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

Hi Nia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe in taking risks! Without taking the leap, you will never know what the outcome will be. There are two options, success or failure. I recently moved to full time photo in June 2024. I had so much fear in running a full business on my own. I have been working and taking care of myself since I was 18 years old. I was working in restaurants and breweries to take care of bills. Failure was not an option for me.

Taking that leap was the BEST decision I made for myself and my business. Running a small business does take blood, sweat and tears. I will say, it is not for the weak. You truly have to believe in yourself and work. I have spent countless hours putting all of my energy into my photography business. I can definitely say all of this handwork and dedication has paid off! I am so happy with where I am at in my life and in my career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most excited for 2025! I feel that as a creative and a small business owner, I have grown immensely. It will be my first year as a full time business owner. I have learned to say no, value myself, and to work with people that inspire me. I want people to know that I run my business with honesty and passion.

I specifically love shooting film. I am planning to shoot more film for the end of 2024 and into 2025. There is nothing like it. It really slows down the process and you don’t know what you have shot until after you have developed your film. Every click counts. Once I get my film back from the lab, I always wish I shot more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a fun question! I love spending time at breweries and restaurants. For breweries, I recommend Pure Project, Fall Brewing Company, Thorn Brewery, Deft Brewery, Seek Brewery and Goal Brewery. Local restaurants I love are Shanghai Saloon/ Dumpling Inn, Cori, It’s Raw, Ototo Sushi Co., El Pez, Temaki, and Bahn Thai. Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park, North Park, Encinitas, Point Loma, are places I enjoy spending time at.

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?
Wow. Where do I begin. There are so many people that have helped me in my photography to career. From my professors at San Diego City College, to fellow photographers I have worked for, and of course my family and my friends. I would not be here if it wasn’t for a handful of people that have taught me, educated me, and believed in me throughout the years.

I am grateful for everyone that has been supporting my dreams.

Website: https://www.niarowland.com

Instagram: @niarowlandphoto

Image Credits
Nia Rowland Photography

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