Name: Yasmin Tajik
Age: 47
Title: Professional Photographer and Drone Pilot
Married/Single: Not married and not single
Kids: None, but would have loved to have had them when I was younger. For now, I’m a kid at heart.
City you live in: Fountain Hills
A typical day in my life includes…
checking my email and the news after waking up, going to a morning workout class at TruFusion, then spending the rest of the day marketing, editing, and shooting.
I was born…
to help others. My parents and Midwest roots fostered that deep in me and I feel I am called to use my photography and storytelling skills to help those in need.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the sun and the heat! I grew up in Minnesota where we lacked sun for 9 months out of the year. I’m a total sun baby and love feeling the warm sun on my skin, even when it’s 100+ degrees.
I’m listening to…
those who have come before me. I’m not big into podcasts, and I’m tired of listening to the same old stuff in my music library. Listening to the wise words from elders is truly enlightening and soul-fulfilling.
My family…
is everything to me. Even though we’re spread throughout the country, we are very close. I’m fortunate my work is flexible and I can travel to see them and my nieces and nephews. I recently spent time with 3 of my 4 siblings in just the last month.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
my parents. I always learn something new from them, and they foster in me a deep-seeded quest for growth and knowledge. I walk away from any time spent with them, more enlightened and knowledgeable.
One thing I cannot live without…
chapstick with SPF.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a stay at home mom. I felt I was born to be a mother. Nature decided otherwise, so instead of raising little ones of my own, I feel a responsibility to help all the little ones in need.
I’m inspired by…
those who come from marginalized communities. They show such resilience and endure by overcoming obstacles most of us would think unimaginable.
The one person who motivates me is…
a tie between my parents. They motivate me in every aspect of my life to do and be better.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
to change how people look at each other. To stop discriminating based upon sex, religion, socio-economic status, etc.
The perfect day would be…
waking up early, enjoying a nice brunch with family and close friends, a day at the beach, followed by a scrumptious meal by the water or a fire pit, and great conversation.
My first job was…
at Waldo’s Pizza at Apache Mall in Rochester, MN.
My favorite escape…
anything beach related. I need water in my life.
My life…
is wonderful. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by such an amazing family and friends. I have so much to be grateful for. There certainly are ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh the downs.
I’m currently working on…
editing images and drone footage from a road trip I took with my boyfriend all the way up the California and Oregon coasts. It was so beautiful and I was able to mark that off my bucket list.
Always…
be kind.
Never
forget that we all want the same things in life: good health, food on our table, a roof over our heads, to love and be loved.
Favorite Quote…
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We can’t, we’re afraid!” they responded.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We can’t, We will fall!” they responded.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
And so they came.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.” ― Guillaume Apollinaire
Biggest Dream…
That each and every person on this planet has enough to eat, a loving family, a safe place to rest their head at night, and to feel loved.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
being late, hypocritical people, and those who do not fully educate themselves on all sides of a topic before trying to force it on others or convince someone otherwise.
