Meet Merieta Bayati | Serial Entrepreneur & Author

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

Hi Merieta, how do you think about risk?
You can’t be a successful entrepreneur without taking some sort of risk! When you’re willing to put it all on the line, you give it all you’ve got and that’s when I feel you succeed the most. I’ve taken many risks in my journey as an entrepreneur and I don’t regret it. It’s all or nothing for me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Merieta B. Photography is one of my main businesses where I shoot family, portraits, lifestyle, maternity and event photos. I own a studio in New Haven, CT (Playhouse Studios) where I conduct most of my business. Playhouse Studios is a creative playhouse for content creators, photographers, videographers, influencers and more! I honestly never dreamed about being a photographer or owning a creative space when I started my photography business five years ago. However, I owned an event space at the time and just saw an opportunity to add photography services to my existing clients for their events. Things just exploded from there and I developed a passion for it. Although my base is in CT, I travel nationally and internationally for gigs when requested.

Initially, the journey was not easy. I was working a full-time day job as an executive assistant, managing my event business and photography, all while being a mom of one. One thing I knew for certain is that I can’t give my all to my own businesses if I’m still giving my energy to the day job that was mentally draining me….I had a decision to make. Almost a year later I quit my day job and gave my all to entrepreneurship and I haven’t looked back since. One of the major lessons I’ve learned is to follow your intuition and do what’s best for your business without trying to be exactly like someone else. Remain true to who you are and embrace your uniqueness….that’s why people want to deal with me versus someone else who may do the exact same thing. I also realize the importance of planning and time-management when it comes to being successful in business. As entrepreneur, you don’t have time to waste…every minute counts. Time is money.

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?
Well, it really depends on what city we’re talking about because I’m usually all over the place! If I’m in ATL, then my favorite brunch spot is Breakfast at Barneys and Buttermilk’s Kitchen I do a little shopping at Lenox Mall but I love the artsy strip “Little Five Points” as well. Now If you’re coming to CT then it’s State Street Cafe for the best shrimp & grits for breakfast, TeAmo Tequila for drinks, tacos and guac! More Amore Boutique has the most unique and stylish clothing for women downtown New Haven near the shops at Yale. Other than that, I stay in the house and don’t go anywhere until I leave the country or visiting another state. So I may not be the best person to ask!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, my parents! Both of my parents, Sylvia and Masoud Bayati deserve the credit. My father was entrepreneur my entire childhood and adult life. I knew that I eventually wanted to follow in his footsteps and do the same. I watched how he had his own employees, managed his own time and did whatever he wanted to do because he was the BOSS. My mother was my dad’s righthand support. My mother has also been a major support in my business as well in many ways. She provides motivation, creative direction, styling and much more when needed.

Website: www.merietabphotography.com

Instagram: @merietab

Other: My other website is www.merietabayati.com