DIVINE DIVA INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL ROUHANA

When you were starting out in your career how did you know you were making the right choice as far as pursuing that career for yourself?  

I don’t think you ever really know if you’re making the right choice, but I do believe in following your heart and doing something that you find fulfilling and that supports the type of lifestyle you want to live. It won’t always work out, and most times you’ll end up pivoting and changing paths and that’s OK! When I started my business I was motivated by the fact that I wanted to stay home with my son and earn an income to help support my family by doing something creative. That was my biggest driving factor in the beginning. 

Who were you biggest influences growing up?  

My parents. They are the hardest working people I know and I definitely got my work ethic from them!

When you faced obstacles or fears along the way how did you overcome them, and move beyond them?  

Fear in business is normal. Everyone has fears around something. For the most part I try to take a step back and look at the cost/benefit of doing something. Even if I’m afraid, does the potential benefit outweigh whatever it is I’m afraid of? If the answer is yes, and it helps me frame things in a way that allows me to make decisions and move forward.

What or who inspires you and why? 

I’m inspired by everyday people who take chances and pursue their dreams. I love hearing how entrepreneurs got started and the journey they’ve been on to get where they are. They don’t have to be famous, or making 8 figures to be interesting or inspirational. I just love hearing about people who have come from nothing and built something that has impacted the word in some way!

If you could go back in time and change anything about your life would you change anything? If so what would you change and why?

I probably would have started my business way sooner — I love being an entrepreneur! 

What do you feel is your greatest achievement?

I feel like starting Haute Stock is my greatest business achievement. When I launched the styled stock library, there were no other similar business models in the market — a membership for styled stock photography. I am really proud to have launched that business model and it has now become very popular.

What are the most important lessons you have learned along the way?  

1. Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis — just take action and learn from your wins and your mistakes.

2. Hire help as soon as you can — it will help your business grow faster and make your life a lot more enjoyable.

3. Trust your instincts! 

What do you hope others will remember most about you and your life? 

I feel very privileged to be able to create a product that women from all over the world use to build their brands and grow their businesses. I am honored that in some small way we at Haute Stock are changing the face of the Internet with our images. I hope that for years to come we’ll be able to provide beautiful, stylish imagery for women entrepreneurs and that those photos will help women feel empowered to build their brands and show up online.

What is the best advice you would give other women who are not sure what path to choose in their life? 

Be really honest with yourself about what you want. Remove expectations from the equation — try not to think about what your parents want, what your partner wants, what your friends think, what society says you should do. Get honest with yourself about what lights you up, what gets you excited and the lifestyle you want to live. Once you know that (or think you know, you don’t have to have it all figured out), then pursue it with focus and determination. You really can build the life you want.

What does success mean to you?

Doing what I love and feeling good about how I do it.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Rachel. I found her a few years ago when searching for styled stock photos and fell in love with her amazing images. I’m a proud member of her Haute Stock styled stock photography membership website.

Rachel is the founder and creative director of Haute Stock and and you can find her at

http://www.hautestock.co