Today we’d like to introduce you to Toshia Damptey.
Toshia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia. My journey in visual arts began when I was 10 years old. After gymnastics practice, I would spend my free time creating graphics using random images I found online. By the time I reached high school, I started learning web coding and diving deeper into both development and graphic design.
For my undergraduate studies, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Digital Graphics and Design. As part of that program, I took a photography course that became an important step in my creative journey. The program as a whole really broadened my perspective—it taught me the technical side of visual arts, how to tell stories through images, how to blend visuals, and how to design art inspired by my own imagination. Those experiences fueled my passion for creating visuals in the music, fashion, beauty, and sports industries.
When I first started my photography and design business, I didn’t have a clear niche or direction in terms of clients and subject matter. Over time, I discovered my true passion—capturing brands and telling their stories through visuals. For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to bring a brand’s vision to life in a way that feels authentic and impactful.
I’ve also had the guidance of a mentor who challenged me, helping me recognize areas for growth and encouraging me to push toward my goals. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to larger companies, creating imagery that reflects their products, people, and unique stories. Building this path has truly been a dream of mine, and I enjoy every step of it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. There were times when I had to step back and reflect on what needed improvement in my business. I experienced slow months and realized that not having a clear niche, along with the fear of pitching myself to the clients I truly wanted to work with, was holding me back.
To rebuild my confidence and believe in myself again, I had to start from within. That meant reflecting on who I am as a creative, the type of work I want to do, and the people and brands I want to serve. Once I gained that clarity, I committed to putting in the work to make those goals a reality.
I’ve learned that obstacles aren’t meant to be easy—but they are meant to be faced. And when I meet those challenges head-on, the rewards and blessings always follow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The work I create is centered around storytelling. I specialize in photography and graphic artistry, and I’m known for producing detail-oriented images that truly capture and hold an audience’s attention.
What I’m most proud of is my perseverance—no matter how tough things get, I continue moving forward. Even when progress isn’t always visible, I know there’s meaningful work happening behind the scenes.
What sets me apart is my genuine passion for telling stories. I believe every story deserves to be told—and told the right way. That’s why I take the time to have conversations with my clients, to understand their background and vision, so I can create visuals that authentically represent who they are.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the moment I discovered the talents I have. As a young teenager, I realized that I wasn’t just an athlete—I also had a gift for digital design and fashion design. Recognizing those abilities at such a young age, before I was even 15, showed me that I was unique in my own way. It gave me confidence to embrace my creativity and to see myself as someone who could stand out and make a difference through my talents.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yaakoastylz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toshiad_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaakoastylz
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natoshia-damptey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thee_toshiad
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@toshiad_
Image Credits
Photo 1: Morgan Nixon
Photo 2: Kelley & Jah
Photo 3: Tanisha G.
Photo 4: Marissa
Photo 5: Good Molecules
Photo 6: Jordan Bred 4’s
Photo 7: Raven McCree & Kaden
Photo 8: Do Better Clothing
