lens through which we teach and learn, acknowledging systemic inequalities, and equipping students with the critical thinking skills to navigate a diverse and often unjust world. This includes actively addressing issues of racism, disparity, and bias in curriculum, teaching methods, and school policies.

Currently, the education system often operates under a one-size-fits-all model that fails to recognize and value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles of all students. This can lead to feelings of alienation, disengagement, and ultimately, a lack of preparedness for the complexities of the real world. By centering equity and inclusion, we can empower students from all backgrounds to thrive in the future.

My own experience illustrates this need. Despite earning a Master’s degree in Special Education and teaching for over 10 years, I encountered significant barriers in my career. I found that I received significantly more job offers after changing my name from a more ethnically identifiable one to a more Westernized name. This was a disheartening and infuriating experience, highlighting the pervasive and often unconscious biases that exist within the education system itself.

Furthermore, even after securing a position, I experienced racism from coworkers who were less educated than me. I was often expected to teach them and take on a disproportionate amount of work, while simultaneously being treated differently than my colleagues. If I, as a qualified and experienced professional, faced such discrimination, imagine the impact on students from marginalized backgrounds who are still developing their sense of self and their aspirations. This experience underscores the urgent need for systemic change within education to actively combat racism and promote equity for all students. We need to create learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or identity. To truly support educators in this crucial work, we must also advocate for increased teacher salaries. Fair compensation is essential to attracting and retaining talented and dedicated individuals who are committed to fostering equitable and empowering learning environments. The combination of these experiences ultimately fueled my decision to start my own business, where I could create a more equitable and inclusive environment, with less stress.

Shaun, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Shaun Taylor, the owner of Picture Perfect. I’m passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, and my journey here has been shaped by my ten years as a teacher.

While I loved teaching, I encountered significant barriers in my educational career that ultimately led me to start Picture Perfect in 2021. I believe strongly that the education system needs comprehensive, culturally responsive pedagogy and anti-racism training at every level. This isn’t just about adding a diversity module; it’s about fundamentally shifting the lens through which we teach and learn, acknowledging systemic inequalities, equipping students with the critical thinking skills to navigate a diverse and often unjust world, and increasing teacher salaries.

My journey into entrepreneurship began as a practical solution to a common problem: a salary that didn’t adequately reflect my bills, skills, and contributions. I started my business as a side hustle to supplement my income. However, the benefits extended far beyond just the financial. The stark contrast between the stressful, and at times discriminatory, environment of my previous workplace and the autonomy and control I experienced with my own business became increasingly clear. This realization, coupled with the desire for a less stressful, more income, and a new fulfilling career, ultimately led me to transition to running my business full-time. It was a complete turnaround; the tables had turned. Now, I run my business full-time and substitute teach part-time, because I truly enjoy teaching.

At Picture Perfect, I wanted to combine my love for capturing special moments with the joy of creating unforgettable experiences for everyone. We provide top-notch photo booth rentals and event decor services for all kinds of celebrations. We’re committed to exceeding customer expectations, creating magical experiences, and fostering meaningful connections with our clients. We want to create a truly personalized experience, reflecting style and vision.
I’m a firm believer in the Golden Rule of customer service: treat others as you want to be treated! And honestly, when I’m a customer, I want to be wowed! That’s why at Picture Perfect, we’re not just about providing a service; we’re about creating moments of pure joy and delight. We go above and beyond to make sure our clients and it truly makes me happy at the end of our events when customers are so grateful for the entertainment we provide. This business opportunity has also been an outlet for my creative side! I absolutely love using Canva to bring my clients’ visions to life. It allows me to create unique and personalized designs that they adore, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see those ideas transform into reality. It keeps me busy doing what I truly enjoy.

I’m incredibly proud of the joy Picture Perfect brings to people. Seeing the smiles and laughter, knowing we’re helping people create lasting memories, is what drives me. The only challenge that I had was learning the process of how to run a business and I am learning everyday and as an educator learning is one thing that I do not mind doing. My experiences in education have instilled in me the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming spaces, and that’s what I strive to do with Picture Perfect.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn in business is the idea that hard work always directly translates to immediate, tangible results. Early on, I equated long hours and relentless effort with guaranteed success. The backstory is rooted in my upbringing, where a strong work ethic was heavily emphasized. I poured everything into my business, often sacrificing personal time and burning myself out, yet the expected financial rewards didn’t always materialize. I eventually realized that smart work, strategic planning, continuous learning, and adaptability are equally, if not more, crucial. It’s about understanding market trends, refining your approach based on data and feedback, and being willing to pivot when necessary, rather than simply grinding away at the same tasks. Recognizing that business is not always consistent and that constant learning and adaptation are essential was a game-changer, allowing me to work more effectively, sustainably, and ultimately, more successfully. Setting healthy boundaries between dedicated work time and family time is a skill I’m still actively working on.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Picture Perfect was bootstrapped from the very beginning, funded entirely with my personal savings. It was a calculated risk, but I believed strongly in my vision. As the business grew, I focused on building business credit. Once we started generating consistent income, I strategically used financing to support further expansion, allowing us to scale more quickly and effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pictureperfectlv.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectphoto.booth/
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/pictureperfectphotoboothlv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-anderson-4896b0358
• Other: https://linktr.ee/pictureperfectlv