ThriveIN5 with Waleed Shah

What motivated you to pursue your passion? 

It was a combination of things. I always think back to one of Majeed’s lines (he’s rapper based between Dubai and Saudi Arabia). In one of his songs he say “I fell in love with the props from the lines I drop”. So yes, it was the people around me giving me showing love and support and in addition to realizing that there was a market for my passion. So I set out to make my passion a source of income for me.

Who inspires you the most? 

As cliche as it sounds I draw my inspiration from instagram accounts. Every once in a while I switch up the accounts I follow to be fed new ideas. However, I find my self getting inspired by lines from songs or random conversations I have with strangers. I try to find a way to visually convey what someone said poetically

How do you handle the various challenges surrounding what you do? 

Arming yourself with as much information as possible, whether is about the job you're going to do or even about the client you’re going to meet.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

I see myself having a hand in various businesses. Photography is one but there are various other areas I’m interested in. I don’t see myself being “full time” doing only one thing.

What advice would you give to someone up and coming? 

To run a successful business, first take an accounting course. If you’re business is art, then learn the science behind it. The art is most powerful when you can consciously bend the rules of science.

www.waleedshah.ae

Facebook - @waleedshahphoto

Instagram - @waleedshah