We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheila Mraz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheila, what do you attribute your success to?
I really think that one factor of my success has been building relationships with other creatives in the area. I have had to go out of my comfort zone at times and decide that getting to know others in this field is critical to the health of my business. Therefore, I’ve made it an importance to cultivate vendor relationships in many different ways.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me a part from other wedding photographers is my servants heart. This is not to say that other photographers don’t carry this same quality, however, I’ve been told that I go above the normal in this category to serve everyone in the industry. I email all of the vendors before the wedding to collaborate and inquire if anyone would like free photography to help build their business. I make sure that everyone feels comfortable in front of my camera through various techniques so that the images reflect the client’s most authentic selves. I serve all guests at the wedding and ask if they would personally like portraits as well.

I got to where I am today through years of dedicated, nonstop zeal for my business. My mission statement that came from my late father’s photography business, “to show the glory of God”, has kept me humble and striving for a better world. In challenging times it was this mission statement that I could lean into and continually remind myself to keep moving forward. Starting any business is not for the light hearted and through seasons of trial and error, in addition to great mentors along the way, I have slowly built a business that I am proud of.

One of the remarkable aspects of photography is that it can reflect the beauty of a person’s spirit for everyone to witness in a tangible product. To me, this is such an incredible gift to see and especially if it echo the sacredness of life. This is why I photography everyday life in lifestyle photography as well as epic wedding day events.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Most visitors to WNC enjoy hikes along the parkway and cooling off with a waterfall followed by the visual treat of the Battery Park Book and Exchange and then enjoying the culinary delight of almost any restaurant in downtown Asheville. The Shoji spa is close enough to town that you can swing by for a soak in a hot tub or enjoy the sunset from the terrace of the Biltmore Estate.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Alexis and Brock Parker who own the wedding venue, The Parker Mill in Sylva, NC.

Website: sheilamraz.com

Instagram: @sheilamraz.photography

Facebook: Sheila Mraz Photography

Image Credits
Sheila Mraz Photography

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