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

Hi Toshia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

The process behind starting my business had started off as a hobby then progressed into a business. I started off taking photos of landscape because of a photography class I had to take for college. Then I wanted to transition over to people. I started to shoot myself then I incorporated other people in my journey. Eventually, clients started to roll in. My mission is to have everyone feel and look beautiful throughout the session and beyond.


Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I keep busy by finding inspiration wherever I can. My art will speak for itself and my goal is to make one become art. We are all set in some way, shape, or form. It can be a challenge in itself, but when it all comes together with the plan then that’s when the beauty comes in. I have learned a lot about lighting and posing a person so that the light hits right on them. My mission is to have everyone feel beautiful before, during, and after the photoshoot. My mission is never easy because if it was then everybody would be able to do it and not too many people will believe in your vision which is okay with me. I believe in my vision and what i am here to bring to light.


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?

I would take my best friend around to places that have food and hangout friendly. We would first go to the High Museum of Art to check out some beautiful art work. Then we will go to Ponce City Market to have various food and drinks. Downtown is a great area that we would go as well. I just moved to Atlanta and still looking for cool and exciting places to go and hangout!


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I appreciate all of the support that I get around me but my family and boyfriend give out the best support for me. I want to thank my parents, grandparents, cousins, aunties and uncles for supporting me throughout my journey. I want to thank my boyfriend Ethan as well because he helps push me to keep going whenever I feel like I should stop doing this. I appreciate and am grateful for them.

Website: www.yaakoa.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/yaakoa_stylz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natoshia-damptey-9b3487a3

Twitter: ToshiaD_

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

Other: https://instagram.com/toshiadvisuals

Image Credits
Models: Ke’Nyia Love, Deante Gates, Perfect Tucker, Amber Codozor Brands: Do Better Clothing Radio Host: Ash Mac Makeup Artist: Precious Mallory Studio: Cam Kirk Studios, Noir Buckhead, Tache Productions Stylist: Toshia D.

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.