🤯 What Taylah’s Near-Death Experience Can Teach You About Getting Out Of A Rut

Welcome back to another episode of "Trusting the Universe and Sh*t"! In today's episode, Taylah shares her transformative journey after a near-death experience. 

Taylah recounts her intense car accident a few months back, a near-death experience that forced her to confront life's fragility. This pivotal moment sparked a deep reevaluation of her priorities and values, leading her to question the direction of her life and work.

Caught in the relentless hustle, Taylah realized she was neglecting her true passions. Her Saturn return added to the wake-up call, propelling her into a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Despite fear and uncertainty, she embraced the opportunity to realign with her authentic desires, shifting her perspective on work and recognising the importance of fulfilment over societal expectations.

The conversation delves into balancing creativity and business, exploring how Taylah navigates spontaneity and structure in her photography career. She highlights the importance of honouring both feminine and masculine energies.

Taylah encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness and explore passions without fear. She emphasises the power of allowing oneself to evolve and embrace change.

The discussion also touches on visibility and vulnerability in the creative process. Taylah shares her approach to photography, creating a safe space for clients to express their authentic selves.

In closing, Taylah offers heartfelt advice for those embarking on creative journeys, urging them to trust in the unfolding of their path and shape their lives according to their deepest truths.

Visit Taylah and her brand Lioness creative on Insta: 

https://www.instagram.com/lionesscreative_

You can find Ané and Stacey on Instagram at:
Ané - @ane.mgmnt
✦ https://www.instagram.com/mgmnt__/
https://msha.ke/anemgmnt

Stacey - @barefootbranding
✦ instagram.com/barefootbranding
🌐 barefootbranding.academy
https://barefootbranding.academy/eyes-above-waitlist/

Visit us here: 🌐 trustingtheuniverseandshit.com
Email us: 📩 hello@trustingtheuniverseandshit.com

Intro music by Tyler Dixon from @tones.on.toast - tonesontoast.com

Transcript

Stacey: 0:04

you can't do that. You can't start that business. You're like, yeah, I can.

Taylah: 0:08

if it doesn't make sense to anyone else, it doesn't matter if it makes sense to you and it feels right for you, just go for it.

Ané: 0:15

giving them permission to make mistakes, to look messy, to be their authentic, raw, vulnerable self.

Stacey: 0:47

Welcome to another episode of trusting the universe and shit. We're on episode number 42. We have a very special guest on today. Taylor Shepard. She is a photographer and we are going to discuss a little about her holistic Coaching counseling services, which might be a little bit of a, a introduction into that. And we're going to be talking about visibility. We're going to be talking about spirituality and intertwining all of that into the entrepreneurial world. So welcome. Hello. Hello.

Ané: 1:24

Thanks for having me. So excited. We're so, so excited to have you here and talk about your journey. And I know you've been going through some personable, huge shifts. So thank you for taking the time.

Stacey: 1:38

So recently you'd had a very intense experience. So I was wondering if maybe we could kick off there because that's very intriguing to me. So would you like to tell us a little bit about what happened?

Taylah: 1:52

Yeah. So a few months ago I was actually in a really bad car accident and it was sort of one of those new death experiences that I've always heard of and be like, Oh, like I've always imagined what it was like, but it was literally like probably five, 10 seconds of my life where I was like, this could be it. And I think it was just in that moment, guess my whole perspective on life and work. And I think I was caught up in a bit of a rut and just kind of like on fight or flight, trying to be here, there and everywhere. And I also think that I am going through my Saturn return. So it's just that cute little surprise. But yeah, it was a real wake up call to just like what, what it is that I want to do with my life. And I really did sit with it for a bit. But I've been doing this for a while to be like, okay, what am I going to learn from this? Like, what do I want from life? Because it can literally be taken away from you so quickly. So as scary as it was, it was so grateful for it for one that I am still here. And I get to have a chance that, you know. living this life. And yeah, it was just like, okay, like, what do I actually want from life? You know? So yeah, here I am still alive.

Stacey: 3:15

This is amazing. And the fact that you were able to take some lessons from such a harrowing experience. It really goes to show, that you've done that work, that work to say, to turn it inward and say, okay, what can I learn from this rather than going the other way where we can get into a really dark place. And so how have you helped shift your priorities and your values afterwards? Yeah.

Taylah: 3:42

I guess I've always had like these little niggling. Thoughts about things that I wanted to do in life, but I always felt like they were a little too big or far fetched and I would so quickly talk myself out of it. So I think that was probably the biggest thing. Cause I was like, it's such a short amount of time that we're here. And if you're not doing what you absolutely love, and I do love what I'm doing, but I think there are things that I was denying about myself or things that I was like, Oh no, I couldn't do that. Or it's like too big of a thing, like maybe later. And it was always like pushing things aside. And I think that really came to the forefront of like, okay. Like stop hiding, like go out there and just do what is true to you, regardless of what anyone else says. So that was like confronting. Cause I was like, you know, like you appreciate it, but it's also so terrifying because you know that it's so real when something like that happens and then you're like, I've got to stop, you know, hiding from my own truths and stuff. So yeah, big shift.

Ané: 4:52

That is so, I have goosebumps you telling that and just like, cause I feel like we can all kind of, I mean, near death experience. isn't obviously everyone goes through that, but we can relate to those points where you're like, Oh, I really want that goal. I really want to go for that desire, but man, that is so sticky. And I just don't know how to do it. And then someone like you go through this experience and they just kind of, you go to this mode of like, Life is so freaking short like just go for it, you know, and it's so beautiful that you've had that and you're sharing this So thank you for being so vulnerable like so early on in the episode. It's kind of We don't hold back here It's amazing. It's so beautiful. And I think, yeah, there's always something to that. I, I too have heard, you know, friends that have, you know, sickness go through them or, you know, family member pass away and they're just like, I just don't care. We just get in this mode of like our egos. Just like, I just don't care anymore. I'm just going to be that person because who knows tomorrow's not guaranteed. So. Exactly. Exactly.

Taylah: 6:01

And one other big thing that I remember thinking, cause I was so caught up in life that like, I need to like, make, it's such a fine line, like, especially as a creative, you're constantly trying to balance between like, being this say like business woman and creative, and then I was trying to be like, okay, I've got to like make money and like, I just got stuck. For a minute swept up in that. And then I was like, shit, like you don't die with money. Like you're not taking anything with you. So it's like, like, it's beautiful to have those things, but it's not the be all or end all. Like you shouldn't, that shouldn't be your determining factor for things. Cause that just flows naturally afterwards. It's not. Yeah, it shouldn't be the thing that drives you like that, the forefront, you know?

Stacey: 6:47

Yeah, it's not really your purpose to be here to accumulate money beyond use and to just pile it up and pile it up. Yeah. Like, where's your purpose in that?

Taylah: 6:58

Yeah, exactly. Exactly right.

Stacey: 7:01

So, tell us a little bit about how you work in general and how maybe this shift is going to affect your working relationship when you're in your creative mode on a day to day space, because as a photographer, this is a very creative profession. So tell us a little bit about how maybe, you know, you, you were working before and how you're making changes now.

Taylah: 7:29

Yeah yeah, it's I've always been one to like, I want to wake up and kind of not know what has for me like that's what a pure photography is always so different. And I guess with that, it's, it's beautiful to be that spontaneous. You can so easily get swept up in it and you lose sight of maybe like where you're heading in life. And I feel like I do that quite quickly. I just get so immersed in like whatever's happening like now. And I'm like, this is amazing that I don't like forward think enough where I'm like, okay, but where do I want to be like, sit with myself and be, you know, take it seriously. And like, yeah, actually question where I'm heading. So I think. Learning to do that has been like liberating and it's okay. I've like, I had this vision and now I know sort of where to go with it rather than just getting swept up in all these things, which is beautiful. But now it's like, I've got to find that balance of still being spontaneous and like present in what I'm doing, but also having a vision and going for that as well. So I've In trying to set more intentions for my day, like allowing it to flow freely, but also having a bit of structure and being like, okay, by the end of this day, I would love to accomplish this. So then I know that I'm heading in these directions. But yeah, it's, it's about finding the balance, which is always a bit tricky. Yeah, creativity and business can sometimes feel contradictive cause yeah, the two sides, like two opposite sides of the brain. So Yeah. That's kind of where I'm at.

Ané: 9:18

I, I let's talk about creativity and business because I think that is such a hot topic and I definitely can relate and say, so I talk often about how to balance the two, the feminine, the, the, the. You know, the spontaneity of the fun and also this masculine side that we have to have. And a lot of women end up going one to the other more. And then, you know, the pendulum always swings, but it, it is a bit of a tricky situation of like, how do we embody both and how do we kind of give both air time? And I think. Yeah, from your perspective, how, what, what is it that you're doing or how is it that you're trying to balance the two? Because I know that so many of our listeners also have businesses or they are the spiritual girly who is quite creative, but they also don't know how to make that a business. Like they accidentally have a business now because they're just creating art and all of a sudden they're selling it. So what's your sort of two cents on how to, yeah, like, Own your creative side, your photography.

Taylah: 10:25

Yeah. I think, I mean, the act of doing like photography, I'm usually working alongside women and I want the process to be like very intimate and I guess I have to really tap into my feminine nurturing energy. So I feel like naturally I'm really comfortable in my feminine. Like I could hang out there all day. Like if I could just toss away my masculine, it'd be sweet. But I'm, I'm learning is a big challenge to like, okay, it can't all be that side. So I guess the biggest thing for me is. Just creating structure. I think it's helped me still be in my flow, but it's just being like, okay, what can I complete in my day? And actually like holding myself accountable or even speaking to someone else. I found it like opening up about say like business and money to other friends that have their own businesses and being like, what do you do? Like how do you maintain structure and yeah. What are your thoughts around money? And like, just being more comfortable with that, rather than being like, Oh, I have to, I think cause I am in business alone. It's like, you feel, you get into this mentality of like, Oh, I'm really in it on my own, but actually letting other people in on that. And like having friends or mentors that you can be like, what do you do? Like, can I have some help with this? Or, Yeah, I think that's helped me like balance out the two and like welcoming the masculine and be like, it's not like, it doesn't mean that I have to, I think in my head, I'm like, Oh, it means like business and it's all serious. And I've almost painted the masculine in this, in this way where it doesn't have to be like that. So, yeah, I think that's really helped me like learn to balance the two.

Stacey: 12:17

It's exactly like you say, it's that structure that you've brought in and that's something that NA does for businesses too, and to bring in that structure and like you said, like, sometimes we can have this misconception about it, maybe, or like for me, I always thought It's like really egotistical, like the masculine in business. Like I have to have power and I have to get, and I have to, and I have to, and then, you know, relearning, okay, maybe that's not what the masculine is in business, maybe it is just that container, that structure. That I need to, for my feminine to flow in and out of, like the water in and out of the container, so yeah, I love that you, that you, you brought that up and I just think that also what Anae said about, you know, when you're creating art and, you know, all of a sudden you have a business and you're like, what? What happened? I was, I was an artist and now I have a whole business and I have to do my taxes and my bookkeeping and all this structure and I think that that is probably where a lot of us came from. We were just doing our art and then all of a sudden we were business owners and we're like, Oh, this is a whole new skill I have to learn now.

Taylah: 13:28

I know. Yeah, a hundred percent. Can relate.

Ané: 13:31

I guess I feel like let's, let's. Backtrack a little bit and give us your history of how you became a photographer. Now, was there a moment in childhood or was there just, again, an accidental thing that you were like, I'm going to do this creative, creative endeavor and it turned into your photography business. Give us a bit of a background of how you, yeah, got into photography.

Taylah: 13:53

Yeah, cool. It was definitely an accident. I always was very like visual with things. And I had such a vivid imagination and I tried so many different things, early twenties, like people were like, are you okay? You've tried so many different careers and like, no one could keep up. And I couldn't even keep up. I was just like, I just don't know what I want to do. And the only way for me to. Like with my personality, I was like, I just have to try it. Like, I can't just like, I need to get out there and do it. And it would have looked strange. And I probably, everyone's like, she's having a mental breakdown. I just like dabbled. I tried uni and I was just like, Oh my God, I don't even, I don't even understand. I didn't even know like what subjects were where, like, I was just so lost. And I was like, okay, I've got to accept that that's not for me. And then just dabbled in so many different things. And then when I started taking photos it was more just for fun. And then I realized that I just, I just felt so inflow it. Cause I think a lot of my jobs, I was always like thinking about it and being like, okay, I've got to do this now. And like, it just felt too rigid. And. It always felt hard to find, like, I don't feel like, I feel like I'm very, like, multifaceted as, like, women are, like, it's just come so naturally that we like to try lots of different things. It just felt easy and I just loved having that connection or love having that connection with other people. And like, I don't know, like, I just think it's amazing that we have. We can capture something and we can keep that. It's like that to me. I'm like, how do we, how do we even design this thing? It's crazy. It just like captures a moment in time that we can have forever.

Ané: 15:50

And like, it seems to me that once you kind of accepted that you are a bit of an experiment person and you like to, enjoy all of these different things. I can so, and so can Stacey, like so relate on just dabbling in different things and get excited about it. And just like, it's like a body being like, yes, this lights me up. Let's keep doing it. But you're like, logically, like, I don't really know what I'm doing here. Logically. Like, it's just all over the place, but embodiment wise, it just feels so fun and excitement. And I can totally relate to that. And it seems that once you kind of accepted that path, it like, yeah, people were like, yeah, I would love to collab on these photos and things with you. And you just started to build your portfolio, right? Which is so beautiful. And it's sort of, yeah, that's all the time, like the path that's least resistant, you kind of just went through that path. And it, you know, it created this sort of flow effect for you, which is. Yeah, stunning.

Stacey: 16:46

Like for people who are starting their own businesses, often it's the case where your family is looking at you like, what are you

Ané: 16:54

doing?

Stacey: 16:54

You don't, you can't do that. You can't start that business. You're like, yeah, I can. I think that a lot of people relate, relate to feeling like the black sheep or the odd one, the one who people don't necessarily think what you're doing is a very smart idea. It's very risky. It's very should you really be doing that? Especially, I think as women, we're seen as a bit polite, we're kind of branded a bit like, we don't have that masculine business mind, but I think that, I think that there's so much a magic when we follow the whim, we follow that whim and we follow the thread of where that's going to go. And like you're saying, we're following this kind of passion thread and we're following this lead. That's taking us somewhere other than I just want the fame, the money, the, you know, we talk about this a little bit here on the podcast about not just chasing whatever our ego wants just to be validated from the outside, from somebody else, and just to follow what our ego real internal passions sort of calling to us and following those and, and seeing them through. And, and I think like you were saying, like, you can dabble a little bit here and there. It doesn't necessarily have to be the be all and end all of your career for, you know, until you're dead.

Taylah: 18:09

a hundred percent. I think that's a beautiful part of it and I think that, Maybe the older that I'm getting, I'm like, Oh, you don't have to have, like, if you decide to do something, it's not like, okay, well, you got to stick to that for 80 years. It's like, you can, yeah, just experience different things. And if it's like with anything, with relationships, work, anything, like nothing, you're not like, you don't have to do it forever. That's liberating to know that.

Ané: 18:38

And that's that's the feminine, right? Like that's in its true essence is just to experience is to just feel and and be on that journey. And I think even when we're speaking about this of being like the black sheep or feeling a little bit different. It's like, But those are the people that make the difference, right? Like those are the people that are, you know, walking a different path and like, you know, creating evolutions in that way. And I think the more we can accept those parts of us and collaborate and like have these conversations, the easy it's going to get for us, quote unquote, weirdos, which. aren't weird. You're just creative and beautiful and expressive. But some people may be like, why are you doing that or whatever? It's like, no, let's make that not this taboo thing. And I think I'm so glad that you're speaking up about this because it's so, so true, especially as creatives. And so when do you feel like, so how long have you been in your photography business now? Like how long, how many years have you been in this place? I think four, if

Taylah: 19:42

my maths is correct.

Ané: 19:44

Yes, four. Such a, such a femme answer. Like, time is an illusion. So why are you asking that, Anae? Yeah. No, no, but the reason I, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's cause like anyone who is either starting their creative endeavors, anyone who is been in it for five, 10, 20 years, like, I feel like there's always this new level without us even noticing that we're stepping into. And it's just like the easier we can like, you know, just enjoy that ride, the quicker it's better for us to just Move past it and move through it. And so, yeah, I just think that that's just such a beautiful conversation we're having. And so what in the works is happening right now? Like what are you, what's, what's lighting you up currently? Are you still just focusing on photography right now?

Taylah: 20:36

Photography is still like my main thing. I guess with photography, I've always sort of tried to find like a deeper meaning for it. So it was never necessarily like, I'd always get the questions like, Oh, well, like what kind of brands do you want to work with? Or so we're more like based on, I guess the, the look of like what photography is or like, I guess the fashion aspect or like the social media aspect. And I was always like, it was never my drive, like driving for, so I was like, it's just not. And I think it's become more and more apparent to me that it's. More about connecting with humans and telling their story. And especially with women, I feel like it wasn't really something that I intellectualized. I wasn't like, I'm going to work with women and, you know, make them like, help them see themselves like in a different light, or it just kind of flowed as I would go. I'd always attract the like similar sort of energies. And I was just like, Oh, this obviously something maybe subconscious that I'm but it's always been something that I'm passionate about is just whether it was through photography or something else is just helping others see themselves in a way that maybe they don't see themselves and giving them that voice and that platform. Like I love just being people's hype girl. Like I just so excited when someone has like a passion or like even when I was younger, I. Yeah, I would always find myself like, either wanting to like, if someone had a passion, I'd be like, let's go and do this or like, I always wanted to see them shine. And I think. That's what I've loved about photography. And there are different avenues and things that I'm navigating through at the moment. And, you know, I did my holistic counseling training a couple of years ago. Don't know why I was like, it's random, but it was during COVID. And I was like, I don't know why, but I'm feeling called to do this. I'm not going to use it now, but I will in the future go for it. So I think like when I Especially like with women. I said a lot of intention with them and yeah, there's a lot behind it. And I think it all kind of ties in. But yeah, there are some things in the works. That aren't just photography related, but. I guess like a platform for women, young women to come together and feel seen and heard and learn about what they're passionate about and things that maybe they don't feel they can talk to with their friends and family. And yeah, I think that I've resonated quite deeply with that, like, especially growing up. And yeah, as you say, being the black sheep, like I was. I was always just trying to like figure it out and navigate. And yeah, so I feel like it's all sort of like making sense now. Just by me, like kind of winging it and like trying heaps of different things. But yeah.

Stacey: 23:42

Yeah. I think that's going to give everyone permission to say to themselves, Hey, maybe I could wing it too. And like, eventually the pieces will come together and just, if anybody is listening, who needs a photo shoot, we know where to go.

Taylah: 23:57

Yeah. I

Stacey: 23:59

just feel like coming to you for a photo shoot, like I'm planning on it eventually to fly up to see you, but I just think that you would be getting so much more than just photos. You know how sometimes people have this misconception about, Oh, it's just, you just click a button. Photography is just, you know, click a button. The camera, the camera's not, you know, shooting itself. Like there's a story there you're trying to capture. There is so much skill involved in having somebody there behind the camera. And like you said, you're helping people to like, see who they are. It's not just a photo. It's to share their story. And I think the work you're doing is going to have so much impact. And I think the fact that you're working with women in that sense, too, is so powerful because. I, yeah, I feel like that people are being attracted to, to your work because they can sense that, they can sense that you have those same values, the similar values of, you know, helping women to share their stories in that way.

Taylah: 25:04

Yeah. Thank you. That's so nice.

Stacey: 25:07

I actually, I actually did have a question which is if you had any advice for somebody who was just beginning, who was just starting out, they felt very multi passionate and because we did an episode about this just a few episodes ago about being multi passionate. So I feel like this ties into that if you want to go back and listen to that episode as well but for somebody who is in that space, oh, they're going. I'm trying to do all these things. What would you tell somebody to, to do in that instance? What advice would you give

Taylah: 25:38

I would say to harness it. I think in our society, everyone wants to put everyone in a box. It just like makes sense to a lot of people. They just want to simplify it all. And I think growing up, it was always, we were put in a box and everything's very linear. But I think If you are like that, it can be scary because it's harder to relate with a lot of people, but It's such a gift. And if you really harness it and allow it and actually listen to it, you'll become so in flow and you'll feel so fulfilled with what you're doing. And if it doesn't make sense to anyone else, like in your circle, it doesn't matter if it makes sense to you and it feels right for you, just go for it. And try like try different things and just see because it will always flow into something and one day it will make sense, even if it's chaos at the time, just go with it.

Stacey: 26:35

Yeah, my parents were always like, like that they were always telling me just try everything once and then that's how you'll know whether you like it or not. And that's how exactly my life. Okay, well, like when I'm trying food, try, try the meal once, try the sport once. Just try it and then that's how you'll know whether or not it's for you or not. And that's how I, I was always taught.

Taylah: 27:01

Yeah, such a beautiful way to live. Go parents.

Ané: 27:06

And on that note as well, like, you know, it's, it is a powerful, it's a powerful state to be in if you are multifaceted or you have that drive within to just try new things. Because how many times have we heard stories of people who are scared of failure, scared of just like, you know, taking the path that's, you know, Different or like scared of the unknown. So if you have that ability within to just go for it, like that's such a powerful place to be in. And it seems like that's what you have Taylor, which is just, it's beautiful. And the fact that you said that it will make sense one day is like how relatable, like when you're a kid and you just feel so weird and you feel different. And like, you're just like, Oh, why can't I just be normal, quote unquote normal? But then you grow up, you're. And you're sat in return and you're like, Oh, I know why now. Makes sense. So beautiful. I love that. I feel as well, like, you know, with your work as well, it seems like it's going to be an ever evolving journey, right? Like, is that something that with your near death. Experience you came to the realization like, Oh, actually, I don't have to fit in a box. So I don't have to do X, Y, and Z. I can do A, B, and C. Do you feel like that's sort of the piece that you've gotten from that experience?

Taylah: 28:29

Definitely. Yeah. I think it's always been something that I struggled to accept and I'd always come in and out of it and be like, okay, like be a bit more businessy and all like, you know, try niche down or whatever things that people are sort of talking about. But yeah, it was definitely, I think just the biggest thing is like, you don't have to explain yourself to anybody. Like, as long as you're being true to you, like it doesn't matter what, if it doesn't make sense to anyone else ever, that's fine as long as you're living your truth. Yeah. It's, and you just feel so liberated when you accept those parts of yourself. And I think that we all have that ability to, you know, try different things. I think just as we get older, we, it's just trained out of us that like, cause as kids, they're always like wanting to try different things and it's what makes them so beautiful. And. I don't know why, but suddenly as we become adults, it's like, Oh, I do this. And it's like, no, but you can 10 different things that you do, or like a 20 hobbies, or you can try things and, you know, it doesn't have to be a set thing. So yeah, I think that's just been so liberating to sort of harness that and just, I guess, be childlike again, and just, see the world as like a curious being

Stacey: 30:01

Yeah, I love everything that you said and that aspect of play I think is so important When we're in our creative endeavors, isn't it to, to be a child again, to find that level of play rather than this mode of survival. And I get that sometimes we need to do things to survive, but I think it's important to harness that little creative, youthfulness inside of us that we had when we were kids, just to play and to find things and to not have this specific outcome that we're so attached to and to, to hold onto that really tightly, because I think sometimes it can be very detrimental to, to hold onto things that tightly. But I do have another question about visibility. So when people are getting photos taken, or I know when I've taken, gotten like photos taken, it can be really confronting for people because you have to really show up as yourself. You have to be seen, you have to be perceived. So how would you guide somebody through that process of being able to see themselves in that way and to be comfortable and to move through some of the shadows that come up when we're trying to be seen and be visible?

Taylah: 31:18

It is, it's so like personal to who I'm working with and it's such like a, I guess I do, I tune into what I sense from them, from them, sorry. And we'll just like bring it to the surface, like whether we're like talking about it or Like I'll say things that might be relatable for them. Like I know that it can be uncomfortable. And we don't have to shy away from, you know, the things that you may feel insecure about, cause it's like so fucking normal that we'll feel those things. And just, I think just talking through it and bringing light to those situations. And also I'm not very big on I think a lot of people, when they first work with me, they're like, well, she's so relaxed. But I've had so many people be like, you're so chill. I'm like, cause I think in the past they've probably worked with people that are like, now put your arm here and like, you know, like give some specific poses where I'm at, I'm like, I just want you to embody yourself. I'm not going to tell you. How to move. Of course, I'm going to help you like with composition and like where to stand and whatnot, but this is like, this is your stage. It's your floor. I'm not going to like interrupt that. And I think they, at the start, they're like, Oh, why isn't she, why isn't she guiding me in the way that I would normally. And then as they go and like, as I'm like reassuring them, I'm just like, just like, you'll understand. And then. Yeah, by the end, they're like, that's so, that was so fun and like, so liberating. And I think it is just like me having trust in them and being like, you've got this, like, it's all good. Like, I'm not gonna, you know, tell you what to do because how you are, I'm going to take away your human experience and who you are by telling you where to move or what to do. So I think, yeah, that's probably my biggest thing. Which, yeah, it's just so fun to play and not have a certain way of doing it and just be like, let's just try things. And if it fails, we can laugh about it. You know, it doesn't matter.

Stacey: 33:33

I love the way that you work like that, because I think that this works as well. Like when I've been taught to record a voiceover, for example, you know, I would get the same advice about trying to just embody where you are. And rather than make it, you know, pose like this or say it in this tone of voice. And I feel like the way that you work is so unique and it will bring so much authenticity because people are able be themselves and it's like, okay, maybe we don't want this. Structured photo, maybe that's not our goal. Our goal here is maybe to, to find an authentic expression in a person. And I think that that's the most beautiful way that you've been able to work through capturing that. So I'd love that you work in that way.

Ané: 34:23

And also just to add on to that part is it's like, you're just, you're a very safe person to work with then when you're like that, because you're pretty much, unconsciously giving them permission to make mistakes, to look messy, to be their authentic, raw, vulnerable self. And. It's so needed right now, like in the online space in creativity and any sort of, yeah, people trying to own their voice and own their way. And it's it's, I love, you know, how you guide them and it's sort of, It's very similar to some, you know, coaches and mentors, like essentially you're a guide for them. You're a mentor for a moment and telling them, you know, your thoughts. Perfect. You're fine as is. I'm not going to tell you and pose and you know, all of these things are just, just so needed because you can see when you can see when there's like a helicopter coach, you know, helicopter mom and parents and similar vibes. Like you kids need to make mistakes. People need to make mistakes. And the fact that you're just like, yeah, let's rock it. Yeah. It's so beautiful. So yeah. Good on you. And Where do you think you get that ability? Is it something that you had to work through yourself? Or is it something that you had to work with a coach? Was it something, yeah, like a spiritual practice that got you there? Like, how did you get to that ability to guide people like that?

Taylah: 35:45

I think growing up I had, well, and still like have those perfections and traits that I think just Like the way that I think it was more just like, I was a gymnast growing up where everything had to be very perfect. And I think it was just so ingrained in me to be like, this is how You have to be, and it was, I just had to train that because it was so conflicting to how I am naturally as a, like, I am so the opposite of that. So it was just this contradicting feeling within myself. And then, yeah, throughout my early twenties, I just went to work on it because I was just like, this is not me. It's just like a version of me. And I, how I connect with people is through like, I love when someone's vulnerable and, you know, owns their quote unquote flaws. And I think that that's so inspiring and it's just the best way you can connect with someone. It's being like, we are all messy. No one has the answers for anything. And yeah, I don't know. I think it was just something that I've really focused on. How I want to be as a human is to, you know, not be perfect and just experiencing things. So, yeah, I think that I try and show up like that my friends and family and with work as well. So, yeah, I think it's just. going to work on it.

Ané: 37:20

You've, you've kind of made the unconscious patterns conscious, right? Like you were like when you were a little kid or when you were young, you were like, okay, not really a fan of how people are operating in this section. Don't want to be like that. You know how people say like they either become their parents or they're the polar opposite. It's sort of a similar thing, even if it was your sport that you did or the community that you're in, it doesn't have to be parents. And like, I think so many of us who tap into spirituality are very. You know, tuned into that, that frequency, we have, it's because of those experience that we were able to shift it a little bit and keep working on it. And I think, yeah, that's such a beautiful trait. And the fact that you were able to make something such a, such a tangible result, which is photos for people, tell their story, but also give this ability for them to feel safe and be vulnerable and express their messiness in their, their life is just such a. Beautiful, powerful tool. And yeah, I'm excited to see where this takes you. And I'm excited to hear, well, we're very excited to hear these new offerings that are coming up. Because we can sense that you're just, yeah, you have this very wise innate ability to, yeah, guide people, which is just, Beautiful.

Stacey: 38:36

to see as well where this is going to end up for you because yeah, I just think there's so much in you that probably no one knows yet. Like anybody, like we don't know what could be around the corner. We don't know. We could be in a car accident, like which, what happened to you? We could, you know, start a new service tomorrow. We could turn around next week and want to turn everything around in another way. And I think that the way that, that you have explored everything that, that, like, God gifted to you, or I don't know where it all comes from, but everything that you've been gifted. You know, in terms of the things that you're passionate about and the way that you've molded it into a business that's helping other people is such a beautiful example to everybody about, Hey, this is a really good, this is, this is our example here of like exactly how you can go and do that. And it doesn't need to be perfect. It doesn't need to look exactly the way that you think it's going to look. And it might not look the way that you thought it was going to look

Ané: 39:43

well, I feel like that is sort of a sign to wrap this up and close this for us, because we covered so much. I mean, yeah, from your childhood to your near death experience to how you've been able to show up differently the last couple of months and being in this sort of new. Frequency on this new sort of leap in your life, which, yeah, I mean, where can people find you and, be in contact with you for these new things that are coming into your world?

Taylah: 40:13

I mean, Instagram is always a good one. You can just go to lioness creative underscore and then send me a message. I'd love to hear from anyone. Yes. Yeah, show your face and make new friends.

Ané: 40:27

Absolutely. And, and where are you located actually?

Taylah: 40:30

I'm in Byron Bay at the moment. But I, I to and fro from Melbourne. But yes, based in Byron at the

Ané: 40:38

moment. Beautiful. Well, at least that's kind of local, you know, for anyone that's on the East Coast. So you can definitely, yeah, get in contact with Taylor and yeah, yeah, we'd absolutely, I'm sure people would love to hear your story even further and all the things that's in your world. Thank you so much, Taylor, for taking the time. It was so lovely to hear your story and you just got such radiant, beautiful grounding energy, even when you're so tuned in and tapped into your femme. I mean, it's wonderful to see. Yeah. So thank you for sharing your story today. Thanks so much for having me guys. It was so much fun. And yeah, keep in contact with us. You guys, you know, we have a website, so we'll link it all, all of the things that we talked about today. We'll link in the show notes. So yeah, if you want to get in contact with Taylor, find her on the show notes links and that is that. Thank you again, all so much and speak later.