Meet Ashanti Eliza | Photographer & Dancer

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

Hi Ashanti, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I view risk as an integral part of the artistic process, a catalyst for growth and innovation. Embracing risks has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey as a creative. This willingness to step into the unknown has led to some of my most memorable and impactful work and experiences in life in general. I have always been a multifaceted creative, from playing instruments, to dance, to photography, and really the list goes on, I always wondered if my art was too convoluted and thought of dumbing myself down to be digestible to others multiple times. But really embracing each part of me publicly, regardless of how it’s received, has been a stepping stone to refining my craft and finding my distinctive voice.

However, I have to point out the crippling, underlying fear that comes with taking risks. The fear of failure or the unknown can sometimes be paralyzing to my creative exploration. I am constantly trying to combat imposter syndrome, despite me continuously out-doing myself. It’s a crazy cycle. I am currently reminding myself that not every risk will yield success, but each one contributes to personal and artistic development. I am actively working on shifting my mindset toward viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Acknowledging the fear, analyzing it, and then using it as a driving force rather than a deterrent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I decided to go by the name Shanni Tsunami, to encapsulate the wave of creativity and passion within me. In my creative realm, I navigate the captivating worlds of portraiture and editorial photography, music and dancing amidst the essence of femininity. My journey intertwines with my profound love for music, which birthed Tsunami FM, a platform dedicated to sharing the melodies that move me. This connection between visual art and music fuels my creative spirit, allowing me to explore diverse avenues of expression. Through my lens, I aim not only to capture images but to create intricate stories, painting emotions with vibrant hues and framing life’s beauty in its most intricate forms.

Though I am not where I want to be professionally, yet, I am constantly challenging myself to push boundaries that will take me to the next level. This path hasn’t been without its challenges. Every step forward was paved with determination, resilience, constant evolution, learning, and embracing the lessons hidden within setbacks. Through the hurdles, I’ve learned the power of adaptability and most importantly patience.

I’m proud of my journey and excited about the limitless possibilities that creativity offers.

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?
High Frequency Friday’s is truly a standout event in Atlanta, perhaps even the best in the city (no shade). The ambiance of an art museum filled with fellow creatives, accompanied by exceptional DJs just fills me with so much joy. As a music enthusiast, I have a huge love for quality DJs and a vibrant atmosphere, making events such as For Players Only, Mashup Sessions, or Rum Punch Bunch a definite on my attendance list. I firmly believe that participating in gatherings of this nature provides a better Atlanta experience compared to visiting tourist attractions and playing brunch wars.

Even though Brunch can get chaotic, there are peaceful places in Atlanta to dine. I love a good hidden gems like Folk Art near L5P, and when seeking a well-crafted drink, Parlor on Peters is a great choice. BettleCat has one of the best lobster rolls in the city and right across from there is Sotto Sotto which is an amazing authentic Italian restaurant, Despite the hate Atlanta’s dining scene gets, there are definitely some noteworthy establishments that deserve some love!

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?
A massive shoutout goes to my Atlanta, Tuskegee, and Birmingham creative community, along with my friends and family. Their unwavering support and the opportunities they provide have been the backbone of my journey as a photographer. I owe a significant part of my success to this incredible network that has encouraged, mentored, and uplifted me throughout. Grateful for this collaborative and inspiring community that has played a pivotal role in shaping my story.

Website: https://www.shannitsunami.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byshannitsunami/

Image Credits
Brittany Jones (@bajcreative) on the photo of me (red backdrop)