In Episode 45 of the HerStory Podcast, Kylie King sits down with Sara Knight from Sarah Louise Photography who is a powerful advocate for mental health, neurodivergence, and authenticity in business, and the 2024 winner of the Overcoming the Odds Award at the ALIBI Awards.
Sara shares her deeply personal journey of building a successful photography business while living with autism, complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression. From surviving family violence and navigating domestic abuse, to rediscovering her identity through creativity, this episode is an honest conversation about resilience, self-worth, and choosing to keep going even when the odds feel stacked against you.
The discussion also explores how Sara’s lived experience shapes her work behind the camera. Her approach to candid photography allows families, particularly neurodivergent children and parents to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Sara explains why slowing down, removing pressure, and honouring individuality can completely change how people experience photography.
If you’ve ever felt held back by your mental health, diagnosis, or past experiences, this episode is a powerful reminder that your story doesn’t disqualify you from success – it can become the very thing that sets you apart.
What You’ll Learn in Episode 45
-
How Sara rebuilt her life and business while managing autism, CPTSD, anxiety, and depression
-
Why lived experience can become a strength, not a limitation in business
-
How creativity and photography supported healing and self-discovery
-
Why candid photography creates safer experiences for neurodivergent families
-
The importance of breaking stigma around mental health in entrepreneurship
-
How advocacy and authenticity can coexist with commercial success
-
Why thriving doesn’t mean “being cured,” it means learning to work with yourself
Guest: Sara Knight
A 39-year-old mother of six, all of whom are neurodiverse like herself. She has overcome the challenges of CPTSD and anxiety while successfully running a small photography business in Penrith. An award-winning photographer and finalist in multiple prestigious competitions, including the ALIBI Overcoming the Odds Awards.
She’s also about to release a book she co-authored with 24 other incredible women.
Beyond her business, she’s a passionate advocate against domestic and family violence, using her voice to create awareness and support others.
Find Sara:
Want More Support Like This?
If you’re a woman in business looking for connection, inspiration, and practical support, you’re welcome inside the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative community.
Join the community here.