Saray Taylor-Roman, 39, portrait master and business coach, Taylor-Roman Photography

Saray Taylor-Roman didn’t have a background in photography, initially working in education and technology fields. Then she quit her job to do photography full-time.

After self-teaching and mentoring under Sue Bryce, she’s become a world-renowned master photographer with her studio Taylor-Roman Photography.

A prominent member of the Latina community in Knoxville, Saray Taylor-Roman wants to build Knoxville into a multicultural worldly hub for artists and makers.

When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?

My greatest achievement so far is raising a daughter, alongside my husband, Daniel, who is kind, generous and not afraid to dream big. I remember how terrified I was about quitting a job that provided financial security back in 2015, but I knew it was the only way to show my daughter she, too, could dream big dreams and achieve them. Four years later, I received one of the highest honors in my industry after having 15 of my entries score in the Top 20. I am one of 17 master photographers worldwide with Fellow Accreditation and the only Latina.

What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?

The greatest professional obstacle that I had to overcome was self-doubt. As a Latina, a first-generation immigrant and a Spanish speaker, I doubted myself and what I could offer. Then my mentor and friend Sue Bryce told me, "Saray, who do you think stands out and is more memorable, the person that looks and sounds like everyone else in the room or you? Turn what you think is a weakness into your superpower." And I did, I ran with it, and now, as an international coach and speaker, that's exactly what the audience finds refreshing and relatable.

What will you focus on in 2023?

2023 is a year of growth and expansion. I am building a team of associate photographers here in Knoxville. Alie Beth Johnson and Taylor Payne started as assistants and now they photograph our clients at our Farragut studio. In 2022, I debuted as a conference speaker within the photography industry. In 2023, I'm speaking at Wedding & Portrait Photographers International, Professional Photographers of America, The Portrait Masters, Graphi's Accademia di Fotografia in Italy and TEDX. Moreover, this is the year I dive into content creation and online education to empower creatives both in English and Spanish.

What is your biggest professional dream?

My biggest dream is to build a substantial real estate portfolio with commercial properties and vacation rentals from my coaching business revenue. My biggest goal is to empower as many creatives as possible to make a living doing what they love most. Because waking up and living a life by design and getting to do what makes your heart sing every single day and still have time and resources for yourself, your loved ones and the causes you believe in is the best feeling ever!

What mistake did you learn the most from?

Not hiring a mentor/business coach sooner was probably what I regret the most. Working with someone who knows the ins and outs of the industry you want to be a part of is the fastest and most efficient way to reach and surpass your goals. My background was in education and technology. I am self-taught when it comes to photography and business. And I needed someone to show me the way. Thank goodness I found the best mentor in Sue Bryce, and she keeps pushing me out of my comfort zone every time I reach a goal.

What motivates you?

Sophia, my daughter, was and is my constant motivation because she does not what I say but what I do.

What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?

The most overrated piece of business advice I've heard is the hustle mentality. The idea of working or grinding all day every day to achieve your goals. That leads to burnout. I believe that you can achieve your goals when you take care of yourself and those that work alongside you. I believe that both financial and time freedom are achievable and should be achieved hand in hand to enjoy the fruit of your labor.

What trait do you most want in a co-worker?

Kindness.

What about Knoxville would you like to improve?

I love the small-town feel of Knoxville. Everyone knows everyone and I found that was a key component in the growth of my business as it has solely relied on word-of-mouth marketing and networking. I would love for Knoxville to have an international airport. I had photographers from Australia, Canada, Europe and all over the U.S. attend the workshops I taught in my Farragut studio this summer. Imagine how much more business Knoxville could get when it becomes a destination for makers, creatives and entrepreneurs.

What don't people know about you?

I am an introvert. I have learned to be an extrovert as needed and I am quite good at it, but I am most content at home by myself or with my daughter and husband and cat. I studied a semester in Japan while in college and international travel is my family's love language.

• Family: Spouse Daniel Taylor-Roman and daughter Sophia

• Years worked at current company: Seven

• Degrees and certifications: Bachelor's in K-12 education and international studies, Maryville College; master's in educational technology, Full Sail University; associate accreditation, masters accreditation and fellow accreditation, The Portrait Masters; associate accreditation, Wedding and Portrait Photographers International.

• Community involvement: Junior Achievement of East Tennessee board member, table host, sponsor and speaker; Mayor's Makers Council member and speaker; Maryville College Alumni Board member; Knox Chamber of Commerce delegate and sponsor; Global Infusion sponsor, speaker and interpreter; Karns High School Basketball Team main sponsor.

This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.

-Keenan Thomas

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox News 40 Under 40 award: Saray Taylor-Roman, Taylor-Roman Photography