Meet Yaya O. | Family, Branding, and Boudoir Photographer

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

Hi Yaya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have entrepreneurial blood! I have tried everything under the sun. I made cakes, I was a nanny, a teacher, a yoga instructor, I made succulent terrariums, agendas, bracelets, you name it.. I tried it!
I always knew I wanted to be a business owner, but never found my true calling until I decided to pursue photography. I wanted to create something that I could be proud of. but it needed to give me the opportunity to connect with people, surround myself with families and have some sort of positive impact. Aside from finding something that I was passionate about, I knew I wanted to create my own schedule, I wanted to work hard, and play harder. When the time came, I wanted to be able to raise my kids and be a “homeroom mom”. Having a traditional Monday-Friday job made these dreams nearly impossible, so I knew I needed to follow my families footsteps and start something of my own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer with a niche for people! I began photographing maternity, family, and newborn sessions in 2020. I began exploring branding and headshots when my sister opened her interior design firm and I quickly fell in love. When one of my best friends was turning 40 she asked me to do a boudoir shoot, and I couldn’t resist. FEMME sessions were born exactly one year ago this month! I am excited to be on this journey, and truly so humbled that the families I work with continue to allow me to capture their memories, and recommend me to their friends and family. My top priority is to have excellent customer service and treat each client as a friend. I think this is what sets me apart, it’s what I’m most proud of and what I think is the reason for my success.

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.
A week in my city!? Now we’re talkin! Food is my love language so I’m taking them to all my favorite places. Breakfast and Brunch highlights will include: Ariete, Josh’s Deli, Crema Gourmet, and Le Crepe Bistro.
We are definitely visiting Brickell City Center, MidTown, and The Design District for some shopping and will have a quick lunch at USBS at The Citadel. We can spend the day at The Standard, enjoy the pool, get a massage, and enjoy a scrumptious meal with a view.
My favorite dinner spots include: Luca Osteria, Eating House, Mandolin Aegean, Byblos, Amal, and maybe Morton’s for a classic filet and the best potatoes au gratin in the world!
Ready to dance off all the calories?! We are heading to CHICA, The Gibson, Ball & Chain, The Sylvester, or Dante’s HiFi.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My real life heroes are my mom and husband. Without them, this would not be possible! They have made my transition from full time teacher, part time photographer to full time photographer, and full time mom, seamless! In the photography world, I am most grateful for my best friend and mentor, Missy! She is my biggest cheerleader and is always pushing me to do my best, to do more, and to be better. She took ne under her wing when I began my journey in newborn photography and taught me everything she knew with no strings attached. She is a huge inspiration as to what kind of photographer I want to be: humble, genuine, kind, and giving! A true gem in this community.

Website: www.thelovinglensphotos.com

Instagram: @theloving.lens

Facebook: facebook.com/thelovinglensphotos