We were lucky to catch up with Stacy Beaucicaut-Etienne recently and have shared our conversation below.
Stacy, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At the heart of Stacy BE Photography lies a mission deeply personal and profoundly transformative: to empower individuals, particularly women and girls, to see their true beauty, embrace their authentic selves, and step into their power with confidence. This mission is not just a professional manifesto; it’s a reflection of my own journey, one marked by struggles with insecurity, self-judgment, and a relentless quest for self-acceptance. Growing up, I grappled with feeling overweight, unattractive, and constantly out of place. These challenges, however, became the crucible in which my mission was forged.
Photography, for me, is more than a craft; it is a vessel for healing and empowerment. My journey from insecurity to self-empowerment was paved by the support and encouragement of remarkable women who saw in me what I couldn’t see in myself. They taught me the power of perspective—the transformative ability to see oneself not through the distorted lens of societal expectations but through a lens of authenticity and strength. This revelation was not just liberating; it was life-changing. It inspired me to wield my camera not just as a tool for capturing images but as a means to reflect the innate beauty, strength, and dignity of those who stand before it.
Eastwing Studios, therefore, is more than a photography studio. It’s a sanctuary where vulnerability meets artistry, where clients are encouraged to shed their insecurities at the door and step into a space of empowerment and self-celebration. Each photograph I take is a testament to the individual’s journey, a narrative of overcoming and becoming. My aim is to not only capture their external beauty but to mirror their internal resilience and strength, reminding them of their worth and potential.
My mission is fueled by the belief that when individuals, especially women and girls, are empowered to see their true selves, they unlock an incredible force for change—both in their lives and in the world. Through my lens, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of self-acceptance and empowerment. I’ve seen women bloom before my camera, shedding years of self-doubt and embracing a newfound confidence. These moments are not just the heart of my work; they are its soul. They remind me daily why this mission is so deeply meaningful to me.
In sharing my gift of photography, I aspire to create a ripple effect of empowerment. Just as I was uplifted by strong, empowering women, I seek to uplift others, helping them to see their beauty, embrace their story, and own their power. This is the essence of Stacy BE Photography. It’s a mission born from personal struggle, nurtured by community, and dedicated to empowering others to be the best version of themselves. It’s not just about photographs; it’s about changing lives, one image at a time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a Haitian-American photographer based in Brooklyn, NY, and the proud founder of Eastwing Studios. My journey into photography was not just a leap into a profession; it was a deeply personal voyage into discovering my own strength, beauty, and purpose. Growing up with insecurities about my appearance and struggling with feelings of inadequacy, I found solace and empowerment through the lens of a camera. It was through photography that I learned to see myself—and the world—differently. This revelation was the spark that led me to pursue photography not just as a career but as a calling.
In 2020, amidst a world of uncertainty, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Eastwing Studios. This studio is more than a space for photography; it’s a sanctuary where individuals of all backgrounds can come to discover and celebrate their true selves. With an emphasis on natural lighting and an intimate atmosphere, my clients find the freedom to express themselves, embrace their authenticity, and reveal their most intimate stories through the lens.
My services encompass a broad spectrum of photography, including professional branding for Fortune 500 companies, luxury brands, banking institutions, and high-profile celebrities, as well as personal sessions that range from capturing significant life moments to crafting images that bolster one’s professional online presence. Beyond photography, I leverage my expertise in Human Resources and Onboarding processes to offer personal branding experiences that extend well beyond the photo shoot. I work closely with each client to ensure they have an unforgettable experience that not only meets their visual needs but also empowers them professionally and personally.
What sets me apart in this industry is my mission: to use photography as a tool for empowerment, especially among women and girls. I aim to inspire my clients to see their own beauty and strength, to embrace their authentic selves, and to step into their power with confidence. This mission is fueled by my own experiences and the transformative power of having a supportive community. My approach to photography is deeply personal—I strive to build genuine relationships with my clients, many of whom become good friends, creating a trusted community around Eastwing Studios.
The problems I solve for my clients go beyond just a need for high-quality photographs. I address deeper issues of self-perception, confidence, and personal branding. Through my work, I help clients see themselves in a new light, celebrate their unique journey, and present themselves to the world with confidence and authenticity. This holistic approach to photography, combined with a deeply personal mission and a commitment to genuine relationships, distinguishes Stacy BE Photography in a crowded market.
At the core of everything I do is a belief in the power of storytelling through images—a belief that everyone has a story worth telling and a beauty worth celebrating. I aim to build a community where women and girls can see their reflections not as society dictates, but as testaments to their own strength, beauty, and capability. Each photo shoot is an opportunity to celebrate individuality, to share stories of resilience and triumph, and to inspire a newfound confidence in one’s self.
In essence, while I serve a diverse clientele, my soul lies in the mission to empower women and girls. Through every click of the shutter, I’m not just capturing images; I’m capturing the essence of who my clients truly are and what they can become. It’s this mission that drives me every day, fueling my dedication to not just witness but actively participate in the incredible journeys of the women and girls who step through the doors of Eastwing Stuidios.
It’s this philosophy that defines my brand and guides my work every day.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most profound lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that my worth and beauty are defined by societal standards and external validation. This deeply ingrained notion shaped much of my early life, casting long shadows over my self-esteem and sense of identity. Growing up, I struggled immensely with feeling inadequate—judging myself harshly for not fitting into the narrow definitions of beauty and success that seemed to be celebrated everywhere around me. From feeling overweight to believing I was unattractive, these insecurities were not just fleeting thoughts; they were chains that held me back from truly embracing who I was.
The journey to unlearn this lesson was both painful and enlightening. It began in earnest when I started working on myself, both internally and externally. This process of self-discovery was significantly bolstered by surrounding myself with a community of women who embodied the very essence of empowerment. These remarkable individuals didn’t just offer support; they mirrored back to me a version of myself I had been unable to see—a person of strength, beauty, and immense value, irrespective of societal approval.
Photography became a critical tool in this journey of unlearning. Behind the camera, I found a unique power to capture the beauty and authenticity of individuals just as they are, free from societal labels and constraints. This experience was not just transformative for my subjects; it was revolutionary for me. Each session served as a reminder that beauty is vast, diverse, and deeply personal. It reinforced the understanding that worth is inherent and not contingent upon fitting into a pre-defined mold.
Unlearning this lesson has been the backdrop against which I’ve built my mission with Stacy BE Photography. It is a mission deeply rooted in the desire to empower others to shed the weight of societal expectations and to embrace their true selves with confidence and pride. Through my lens, I seek to offer others the same revelation that was gifted to me: that they are enough, that their beauty is unique, and that their worth is immeasurable.
This unlearning has not only reshaped my personal worldview but has also become the cornerstone of my professional ethos. It inspires me to use my photography as a means to challenge conventional narratives about beauty and success, to celebrate diversity and authenticity, and to empower individuals, especially women and girls, to see themselves in a new light. The lesson I had to unlearn has thus become the most valuable lesson I now seek to teach through my work: that our true worth and beauty are defined not by the world around us, but by the strength, resilience, and authenticity we carry within.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building my reputation within the photography market, especially with a focus on empowering women and girls to see their true selves, can be attributed to a combination of key factors: the unwavering support system around me, the genuine relationships I’ve cultivated with my clients, and the unique mission of Stacy BE Photography that resonates deeply with many.
The importance of a great support system cannot be overstated. My journey from struggling with insecurities to becoming a photographer with a mission to empower others was significantly buoyed by a community of strong, empowering women. These individuals not only helped me see my own worth but also inspired the ethos behind my work. This foundation of support taught me the value of community and the strength that comes from uplifting one another. It influenced how I interact with my clients, seeing them not just as subjects of a photoshoot but as individuals with stories, dreams, and insecurities similar to my own.
Building genuine relationships with my clients has been central to my approach. From the outset, I’ve strived to create a space where clients feel safe and valued, where they can express themselves freely and embrace their authenticity. This intentionality in building relationships has transformed many of my clients into good friends. They’re not just returning customers but ambassadors of my brand and mission. They share their experiences with others, not just about the quality of the photographs, but about the transformative journey of self-acceptance and empowerment they embarked on at Eastwing Studios.
Moreover, my background and personal struggles have equipped me with a unique perspective that I bring to my work. This authenticity and vulnerability in sharing my own journey have resonated with many and helped set Stacy BE Photography apart in a crowded market. It’s not just about capturing images; it’s about capturing the essence of who people truly are, beyond the surface.
Ultimately, what has helped me build my reputation is the combination of these elements: the support system that lifted me, the genuine connections formed with clients, and a mission that goes beyond photography. This approach has not only differentiated my brand but has also fostered a loyal community of clients who see my studio as a haven for empowerment and authenticity. They come for the photographs but stay for the experience and the community, contributing significantly to the reputation of Stacy BE Photography within the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stacybephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacybephotography?igsh=dzludG9nMTg2c2Vn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacybethatsme?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybeaucicautetienne
Image Credits
Stacy Beaucicaut-Etienne (Stacy BE Photography) Wardrobe Consultant : Latrice Cole Make up Artist: Chevonti Headley Photographer: Demar Watson Hairstylist: Kim Farrar Cecilia Madison Make up Artist: Chevonti Headley Ericka Fignole Photographer: Stacy BE Photography Wardrobe Consultant : Latrice Cole Make up Artist: Chevonti Headley Hairstylist: Kim Farrar Latrice Cole Photographer: Stacy BE Photography Wardrobe Consultant : Latrice Cole Therese Myers Photographer: Stacy BE Photography Make up Artist: Chevonti Headley Nadine Gurley Photographer: Stacy BE Photography Toni Dubois Photographer: Stacy BE Photography Make up Artist: Chevonti Headley Claudia Steer Photographer: Stacy BE Photography Wardrobe Consultant : Latrice Cole Make up Artist: Chevonti Headley Shantee Gordon Photographer: Stacy BE Photography