Meet Taylor Mohr | Carlsbad Magazine Staff Photographer & Social Media Director

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

Hi Taylor, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
So much does! The most important being self-care and meditation since happiness begins within yourself. I believe it is a way of life and a mindset. We all have experienced drastic highs and lows in our lives. And if I have learned anything, it is when you are solid in the knowledge of who you are, your mind will be open, and your heart will be steady. Happiness is living in your authenticity and respecting others for living in theirs. You are the key to your happiness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography has always been a big part of me. Even my grandfather and my father always had the latest cameras in their hands. In my early twenties, so much in my personal life was changing so I decided I needed a job that was unlike anything I had done before. Bliss 101, the Art Gallery in Encinitas, was hiring and I sent in my resume. Helen Zeldes, who owned it at the time, set up an interview with me and the next day I was offered the job. I got to learn about the talented Artists, the awesome methods and styles they worked with, and saw the beautiful new art pieces come into the store each week. What struck me the most about all of this was that these Artists were all doing what they loved for a living. It was an incredible job and I loved that each day was different than the last. A few months in, I noticed the Gallery had an Instagram account that wasn’t as up to date as it could be. I spoke with Helen about an idea I had that might make for a fun post and she told me she did not have anyone running it and gave me all the social media platforms to manage. I was overwhelmed and so excited! I got to showcase new artwork and the talented Artists and the wonderful customers. About six months later, I had posted my black and white VW Bus image on my own personal Instagram account and the next day Helen called me and asked, “why did you not tell me you were a photographer?” I didn’t know how to respond since I had never thought of myself as one. She continued, “when you are ready, I know an Art Gallery that would love to showcase your work.” And with that statement, Helen changed my life. For the next few months, I worked hard on creating a portfolio and getting my images printed. I had my Art Show with Bliss and my photographs started selling that evening. I was in heaven.
Months after, I was reading Carlsbad Magazine and noticed the first page I turned to had their contact information on it. I thought, why not? And sent over my work. I received a response from Tim Wrisley, the owner, and was sent my first assignment. I was ecstatic! The Magazine sent me more assignments as the months went on and I was getting busier. I had less and less time and eventually had to make a decision. Do I stay with the Art Gallery or do I take a huge leap of faith and focus on expanding my Photography Business? I came to the conclusion that I am being given an opportunity to grow, as a Business and as a person, and that it would be ridiculous not to take it. Even if I didn’t know what my next step would be I had to go for it.
I am now Staff Photographer and manage the Social Media for Carlsbad Magazine. I am beyond grateful to be part of them. Not only do I get to take photos, I get to showcase small businesses. I get to help support the incredible Carlsbad community. And because I took a leap of faith, I now have my dream job!

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?
Carlsbad Village! But to narrow the places down is just impossible. The restaurants, the community, the art, the beaches, the history, the Magazine, and the small businesses are just incredible. Everyone I have spoken to who either visits or lives in Carlsbad says the same thing, “Of all the places I have been, Carlsbad is the best.” And I couldn’t agree more.

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?
Oh my goodness, how much time do you have?! I have a huge list of wonderful people who have helped me grow as a person and as a business. People who have shown me such kindness and believed in me when I did not. My parents are hands down first shoutout. I got really lucky with them. They both have always supported my ideas, my leaps of faith, my business, my everything! Having a great support system of inspiring people will change your life. I also would love to shoutout Frank, Sandy and Judy for being there since the beginning. To Helen Zeldes for changing my entire life. And to the entire staff of Carlsbad Magazine, to be part of their publication has been beyond incredible!

Website: www.TaylorReneeMohr.com

Instagram: @Taylor.Mohr