An Inspired Chat with BANVOA of Atlanta

BANVOA shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi BANVOA, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Lots of meditation, shadow work, elevating my health and staying aligned. Also, working on my creativity. 2025 has definitely forced me to grow a lot but it was very necessary. Lol!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is BANVOA (pronounced bon-voo-wah) and I’m a fashion and editorial photographer based in Atlanta, GA. I’m Ivorian-American. My name was passed down from my great-grandmother, who was the Queen and Royal Advisor of her village in Kotobi, Ivory Coast, West Africa. In Anyi culture, it is a tradition for the first-born daughter to receive the name but it’s not a common name that is so easily given. Basically, nobody in America has my name. Lol!

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I performed “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé for my school’s after school talent show back in 2003. Lol! I was 6 years old, it was my most favorite song at the time and was on repeat religiously in my mom’s car. All I did was strut from each side of the stage, do the “Uh Oh” dance and a little bit of some random freestyling. I didn’t rehearse anything, I was just doing whatever. Near the end of the song, I remember seeing some boy in the audience staring at me in awe with his mouth open. I didn’t win but I felt like a winner that day. Lol!

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think a lot of my fear comes from failing, succeeding, or being judged when I don’t meet the expectations other people place on me. Sometimes I feel pressure when I’m put on a pedestal because of what people have seen me do or who I’ve worked with. The truth is, I’m still figuring things out. I still have a lot to learn, and I honestly see myself more as a student than a teacher.

I’m always open to learning and pushing myself—whether that’s sharpening my technical and creative skills in photography, understanding the business side better, or stepping into creative directing and graphic design, including their business aspects too. I’ve been taking photos for about 10 years, but on a professional level, it’s been a little over six, and I’m still growing every day.

I know I’m great at what I do and that I’m very creative, but I also know I can be more well-rounded. Even my editing process is something people ask about, and honestly, it makes me laugh because it’s pretty chaotic and random. Lol! I freestyle a lot. I might start with a clear plan—or be given one—and then naturally elevate it or take it somewhere completely different.

A lot of people don’t know what it took to get me where I am now or the challenges I faced behind the scenes. It’s easy to assume someone is doing great based on the opportunities you see. Especially, being on social media and I catch myself doing the same thing with other photographers and peers until I learn what they’ve really been dealing with.

Through all of it, I remind myself that every experience is teaching me something. I try to give myself grace and keep moving forward. Whether it’s a win or a loss, I treat it as a lesson. I’m still working through my fears, but I’m proud of the progress I’m making.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I’m naturally very vibrant and social—a literal “social butterfly”. Lol! I love connecting with people, learning about them, and hearing their stories. I’m a child at heart, but I do have serious moments, especially when it comes to business and the world we live in. I’m very caring and empathetic, and I always try to make people feel seen and special through my work.

I definitely have my flaws, too. I tend to overthink and nitpick, which can sometimes slow me down or make me fixate on small things more than I should. I’m very passionate and fiery, and there are moments when I take things personally and get a bit sensitive, but I’m learning how to detach and not take certain things so seriously.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel mostly at peace when I’m in my bed watching Studio Ghibli films or any 80’s/90’s anime show or movie, old Hollywood films, SNL skits or Variety’s Actors on Actors episodes on YouTube, listening to R&B, Jazz or anything Alternative during car rides or little day/night drives and sleeping… All of this while my phone is on DND. Lmao!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.banvoa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banvoa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/banvoa-ettien

Image Credits
LaChelle Foster, Karrueche Tran, Neila, Shawn Wells, Sketch, Elaine Rodriguez, BASHAR and Jai’Len Josey.