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

Hi Shaylee, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
One of the most single most important decisions I have made contributing to my success in my business and in my life is deciding to activity learn how to move through the things I was scared of doing, the things that feel uncomfortable. To be open to opportunities and challenging thoughts that could hold me back from living the life I want to live.

Doing this started with working on my personal development and living a healthier lifestyle, to having the courage to move somewhere I only thought I could dream of and now I have more confidence in talking to people about what I do and why I do it. It gave me the skillset and confidence to put myself out there and attract the things in life that I truly feel aligned with.

Something that isn’t taught at University is how powerful a clear and confident mind can be in for you in life. A healthy mindset is a powerful tool that supports you as a creative entrepreneur and leads you towards a pathway of success. Without a healthy mindset, we can create resistance that comes from old belief systems, intruding thoughts, or negative self talk. We get in our own way and hold ourselves back from amazing opportunities. Deciding to dig deep into myself and gain the tools I needed to help me work through the everyday life of being a woman and the challenges of being a business owner in the world we live in today has hands down been the one of the biggest reasons why I am successful today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Born into the vast landscapes of Alaska and now based on the Big Island of Hawaii, I’m a professional documentary style photographer and outdoor guide that focuses on environmental storytelling, outdoor education and cultivates experiences for people to connect with nature.

Through visual storytelling, I help capture pivotal moments in life and the importance of our connection with our food, the beauty of the outdoors and how a sustainable solution focused lifestyle impacts how we engage with the world.

My mission in life is to facilitate safe, fun and memorable adventures for people so they feel connected and empowered and recognize how they make a positive impact in the world. To connect to the way we live, the land we’re on, the environment we love and hold dear. Photography is a tool to communicate and share these stories with the world, to capture moments that help people feel and relate to a life they can live and help them see their full potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Itinerary for visiting Big Island, Hawaii:

– Coffee Shack for brunch
– Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park followed by Snorkeling at Two Step
– Hilo – Aka and Rainbow falls
– Hilo Farmers Market
– Volcano National Park
– Manta Ray Snorkel or Dive ( Kona Snorkel Trips or Kona Honu Divers – request me!)
– Waimea Farmers market
– Captain cook farmers market
– Google a local beach clean up @cleanrewards or check out dive shops for local boat leave ups
– Mauna Kea for the star gazing- 4WD and bring warm clothes!
– Koholā Coffee Drive through
– Willies hot chicken and Kona Brewery

Itinerary for visiting Alaska:

– Anchorage: Flat top Hiking, Kincaide Park, Moose tooth pizza, Kaladi brothers Coffee, South, Spenard Roadhouse
– Girdwood: Lots of hiking, blue berry picking, and the Nordic Spa
– Hatchers Pass – blue berry picking
– Seward: Cracker jacks fishing, Sea life center, Mt. Marathon hike, Cabin on the Cliff

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to the people that have helped me in my creative journey, from family and friends to coaches and colleagues. My journey and professional outdoor development really started at Portland State University in the Outdoor Program, working with my mentors from different backgrounds in outdoor education, facilitation, skill training’s and group management.

To my mother, grandmother and auntie for raising me to know that I can do anything I put myself in front of. For my sisters Jeannette, Kaitlyn and Jen that have been there for me and supported me. To my coaches Nikita, Kinsey, Courtney and Holly that have challenged me when needed and gave me the tools to live and create a lifestyle that I have always wanted and dreamed of.

Website: www.shayleeking.com

Instagram: @shayleekingphotos

Facebook: Shaylee King Photography

Image Credits
Copyright of Shaylee King Photography

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