Today we’d like to introduce you to Azola Martin.
Hi Azola, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Zola Productions began as an idea rooted in creativity, hustle, and storytelling. I started the company because I saw a gap—so many moments, especially in my community, were going undocumented or told without the proper context. I’ve always been drawn to visuals and how powerful they can be in shaping narratives, preserving memories, and giving people a platform. What began as casual photo shoots for friends and filming campus events quickly evolved into something bigger.
At Morehouse College, I found myself at the center of Black culture, leadership, and change. Between playing rugby, studying communications and Chinese, and traveling abroad, I had so many stories unfolding around me. I realized that I didn’t just want to capture moments—I wanted to elevate them. So I invested in equipment, taught myself editing, and built a brand that reflects my creative vision and love for my community.
Zola Productions really took shape when I started getting consistent opportunities—everything from graduation shoots and music videos to wedding gigs and film projects. One of my most meaningful moments was being hired to shoot a wedding in Mexico and a swimwear brand shoot in Las Vegas—both happening this summer. It confirmed that Zola Productions will be global. My approach is grounded in emotion, authenticity, and visual storytelling. I want every shoot to feel intentional and every edit to feel personal.
Today, Zola Productions isn’t just about visuals—it’s about voice. It’s about telling stories for people who deserve to be seen and heard, whether it’s a Spelman grad walking across the stage or an Atlanta artist creating their hit song. I’m just getting started, but the goal is to continue growing, expanding into film, brand storytelling, and international work that blends culture, beauty, and truth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what’s made the journey so meaningful. Zola Productions was built from the ground up—no big investors, no fancy studio, just me, my camera, and a vision. Early on, I had to balance school, sports, jobs, and building the business. I’m a full-time student at Morehouse, I play rugby, I work a part-time job, and I also lead creative projects year-round. That kind of grind means late nights editing, early mornings shooting, and sometimes missing out on things just to make sure I deliver for a client.
One of the biggest challenges was financial—getting equipment, software, travel, and marketing all adds up, especially as a student. I’ve had to get creative with how I manage resources, sometimes borrowing gear or reinvesting every dollar I make right back into the business. Another struggle was confidence. There were moments I doubted myself or felt like I didn’t belong in certain spaces, especially in professional circles where I was the youngest in the room. But I reminded myself: my perspective is valid, my eye is sharp, and my work speaks for itself.
I’ve also had to navigate learning the business side—contracts, client communication, and pricing—while still growing as an artist. It’s a constant learning curve. But every struggle sharpened my focus. It taught me how to move smarter, trust my vision, and keep building, even when things felt heavy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Zola Productions is a creative media company that specializes in visual storytelling—whether that’s through photography, film, brand content, or documentary-style edits. What I do is deeper than just capturing moments—I create experiences that feel authentic, cinematic, and personal. I work with a range of clients—from graduating students and couples getting married, to local artists, entrepreneurs, and even nonprofit organizations. I shoot everything from wedding films and swimwear brand campaigns to music videos and visual recaps of major life events.
I’m most proud of how Zola Productions represents culture, emotion, and intention in every frame. Whether I’m filming a kids martial arts class, documenting the behind-the-scenes from a graduation shoot, or editing a highlight reel from a rugby tournament, my goal is always the same: to make it feel like a memory and a movie at the same time. That balance is what I strive for—raw emotion with artistic polish.
What sets Zola Productions apart is the way I blend personal connection with creative direction. I build real trust with my clients and bring a director’s mindset to every shoot. I’m not just pressing record—I’m guiding lighting, movement, pacing, and tone to match the story we’re telling. And because I come from a background rooted in HBCU culture, sports leadership, and global travel, I see stories through a very specific lens: one that honors identity, pride, and place.
Zola Productions is still growing, but I think people recognize my work because of the heart behind it. I’m proud to say it’s more than just content—it’s storytelling with soul.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always an active kid—constantly moving, playing sports, and staying busy. I was into chess, track, football, and even triathlons. I liked competing physically, but I also loved the mental side of things—thinking strategically, staying sharp. That duality has stuck with me. I went to University of Detroit Jesuit High School, where I really started to find myself. It’s where my creativity started to come alive.
During high school, I fell in love with capturing moments. I’d pull out my phone camera any chance I got—whether we were at practice, walking home, or just chilling after class. I didn’t have a fancy setup, but I had the eye and the instinct. I started recording everything—not for clout, but because I wanted to hold onto those memories and show people the beauty in what might seem like everyday moments. That habit, that passion, is what lit the spark that became Zola Productions.
Looking back, U of D Jesuit shaped my discipline and drive, and those early iPhone videos taught me the value of storytelling. Now, I bring that same energy into my work—turning real life into something meaningful, creative, and lasting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zola_productions?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mhzo313
Image Credits
All Images taken by Azola Martin, Zola Productions
