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

Hi Kaia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is inherently a part of owning a business, but I would say it probably plays a part in my story in a fairly significant way.

Not only were there risks involved with starting a business in an industry with an 80-90% failure rate, but doing so from an unstable background. Boudoir attracts many people for the female empowerment aspects, so while I came to boudoir from experiences of trauma and financial insecurity, it was pivotal in my healing journey.

Right before the pandemic, I had invested in an education program designed for boudoir photographers to learn the elements of business that keep the art production alive. At the time it was a HUGE financial risk, but I knew these were pieces of the puzzle I was missing. Shortly after investing, the world shut down and I was terrified, but I used that time to work on my SEO, building my ad funnels, doing a full branding plan and so much more. When our doors finally were allowed to be opened, the business took off like wildfire!

Outside of business, risks I’ve taken competing in martial arts, traveling off the beaten path in the mountains of Pakistan, going skydiving and moving out when I was 17 developed my character and ability to survive. I think many could look back on some aspects in sadness, but I’m grateful for any struggles and grateful for the experiences and competition that made life feel so manageable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the things I hear all too often from my clients is that as they were in the research phase of their search, they found a lot of photographers who seemed to only showcase what they figured were model looking women. I take a lot of pride in showcasing and photographing beautifully women of all shapes, shades and sizes. No amount of skin texture, stretch marks, age or otherwise blocks me from creating something that changes how these women view themselves.

I’ve learned that everyone has an inner vixen, sometimes we just have to show them that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is jam packed with unique finds! For food, I love the elegant Nan Thai Dining and Zakia type of experience as much as I love more of the laid back options like Desta for communal Ethiopian eats or a walk-in more boho vibe of Tassili’s Raw Reality. Then, I’m not much of drinker so I’d probably suggest something like midtown’s Cafe Intermezzo.

For outdoors you have tons of options for hiking and kayaking the Chattahoochie as well as relatively quick access to the Appalachian Trail. I, personally, love this for fitness as well as Latin dance options like the BachaTuesdays and Tumbao events hosted regularly here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. I had an incredible encounter with an artist I respect very much, Don Gregorio Anton. He reviewed my art in fashion and the conceptual art I was making simultaneously that time and compelled me to dig deep on this side of myself. He told me I had an incredible story to tell and the eyes to conceptualize it. So while I don’t create all surrealist art these days, I collaborate with my clients to tell the story of who are and how they want to present themselves. I love creating beautiful images, but I love creating narratives, as well.

Website: www.myboudoiratlanta.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myboudoiratlanta/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ0mGUjCKWKnIOJCGjsbDew

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myboudoir
Private Women’s FB Group: https://www.instagram.com/myboudoiratlanta/

Image Credits
Hair/Makeup Artist: Paige Monee

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.