Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yasmin Tajik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Yasmin, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

Each year I set aside 1 month and offer 30 Minute Pet Studio Sessions for $100 (regularly $195), and donate that entire session fee to the client’s animal rescue of choice. Last year we raised $1000 which was donated to animal rescues/zoos/veterinary hospitals to help animals in need, and this year we raised $2200! Prior to photography I have a long history of working with animals in various industries such as training, research, education, veterinary care, even food sources. From my teens I knew I wanted to work with animals so in collage I majored in Biology and went on to work in various animal related endeavors. When I started my photography business, photographing pets and animals was top of mind, and I even mentored under a pet photographer for 2 years. Offering my Annual Pet Portrait Fundraiser was a natural evolution encompassing fine art pet photography and giving back. These are some of the most rewarding sessions I do all year, and I love learning about each pet, how they’ve become a cherished family member, and even how the pets have been instrumental to the livelihood of my clients as service animals or helping them through a challenging time in life.

Yasmin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t until after completing my MBA and gaining valuable experience while working for a local photographer that I truly felt the strong urge to venture into opening my own photography business. The catalyst for this decision came from my role as the family archivist, preserving our precious memories through photographs. This deeply personal connection led me to believe that offering heirloom-quality portraiture to other families was a natural extension of my interests.

Over the course of the past 15 years in this industry, my business has undergone significant evolution to cater to the changing needs of my clients. Beyond my initial focus, which revolved around creating enduring family portraits, I now specialize in diverse areas such as Pets, Business Branding, Fitness, and UGC. Staying attuned to the pulse of my clients has been of paramount importance to me. Embracing cutting-edge technology and techniques, including the incorporation of tools like drones, has allowed me to consistently offer state-of-the-art services. I take immense pride in providing a white-glove experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

My artistic path has also encompassed merging my love for photography with a passion for exploration. This fusion led me to concentrate on capturing the narratives of humanitarian and cause-driven initiatives. Specifically, I focused on stories that highlight the experiences of women, children, and animals in developing nations. This advocacy-driven photography offers discerning patrons an opportunity to acquire fine art prints derived from my documentary endeavors. A noteworthy facet of this endeavor is the philanthropic component, as a portion of the purchase proceeds is directed towards supporting partner charities.

Throughout each facet of my business, building personal connections with my clients has always been central to my approach. The most rewarding aspect of my journey is witnessing clients turn into friends over time. It’s a testament to the relationships I’ve built and the trust they place in my work.

In essence, my journey encompasses a rich tapestry of professional portraiture, advocacy photography, drone expertise, and philanthropic pursuits. Through visual storytelling, I aspire to transcend boundaries and contribute to positive change, both locally and globally. This multifaceted approach defines my commitment to using photography as a powerful tool for storytelling and transformation.

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

When the pandemic hit, like so many others, my business faced unprecedented challenges. The art industry was heavily impacted, and I found myself having to think creatively to adapt and thrive.

Amid the uncertainty, I decided to open the Yasmin Tajik Fine Art Print Store. What made this endeavor even more meaningful was my collaboration with partner charities. Not only was I pursuing my passion for art, but I was also using it as a platform to give back to the community. This initiative not only helped sustain my business but also allowed me to contribute to causes close to my heart.

Simultaneously, during the lockdown, I started a website for my dog, purely for fun and to spread a little joy during trying times. Little did I know that this playful project would evolve into something much larger. As I shared stories, photos, and content featuring my dog, Zayn the Gentleman, I noticed an unexpected trend. People were not only enjoying the content, but they were also resonating with the persona I had created for Zayn.

Recognizing an opportunity, I decided to leverage this unexpected growth and has transformed it into a business. I began offering Business Branding and User-Generated Content (UGC) creation services centered around Zayn’s persona. This venture quickly gained traction as businesses and brands saw the unique and engaging content I was able to produce.

Through these experiences, I learned the true essence of resilience. Adversity can be the catalyst for innovation and growth, leading to paths we might have never considered otherwise. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic, adapting my photography business, and transforming a lighthearted dog website into a successful branding endeavor required determination, flexibility, and an unwavering belief in the potential of each venture.

This journey has reinforced my belief that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities to reinvent and reimagine. I am proud of the strides I’ve taken in the face of adversity, and these experiences have shaped me into a more adaptable and resilient individual, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a powerful and multi-faceted mission that threads through each of my endeavors: Shalimar Studios, my documentary projects, Yasmin Tajik Prints, and Zayn the Gentleman. This mission reflects my passion for art, my desire to give back to the community, and my knack for turning unexpected opportunities into innovative business ventures.

At the heart of my journey lies Shalimar Studios, a testament to my dedication to capturing and preserving life’s most precious moments. Through Shalimar Studios, I’ve created a platform where I use my artistic skills to immortalize the beauty and emotions of life’s most significant events. My work goes beyond mere photographs; it’s about weaving narratives, crafting memories, and forging connections that stand the test of time.

My documentary work, as showcased on yasmintajik.com, embodies my commitment to self-expression and creativity. I explore my artistic identity and share my insights with the world on social causes and humanitarian endeavors. This aspect of my journey is about embracing my unique perspective, nurturing authenticity, and inspiring others to be exposed to new topics and parts of the world where they can make a difference.

Yasmin Tajik Prints, found at yasmintajikprints.com, takes my artistry to new heights. This venture exemplifies my resilience in the face of adversity, as I transformed challenges into opportunities by reshaping my business model and collaborating with partner charities. My prints aren’t just art; they carry a deeper significance, contributing to causes that resonate with my values.

And then there’s the delightful and unexpected success story of Zayn the Gentleman, chronicled on zaynthegentleman.com. What started as a fun project born out of my love for my canine companion has blossomed into a thriving business. This part of my journey underscores my adaptability and knack for identifying unique market niches. Zayn’s persona has evolved into a wellspring of inspiration for business branding and UGC content, showcasing my ability to spot hidden opportunities in the most unlikely places.

Through Shalimar Studios, my documentary work, Yasmin Tajik Prints, and Zayn the Gentleman, my mission springs to life. It encompasses art, expression, community engagement, and transformation. My journey stands as a testament to how passion, resilience, and a discerning eye for opportunity can meld together, crafting a vibrant and impactful creative path that touches lives in a positive way, and leaves an enduring legacy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shalimarstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalimarstudios/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmintajik/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/yasmintajik
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Wzjj-wbEayrkRhZEyKUjg

Image Credits
All image credits to Shalimar Studios.