Yailin Benitez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Yailin, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing the highest version of my authentic self; the kind of person, mother, artist, and business owner who never stops learning or evolving. My focus is on growth: building something meaningful, improving every system, every client experience, and every version of myself along the way.
If I stopped, I’d be sending the wrong message to my son, to my team, and to every person who looks up to me. I’d be saying it’s okay to settle, and that’s not who I am. We only get one life, and I intend to use it to build something that lasts a legacy that proves passion, discipline, and heart can turn dreams into reality.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Yailin Benitez, and I’m the owner of Yailin Benitez Photography Studio, located at 2529 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth, Florida. I’m a single mom, a business owner, and a go-getter who believes in chasing dreams fearlessly.
Although I’ve been a professional photographer for over eight years, my background is in psychology. Before opening my studio, I worked for a well-known nonprofit organization for about seven years. Eventually, I took a leap of faith, left my nine-to-five job, and followed my passion, and I haven’t looked back since.
At my studio, we specialize in portrait photography, including family, maternity, kids, quinceañeras, newborn sessions, and much more. I was born in Cuba and came to the United States at the age of ten, growing up in Palm Beach County, which I’m proud to still call home today.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, my mom. She left everything behind in Cuba to give me a better future. If it weren’t for her courage and sacrifice, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When she made that decision, she didn’t have anyone to guide or help her here; she started completely from scratch, leaving behind her entire family and the life she knew.
Her strength and determination shaped the way I see myself and the way I live my life. Every time I face a challenge, I think of her and remind myself that if she could start over with nothing, I can push forward and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failure. I used to be so scared to try because I didn’t want to fail. If you don’t try, you don’t have to worry about experiencing failure; but that mindset only holds you back. I’ve learned that it’s okay to fail. In fact, failure makes you tougher and prepares you for your next attempt. Every time you fall, you come back stronger and wiser.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The fear of failure. For a long time, that fear controlled me more than I wanted to admit. I was so scared to try because I didn’t want to fail. It felt safer not to take risks; if you don’t try, you don’t have to worry about the disappointment that comes with failing. But I eventually realized that living that way was holding me back from everything I truly wanted.
When I decided to leave my stable nine-to-five job to open my photography studio, that fear came rushing back. I questioned myself constantly; what if it didn’t work? What if I couldn’t make it on my own? But I reminded myself that failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the process. Every failure teaches you something valuable. It toughens you up, it humbles you, and it prepares you for your next attempt.
Now, I look at failure differently. It’s no longer something I run from; it’s something I learn from. Without taking those risks, I would never have built the life and business I have today.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the personal connection and passion I bring into every session. For me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating experiences and capturing emotions that last forever. I pour my heart into every detail, from designing the sets to making my clients feel confident and celebrated in front of the camera.
Many of my clients have shared that they don’t just come to me for photos, they come for the energy, the creativity, and the comfort they feel during their sessions. I think they’d miss that feeling; the laughter, the encouragement, and the way I help them see their own beauty through my lens. My studio has become more than just a business; it’s a space filled with memories, transformation, and genuine human connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yailinbenitezphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yailin.benitez.photography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yailin-benitez-5a5b95218
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yailin.benitez.photos/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCovyRiQ5jXbuB9PWIK8FU4w/featured?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/yailinbenitezphotography
