Today we’d like to introduce you to Raya Al-Hashmi.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Raya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got started in business branding photography through an innate desire to document and share peoples’ genius. It began as a passion and hobby and turned into a profession and lifestyle. I studied journalism at the University of New Hampshire and after completing my degree was faced with a world where journalism looked different than what was taught.
I knew that I needed to create the outlet, and so was born my company. I grew up all around the world, from the West Coast to the Middle East, to England, and eventually back to the East Coast. Now, I serve many businesses in a variety of industries on the seacoast.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every experience in life is layered with a moment of flow and resistance. Things in those experiences that feel easy and those that pose challenges. Both are essential to the fullness that experiences hold. Both are necessary to provide contrast and an ability to see how we need both the lightness as well as the darkness. So, in regard to my company – this has been an experience.
It has been an experience of fear and freedom right alongside each other. It reminds us how wildly resilient and able we all are and that when we accept and use our talents – we can do anything. I didn’t study business and I was the first in my family to become a business owner so I have been teaching myself a lot as well as seeking guidance from some lovely mentors. Starting this company has been the most brilliant way to move through the world and the one that makes me feel so alive.
Advice for others: to listen to their own thoughts of knowing what’s true for them and for what the next step is. We know all the answers already – it’s about getting quiet enough to trust them.
Please tell us about Raya on Assignment.
Raya on Assignment is a business branding photography company. I work with entrepreneurs to international corporations to help share their story through photography. I focus on the people, products, services, locations, and culture of a company to help share their light. I believe forming the rapport and trust with my clients is number one – it all starts here – something great that my background in journalism taught me- so I make sure I’m doing this. Being photographed can be challenging for some people, so if I can make them feel comfortable- the rest flows.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I used to sit in my second story window sill in England watching the neighbors walk by every morning. I would take notes on what time they walked their dog, what they would be wearing, the license plate numbers of the cars that drove by. This was the birth of my journalism and my love for documentation that would later manifest into the work I do now.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rayaonassignment.com
- Email: raya@rayaonassignment.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayaonassignment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rayaonassignment/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rayaonasgmt
Image Credit:
Monica Justesen
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