Today we’d like to introduce you to Aza Goodwin.
Hi Aza, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in New Jersey but raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina as a military kid, always surrounded by movement, memories, and moments worth holding onto. My family had camera equipment around the house. we were always recording something. Whether it was a family reunion, one of my soccer or track meets, or just me and my sister playing outside, someone was always capturing it.
Without realizing it, I grew up understanding the importance of a moment, and the power of preserving it. Eventually, I picked up a camera myself. And the second I did, I felt connected in a way I never had before. I’d tried a lot of things, hoping something would stick, but nothing made me feel grounded until that point. With a camera in my hand, I finally felt like I had found my passion.
I started with self-portraits—just me, the light, and my lens. It was a form of reflection and healing. That turned into modeling, which helped me grow even more into myself. It took a lot of affirmations, prayer, and self-work to build the confidence to step in front of the camera and own my light. But I knew I was meant to be there. Not to perform, but to express—to tell stories without saying a word.
God has led me every step of the way. I don’t take any step unless He’s guiding it. My life motto has always been Let Go and Let God, and that’s what brought me here. I’m still learning, still exploring, but I know I’m on the right path. Whether I’m creating content, modeling, or behind the lens, I want to continue growing in this journey—capturing the beauty, the complexity, and the soul of life through every frame.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been the smoothest road. Like most creative journeys, it’s come with its share of doubts, detours, and growing pains. One of the biggest struggles for me has been learning to trust the process—especially when things feel slow or uncertain.
It’s easy to get caught up in comparison, especially in the world of social media where everyone’s highlight reel is on display. I’ve had to remind myself—often—that comparison is the thief of joy. That my journey is mine, and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful.
Consistency has also been a challenge. Not because I don’t love what I do, but because self-doubt and perfectionism can sneak in and make me question if I’m doing enough, if I’m good enough. But I’ve learned that showing up—even when it’s hard, even when it’s imperfect—is what builds something real.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a model, photographer, and storyteller at heart. My work lives in the space where emotion meets intention—whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it. I specialize in creating images that feel raw, soulful, and real.
As a model, I’m known for my presence and the way I bring feeling into every frame. I don’t just pose—I connect. My experience with self-portraits taught me how to express and be vulnerable in front of the lens, which has shaped how I move and how I see.
What sets me apart is my perspective—I understand both sides of the camera. That helps me create with intention, guide others, and tell stories that feel personal and true. I value authenticity above all, and I always aim to make people feel something when they experience my work.
I’m proud of the growth I’ve had—not just in my craft, but in my confidence. From leading workshops to walking in shows to working with local brands, every step has been a reminder that I’m walking in purpose. And I’m just getting started.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk is scary. It creates uncertainty and can feel like you’re walking into the unknown. But I’ve learned that you have to take it anyway. You never know what opportunities will open up unless you take that first step. It’s like a leap of faith—you trust the process and see where it leads.
I’ve taken my fair share of risks. One of the biggest was applying to multiple agencies, knowing I was putting myself out there, uncertain of the outcome. But I did it anyway—and got signed. That opened doors I never imagined. Another risk was going to New York to train with Coco Rocha. Leaving what was familiar, taking the leap into a big city with no guarantees—it was intimidating. But it’s those risks that are now leading me toward something bigger, something greater than I could have planned.
To me, risk is less about the fear of failure and more about the possibility of growth. You never know until you try. And sometimes, it’s those risks that push you closer to your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kavyar.me/azagoodwin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azagoodwin?igsh=c3p2cnhoNHpheWo2&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azagoodwin?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakingofazaa?_t=ZT-8vXMXEqCWQ2&_r=1
