Story & Lesson Highlights with Audrey Baunez of Paris

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Audrey Baunez. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Audrey, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Moving back to France after 12 years in Vancouver Canada, was scary because it meant leaving a life and career I had built. But starting over is a chance, we can re define ourselves, create new opportunities, let go of what wasn’t serving us and embrace change.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Director and Photographer passionate about telling stories through fashion, film, and music. I developed my career in Vancouver Canada over the past 12 years and am now back in my home country, France.
For me, it’s not just about beautiful images, it’s about creating emotions, showing diversity, and giving a voice to stories that deserve to be seen. I’ve worked on campaigns, music videos, short films and editorials, and I love collaborating with brands and artists to bring a unique vision to life.
At the moment, I’m focusing on new projects as a director and expanding my business in Paris.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me to keep moving forward and to never give up when things seem hard. I am fortunate that he always pushed me to go towards my dreams, no matter how big they might be.
When you want something, you take actions, you go for it. You try, you fail, you get back on your feet, you get stronger and clearer and keep moving forward.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, a few years ago I did. On paper, everything looked perfect—I was engaged to my amazing future wife and deeply in love, but professionally I hit a wall. I was working full-time in what used to be my dream job: I loved the projects I was directing and the team around me. But little by little, especially after the pandemic, things shifted. People I cared about were laid off, the atmosphere turned toxic, and I faced discrimination and manipulation. It felt like I was constantly swimming against the current, and I started losing myself.

At one point, I realized I couldn’t let a job steal my joy, my light, or the confident woman I had once been. So I took a month on sick leave to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with myself—spending time in nature, journaling, and going to therapy. That pause was the first step in a healing journey. When I returned, I had a new mindset: this is just a job. I gave myself a deadline: by May, I’ll quit.

Early May, I was laid off without cause—and honestly, it was a blessing. It gave me the freedom I needed to start fresh. Fast forward to today: I’ve moved back to France with my wife, I feel aligned and inspired, and opportunities have been flowing my way. Most importantly, I no longer let anyone dim my light.

That difficult time taught me perspective and gratitude—two things I carry with me every day, both in life and in my creative work.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. Now more than ever, I stay true to myself. After going through a difficult chapter, I’ve learned how important it is to stand by my values and lead with kindness. I believe that by doing so, I naturally attract the right people into my life—while those who aren’t aligned simply continue on their own path.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
She was kind and lived her life following her heart and dreams. She made a difference in using her creativity to tell stories that needed to be heard.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Models: Sophia Hirt, Owen Unruh & Linsay Kendall, Magnus Futrell Fruhling.

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