We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mikayla Roddan. Check out our conversation below.
Mikayla, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, as this year is almost complete, I’ve had a few moments that have left me feeling really proud, but the biggest one is realizing that I went full-time with my photography business this year. I feel so blessed to be able to pursue my passion and continue growing as a full-time photographer. This year, I had the opportunity to add both weddings and architectural photography to my services. This has challenged me in new ways and allowed me to expand my skills personally and professionally. I’m so grateful for all my amazing clients who have and continue to trust me to capture their accomplishments and their most important moments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Mikayla Roddan, and I am a Minnesota-based photographer. I offer a variety of services, including portraits, family sessions, motherhood sessions, weddings, and more! I started Mikayla Roddan Photography LLC in 2022, and since then, I’ve been so grateful to turn my passion into a full-time career. Fun fact, I did not go to school for photography- I’m completely self-taught! However, I did graduate from college with a degree in business, which has helped me grow and manage my photography business successfully. I’ve always loved capturing moments, and I continue to learn and improve every day!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Without a doubt- my parents. I would not be where I am today without them. I’ve been so blessed to have two parents who have never stopped showing me unconditional love and support.
I still remember the day I texted them from my 9-5 cubicle saying, “I think I know what I want to do!” That night, I shared my idea of starting a photography business. They were optimistic but also realistic, and they continued to support the vision I was beginning to see for myself.
After a year of sitting on the idea, I came back with a business plan, and didn’t look back. From there, they cheered me on, encouraged me through trial and error, and celebrated as I began to build my clientele.
Now, three years later, I can look back and realize- they saw my potential before I did. They believed in me, but they also kept me grounded, reminding me that entrepreneurship is never easy. It takes time, grit, and determination- but because of their guidance and support, I’ve been able to pursue the dream they always knew I was capable of.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Failure. It might sound like a stereotypical answer, but it’s the one thing that continues to hold me back. As I get older, the fear of failure feels heavier. I catch myself wondering- five years from now, will I still be making a decent living? Will I be able to provide a great life for my future family? And what if I fail and this all goes away?
What’s helped me is shifting my mindset. When those fears creep in, I flip the script: What if I do continue to make a living- or an even better one? What if everything does work out, and all I need to do is keep showing up the way I am now?
A saying I love is: “Keep your head where your feet are.” Staying present goes a long way, and little by little, it makes that thought of fear fade.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe my closest friends would probably say that pursuing my passions and constantly growing matters most to me. They see how much I care about building a life that feels meaningful. I also think they would say that what really matters to me is the people I love. Showing up for them, making them feel seen/valued, and being intentional with my relationships.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop letting the fear of failure hold me back. I’d stop second-guessing myself and worrying so much about the future, and instead focus on being fully present in the life I’m building right now and who I am building it with. I’d pour even more of my energy into the things that matter most to me- my loved ones, my photography, and completing my bucket list.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikaylaroddanphotography.com/
- Instagram: @MikaylaRoddanPhotography
- Facebook: @MikaylaRoddanPhotography
- Other: Pinterest: @MikaylaRoddanPhotography
