Meet Stephanie Amaya | Owner, Amaya Arts Photography | Co-Owner, VYBE Pole & Fitness | Photography Studio Partner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Amaya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started my photography business, I found myself struggling to balance a traditional job with the creative work that truly fulfilled me. My passions have always been photography and coaching pole and dance, but pursuing them required a level of flexibility that a conventional schedule couldn’t provide.

Eventually, I reached a crossroads where I had to choose between the security of a clocked-in job and the freedom to fully invest in my art. I chose my art.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but I realized that purpose matters. Every day I spent doing work that didn’t align with who I was felt like I was moving further away from myself. Choosing photography and movement wasn’t just a career decision—it was a commitment to building a life centered around creativity, connection, and impact.

That leap taught me that fulfillment often lives on the other side of fear. By trusting myself and pursuing what I love, I created opportunities not only for my own growth, but to inspire and empower others through my work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At the heart of everything I do is empowerment. Whether through pole or photography, my purpose is to help women see themselves in a new light and recognize the beauty, strength, and confidence that already exists within them.

Both movement and photography have a unique way of revealing parts of ourselves that we often overlook. Through dance, women discover their strength, resilience, and self-expression. Through photography, they have the opportunity to see themselves as art—to feel seen, celebrated, and worthy. In both spaces, I’ve witnessed women work through insecurities, overcome personal challenges, and embrace themselves more fully.

For me, success has never been defined by money. It is measured by transformation, confidence, connection, and impact. It is found in the woman who walks into a class feeling uncertain and leaves standing a little taller. It is found in the client who sees her photos and recognizes her own beauty for the first time.

I believe that when you lead with purpose, the rest follows. My goal is to create experiences that inspire confidence, foster community, and remind people of their worth. The impact we make in the lives of others is what gives this work meaning. Without the community that trusts me with their stories, their journeys, and their growth, none of this would be possible.

That is why I do what I do—not simply to create images or teach movement, but to help people see themselves the way the world already sees them: powerful, capable, and beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were visiting Bakersfield, I would start by sharing the places and experiences that mean the most to me—my studios. Whether it’s a creative photoshoot at the photography studio or taking a pole and dance class at VYBE Pole & Fitness, both experiences represent the community, creativity, and empowerment that are such a big part of my life. I love introducing people to new experiences, and there’s a good chance they might even discover a new hobby to take home with them.

Beyond that, Bakersfield has an incredible food scene that often surprises people. I would make it my mission to take them to all of my favorite local spots, from authentic Mexican cuisine to flavorful Indian food and everything in between.

I would also want them to experience the city’s social dance community. Whether it’s a night of bachata, salsa, or merengue, there’s something special about gathering with people through music and movement. It’s one of the many ways Bakersfield creates connection and community.

And finally, my favorite place in town: home. I’m a firm believer that some of the best memories are made around a dinner table. I’d cook a meal, pull out a few board games, and have my boyfriend host a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot adventure for us. It may sound a little nerdy, but D&D has become one of my favorite ways to connect with people, step outside of everyday life, and embrace creativity through storytelling. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best adventures happen when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and into a little bit of imagination.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors throughout different seasons of my life. Some taught me through encouragement and support, while others taught me through challenges and difficult experiences. Together, they helped shape the leader, entrepreneur, and creative professional I am today.

One of the most influential mentors in my early journey was my life coach, Angie. At a pivotal moment when I was considering leaving my salaried position, she helped me develop the emotional tools and mindset necessary to take a chance on myself. She taught me the importance of being present, trusting my instincts, and creating a vision for the future I wanted to build.

At the time, my focus was on becoming a pole and dance coach. What started as a passion quickly evolved into leadership opportunities, including a studio management role where I learned invaluable lessons about team building, operations, and business ownership. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation and sparked a desire to continue growing as both a leader and entrepreneur.

Photography entered my life almost unexpectedly. While managing marketing and social media, I realized the power of visual storytelling. Faced with the choice between upgrading my phone or investing in a camera, I chose the camera—a decision that would change the trajectory of my career. Along the way, I learned technical skills, business lessons, and the importance of surrounding myself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

One of the most meaningful professional relationships I’ve built is with my photography studio partner, Kevin. Through collaboration, mentorship, and mutual respect, we’ve been able to learn from one another’s strengths. As he helped me develop my photography skills, I was able to contribute my experience in marketing, leadership, and business development. Together, we’ve built something neither of us could have accomplished alone.

This past year also brought some of the greatest challenges of my career. Through loss, change, and unexpected transitions, I learned the importance of boundaries, self-worth, and trusting that new opportunities can emerge from difficult endings. Those experiences ultimately led me to co-found VYBE Pole & Fitness alongside my best friend and business partner. With the support of our incredible community, we opened our doors this June and began building a space dedicated to empowerment, movement, and connection.

Looking back, I am grateful for every mentor, every opportunity, and every lesson—both positive and difficult. Each experience has contributed to the leader I am today and continues to shape the business owner I aspire to become. I believe growth often comes from both guidance and adversity, and I carry those lessons with me as I continue building businesses that empower others to pursue their own dreams.

Website: https://vybepolefitness.com/

Instagram: @Smurffanie

Other: https://amayaarts.pixieset.com

Image Credits
Models: Jaie, Mariah, Jane, Santana, Jess, Cassy, Amanda, Tabitha