Meet Sumeeth Mehta | Food & Lifestyle Photographer, Publisher & Community Connector, Children Art Mentor, Therapeutic Art Life Coach

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

Hi Sumeeth, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Opportunities make me happy! They spark energy in my bloodstream and give me the motivation to do something new. For me, it’s always “What’s next?” I can’t sit idle. I need to keep myself energized, and whenever I feel low, I remind myself that there’s always another opportunity waiting to lift me up. I love celebrating little joys: a small picnic, a long countryside drive, petting farms or my favorite job of photographing food with a storytelling touch. Seeing the growth and success of my students, my children, my husband, my friends fills me with gratitude. In school, I was the Social Service Captain, inspired by my father’s deep involvement in the community and his constant willingness to help others. I’ve seen families devoted to causes whether spiritual, cultural, or social and I’ve always admired that spirit.
For over 15 years, I’ve been offering my art and photography services as a form of community volunteering in United States. I still do at religious places, art organizations, school PTA’s and local events. That’s who I am. Now, I’m working on a private publication called “Neighbors of Lexington” in Frisco. It’s for the community a bridge that brings art, culture, food, and education together for families and neighborhoods.

I’ve always dreamed of publishing art magazines for children, to educate and inspire parents to see art as more than just a hobby. My goal is to help families recognize how art nurtures emotional growth, confidence, identity and helps build confidence and growth especially for special children .

Through this vision, I also want to introduce a “Global Art” concept helping youth and families explore different cultures through art styles, traditional and folk art, photography, food, and colors.

I find pure joy in witnessing that spark of happiness and pride in a child’s eyes when they create something meaningful. I truly believe that my photography and art is influencing someone, somewhere and that, to me, is the greatest reward. I’m always open to connect with like-minded individuals, educators, and creatives who share a passion for children’s art and artistic education. My goal is to build a supportive network that encourages young artists, guides parents, and celebrates creativity as a foundation for growth. All of this creative networking fuels my energy, keeps my spirit joyful, and reminds me of my purpose that keeps me happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Food Stylist, Food and Lifestyle Photographer, Therapeutic Art Life Coach, Children’s Art Mentor and now I’m stepping into a new chapter as a Publisher. In 2026, my publishing dreams take flight. I’m always grateful for every achievement as they are not just as milestones to me, they are reminders that even challenges have a purpose. To me time has guided me and my faith and consistency has unfolded my life exactly as it’s meant to be.

My food photography journey enhanced with my food photography “Rice”, published at British Airways for a Food Film in 2023, a moment that marked a new chapter for me as a food photographer. I’ve been also deeply honored to receive a Commended Place and Finalist title at the World Food Photography Awards, representing the United States among 67–70 countries, with only a few images selected worldwide for 2023 and 2024. Later exhibited at the renowned Mall Galleries of Piccadilly, London, UK.

What makes this journey even more special is that my daughters, who are now 9 and 13, Sawalynn and Gracelynn have joined me in this creative path from the age of five. In 2025 both of my daughters were shortlisted, finalists at World Food Photography Awards, London, UK proudly representing the United States among 70 countries and being a winner in Category under 10, for the year, 2023.

I’ve been also humbled to be nominated as a Commended Place for the Aho Woman Photographer of the Year Award in 2023. Later my work was selected for inclusion the first ever Plate! St. James’s festival, London at Fortnum & Masons. One amongst only 25 picked images from the 2024 finalist images at Piccadilly, London. Followed by the Grand Winner for Photography at InterFaith Photovoice and Interfaith America in 2024, and People Choice Award for photography in 2019.

Winning the trophies at a Tiny Film Festival (story telling) through photography and video making with my younger daughter Sawalynn in different categories, in 2024 at New Hampshire along with a National Award Winners in Art (Painting) with my elder daughter, Gracelynn. She earned National Award titles for art and creative writing at Reflections National PTA in the United States in 2019 and 2020 where I received this honor back in India in 2008 for my painting at the National Art Camp. We are so grateful for such mother and daughter moments and opportunities to be published together as a writer, photography or art.

I have seen days when my profession wasn’t even recognized. When people questioned what I truly do for a living because I said I am an artist and I teach. I’ve met parents who choose soccer or everything over art for their child, not realizing how deeply art could shape and support their growth. I’ve often heard, “Oh, art…yeah, it’s a nice hobby.” But I’ve always known, art is powerful, transformative and worthy. I feel rewarded when parents talk about the growth and confidence in their child through my art classes. Yet I’ve stood by my passion, knowing art changes hearts, minds and futures. My vision then and even today remains the same: to bring awareness, to educate parents, and to inspire the youth. I want to remind families that art isn’t just about drawing or scribbling, it’s a language of expression, confidence, and imagination. In my photography world, I carry the same purpose forward. I love telling stories of food and farms. The people, cultures and efforts behind what lands on our tables. There’s so much beauty and hard work in agriculture that often goes unseen, and I want my lens to give those stories the attention they deserve. My art brand – Myllyynnis(Myliines) was born from a family’s love for art and now stands as a creative home for other families who want to explore, express, and contribute to the art community. Through Sumeet Mehtas Phottography, I remind the community that life itself is beautiful. I am trying to encourage people to appreciate the art in their homes, their traditions and their families helping them preserve memories while discovering joy in creativity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As I’m still new to Dallas, I’m loving every bit of learning and discovering hidden gems around this city. So when my friend visits, I’d love to show her the places that truly reflect the warmth, artistry, and rustic charm of North Texas.

We’d begin the day at Adriatica Village in McKinney a stunning European-style escape with cobblestone streets, bell towers, and calm waters. It’s the perfect place for a morning picnic, a relaxed photo session, and a dose of countryside serenity that reminds me of my roots.

After some photos and laughter, we’d stop by Starwood Café for coffee and desserts a local favorite that pairs comfort with a homely, vintage feel.

My next pick would be a drive down to Dallas Farmers Market because nothing makes me happier than walking through colorful stalls filled with local produce, baked goods, and handmade treasures.

For lunch, we’d settle at Heirloom Haul, one of my favorite cozy spots elegant, fancy, and perfect for a tea-time lunch that feels both feminine and creative.

Later, we’d return to Downtown McKinney to explore its historic heart the charming boutiques, Bevel House, Mill House, and if I can arrange it, a tour of the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts. Each place tells a story of creativity and community that I deeply connect with.

And if the bluebonnets are in bloom, we’d take a scenic drive to Crowley Park in Richardson or Warren Parkway in Frisco to end the day surrounded by Texas’ most iconic wildflowers a soft, dreamy finish to a beautiful day of art, nature, and friendship.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a long list of people to thank in my life. Each one through small or big gestures has given me strength, motivation, and support that helped me grow into who I am today. I’m sorry I can’t name everyone, but a few who have truly marked my journey deserve a special mention:

Dr. Deepak Mehra (Dr. D) – for helping me build my art brand and for being my mentor in business and life to this day.
Kathryn Ikle & The Art Club of McKinney – Kathryn, President of the club, so kindly welcomed me in and offered me the honor of serving as a Board Member. Her generosity, encouragement, and warmth means the world to me.
Mrs. Cobb – for offering me the position at the Board Member for Fine Arts Booster Club at Hay’s Middle School.
Sherry Murphy, for giving me the most wonderful art tour of Downtown McKinney and for her open-hearted, lively, and ever-helpful spirit.
My husband, Ishpreet Mehta (yes, you!) for the endless late-night and long-hour work drives for me.
My daughters, Sawalynn & Gracelynn, for always lending a hand and reminding me, “Mumma, you got this!”
My mom and dad Mrs. Baljeet and Mr. Gurmeet and my brother and sister – Navratan and Manjot for their unwavering love and support, day and night.
My mentors and coaches – Dr.Mamta Bansal, Dr.Ved, Dr.Deoshree, Dr.Chitralekha, Dr.V.Dore, Dr.D.Sisodia
And Lastly, my dearest friends who have been standing by me through thick and thin. I have been incredibly lucky to have stayed connected with so many amazing people from the ones who have been with me for over 25 years to the beautiful souls who entered my life in the last 5, 10, and 15 years right when I needed them.

Website: https://www.myllyynnis.com / https://www.sumeetmehtasphottography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumeetmehtasphottography / https://www.instagram.com/myliines

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sumeethmehta

Facebook: @sumeethmehta

Image Credits
My Personal Photo by – Kai Kreative Portrait My Work & Studio Photos – Sumeet Mehtas Phottography (Self)