Celebrating Women in Business | Jyoti Mehta

Jyoti Mehta is someone I think every person in the Bay Area should know. And not just because she’s an awesome person (she is!), but because whether you’re an athlete, a person who logs in a ton of time in front of the computer, or even a musician, painter, or hairstylist, the health and care of your hands all the way to your shoulders is something most of us don’t think much about. Until an ache or injury prompts us to.

Her passion to serve her patients coupled with her expertise of over 20+ years as an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist were very clear to me when I first had the opportunity to hear about her work and background. I especially appreciate that Jyoti values taking the time to assess each client’s case with care and thoughtfulness, making sure that they are educated on all the options available to best treat their unique situation.

Highlighting Bay Area women in business is one of my favorite things to do and I am excited to feature Jyoti Mehta, owner/founder of Healthy Hands in Sunnyvale!

Can you share a little bit about you and your business?

I have been a board certified Occupational therapist for 20+years and a certified hand therapist since 2011. I specialize in evaluating and providing high quality rehab to clients with hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder injuries.

Healthy Hands represents my private practice clinic situated in Sunnyvale, where my patients get swift appointment scheduling, individualized specialist attention, successful rehabilitation, and a prompt return to their favorite activities. Whether pain is a result of sports injuries, surgery or spending too many hours in front of the computer, I help patients ease their pain and achieve their best possible mobility, strength and endurance. My website lists the many orthopedic and neurological conditions I treat,along with my different treatment methods.

 What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

I enjoy the privilege of working with people from all walks of life - musicians, climbers, chefs, sports enthusiasts, attorneys, teachers, artists, and office workers. Treating diverse upper extremity conditions has given me a deep understanding of the impact they have on each patient’s unique work and daily life.

For me, the challenge and the most fun comes from problem solving the cause of my patient’s pain. It typically involves assessing and understanding the interplay of different body systems (skin, fascia, muscles, tendons, joints, nerves) and then analyzing them in light of a patient's work and play habits.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

Oh, so much to tell my 18 year old self! Find your strengths, find what lights you up and go for your passion!

What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of? I feel most blessed to be a mother and a healer. Both roles bring immense joy and satisfaction.

Who inspires you and why?

My dad has a heart full of empathy. He embodies a genuine warmth that resonates with everyone he meets, making them feel valued and cared for. He inspires me to be compassionate and kind to all around me.

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

I could be super tired or unwell but play some bollywood music (of my liking) and I’ll jump out of bed to dance! Dancing and fun are synonymous.

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and the “father of mindfulness”. I wish I could be in the presence of his aura and experience some of his peace and bliss.

Celebrating Sisters & Friends

“There's no better friend than a sister.”

- author unknown

Photographing sisters holds a special place in my heart.

Mostly because I have the gift of two sisters myself and while a lot of our childhood was filled with your typical sister fights over toys and clothes our adulthood now shares a bond that makes me deeply grateful for my siblings. I have the privilege of having sisters I can call my bestest (yes, that’s a real word) friends.

Consider celebrating your sisters (or those you consider your sisters) through a photoshoot. Because sisters are simply priceless.

Image by Heartbox Photography

50 & Fabulous Series | Karen Wolk

I read a saying somewhere that says with age, you look outside what you are inside. And if that's true, then what you can see from Karen is a vibrant spirit who embraces life in all the best ways.

From the minute I connected with Karen to talk about her involvement in the 50 Fabulous Series, I am in the midst of creating, I immediately appreciated her sense of humor, authenticity, how she celebrated her age and life itself.

This gem of a lady celebrates a birthday today and I am honored to share one of my favorite images from her shoot with me with you all!

Image by Heartbox Photography

Your Own Kind of Beautiful

***

As I look at this image the first thing I think of is how lovely it is truly is to be your own kind of beautiful.

The comparing helps no one, not especially you.

And so today, I hope you really do walk with a joy in your step fully knowing, owning, and believing this.

Be your own kind of beautiful.

Because your own kind of beautiful really does exist.

Promise.

Image by Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup by Kathleen Tinney

A Celebration of Phenomenal Women | 50 & Fabulous Series | Melanie Gill

One of the things I enjoyed most about launching a series in 2021 that celebrated women who are part of the 50+ demographic was hearing their personal perspectives about what this season of life looked like for them, their careers, and their overall journey.

Being in this demographic means different things to different women and as such, I have asked a few women who participated in the series to share their stories - and today, I am honored to highlight Melanie Gill, Bay Area-based Marketing and Branding Expert, of Melanie Gill Consulting.

***

Aging is really a gift if you think about it.

Not everyone is blessed with this opportunity to journey “over the hill” and experience life at a slower pace.

Embracing my age has been a very freeing experience. A major step toward acceptance was ending the perpetual hair dye sessions and embracing my grey in all its glory. The year long journey from black to grey was slow. During that time, I really processed what it meant to be over 50. As I would look in the mirror and watch my hair changing, I too was able to shift internally as I would digest what the next chapter of my life could look like.

For me, it became clear that I was ready to work on my own terms as a marketing consultant and live more in the moment personally.

The tech space can be fast moving requiring more than a typical full time routine, often including extensive international travel. While I very much enjoyed that part of my life and seeing the world, it also became clear as I got older that I wanted to engage at a pace that supported my personal life here at home.

This is what inspired me to leave the corporate world and start my marketing consulting practice.

It was a bit of a dance back and forth for a few years between consulting, then returning full time, then back to consulting. And now I love being a consultant and supporting a variety of small and mid size companies while learning about new endeavors beyond technology.

With over 20 years in leadership roles in Silicon Valley, I bring extensive marketing and sales expertise to the clients I serve today. I am passionate about helping small to mid size businesses get the word out about who they are, what they are offering, and why it matters. I am gifted at being able to step into an organization and bring to light what is needed to achieve that next level of success.

Being a consultant has allowed me to create a balanced personal routine enabling me to focus on exercise, eating well, and keeping my garden beautiful. Right now, I am writing a cookbook and so far the recipes seem to all be vegan as I have been focused on bringing more vegetables into my daily diet. One thing is for sure, I don’t miss the commute or the long trips over seas for business.

When I have a bit of down time between clients, you will find me getting certified in something interesting like interior design or essential oils. Or taking on a big project at home like landscaping my garden myself.

And while I tend to be a driven, focused, and deliberate person, I also enjoy deep connection with people.

There is nothing I like more than having a meal with a handful of amazing, witty, and interesting women!

International Women's Day 2022

How proud I am to serve and encourage women. To remind them of their voice, their possibilities.

March is when we celebrate International Women’s Day. And as I look at the faces of just some of the women I have been privileged to photograph over the years, I am in awe of the beauty seen in various stories that weave together a sweet reminder of how proud I am to be a woman.

Images | Heartbox Photography

#InternationalWomensDay2022

Portrait of a Lady | 50+ and Fabulous of 2021

In the Spring of 2021, I officially launched the very first Portrait of a Lady | 50+ and Fabulous Series. I have always photographed women of all ages, but never designed anything specifically dedicated to celebrating this fabulous demographic of women.

Until now.

The goal was to intentionally reach out and photograph 50 women in 2021 who are 50+ and proud to share it with others through their images. I am honored to now present to you all the first ever compilation of my clients whose images together create a beautiful tapestry of art that speaks a message of celebration at every age and season of life!

Portrait of a Lady, 50+ Fabulous Series 2021

Images | Heartbox Photography

Freya Krishnan | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

No joke, one of the very first things I ever shared with Freya was that I simply could not take a selfie to save my life. (Yes, I am still somehow a photographer!) Freya was holding a workshop I attended dedicated to helping people like me see that a good selfie is indeed possible and can be used for fun social media marketing. I am less afraid of selfies now because of her! =)

Sometime later, I had the privilege to help Freya update her own headshots. This driven and creative woman does phenomenal work helping others as a Visibility and Confidence Coach as well as an entrepreneur and mentor. I am so proud to share with you all not only some of her images from her photoshoot with me, but also a bit more about Freya and her story that led to where she is today and shapes who she continues to grow into for the future.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Images | Heartbox Photography

***

“I have always been a huge advocate for women and small businesses. As a Visibility + Confidence Coach, my mission is to empower women in business so that they can be seen as their most authentic and confident selves. I run workshops and group programs that teach on how to increase visibility, expand networks, and become more confident in the process.

I have been an entrepreneur for about 15+ years now, but it feels like I have been one for most of my life. I was born and raised in the Philippines. Growing up, my parents always ran some form of small business. They made sure that their kids helped out in all their ventures, and though none of us siblings ended up going into business school, in their own way our parents taught us motivation, resilience and work ethic. And they most definitely instilled the entrepreneur mindset in me.

I migrated to the United States at 17 to study Computer Science…that is a long story. I somehow found my way back into entrepreneurship because I needed to find fulfillment and an opportunity to practice creativity that my grey cubicle could not provide.”

My passion is to help other women succeed by leading by example and showing them that they are capable of ANYTHING they set their minds to.

The challenge for me is finding balance in everything that I do. Being a hybrid entrepreneur, I have to juggle my day job as a Project Manager with my other businesses. It's a lot to manage but I always make sure I have fun and set aside time for self-care.”

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

”Have a long term vision, learn how to set goals and surround yourself with people who know where they are going and are going to challenge you to be a better version of yourself.”

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

“I secretly want to be a food photographer/stylist. I do love food and I love to travel. So almost every trip I go, I try to go on a food walking tour or have a list of restaurants that I want to try. My whole family is this way. I guess we were raised as foodies and wanderers! I also love to cook and consider it a relaxing and creative outlet to work on a new recipe or prepare a meal for guests.”

Lisa Riggs | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“It’s making a difference in the world that prevents me from ever giving up.”

-Deborah Meier

It is my honor to share with you all this month more about the CEO, Founder, and woman behind the Bay Area-based company, Spirit Sox USA.

Phenomenal women are everywhere and Lisa Riggs is no exception. She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs (her grandfather started his own jam and jelly company!) and is the first in her family to move from food-industry based entrepreneurship to socks! Spirit Sox USA helps fuel fundraisers for organizations in various industries and non-profits, both locally and nationally.

She has also been featured as a podcast guest on Blue Roads Education Group, School Zone Podcast, and Enterprise Podcast Network. In addition to being affectionately known as the “Sock Queen”, Lisa is also a proud mother, wife, and loyal Bay Area fan of both the 49ers and Giants!

Image | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

***

“I founded Spirit Sox USA about 5 years ago. We are a certified woman owned company that customizes socks uniquely for each customer. My true goal is to make the world a better place 1 sock at a time and that's why I do what I do and donate 5% of my profits to helping underserved communities.

On a personal note, I've been married almost 25 years and am enjoying empty nest more than I expected with my husband! My son, Mitchell, is 20 and attends UCI, majoring in Chemistry with a goal of saving the planet with chemistry. My daughter, Kayla, is 19 and will be a sophomore at Cornell, studying communications and already an editor for the Cornell Sun and blog writer for the Women's Network. We love our animals! Our 2 rescue dogs, Tucker and Callie, our 30 year old box turtle, Henry, and our 5 fantail goldfish! In my spare time I love to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, go to the beach and read. My happy place is swimming with the sea turtles in Maui!”

What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?

“I had to grow a lot personally in order to grow professionally. I'm a perfectionist and perfectionists do not like to fail. Do you know the % of startups that fail? 90%. So my personal growth which included confidence in myself and my abiilites as well as overcoming, or even embracing, the fear of failure. I have to admit Google search is my friend - it's amazing what I have been able to teach myself from full Photoshop skills to how to build a business!”

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

“Honestly, my favorite part of my job is helping my customers improve their community or area of the world. Who would think a pair of socks can make the world a better place?!

But time after time, I've seen my customers raise money with their sock fundraisers to fight teen suicide, support Down Syndrome, raise awareness for mental health, fund cancer reasearch on so on."

My main challenge is being a one woman show, not because I'm a woman, but because I wear so many hats. I did get funding to start this company so I truly have built it from the ground up. As we've grown, I've been able to hire contractors to take on roles in the company but I just never seem to have enough time to get it all done.”

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

“My 18 year old self always focused on the negatives about myself rather than the positives. Thankfully I when I went to college I found both my indepence and the start of my self confidence. So if I could talk to her now I'd say: Be kinder to yourself. Enjoy the moment. Have confidence in YOU.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?

“My family 100%. I am so proud of my kids for their intelligence, their accomplishments and most importantly for the genuinely good humans that they are. I'm also very proud of my husband and I who have our 25th anniversary approaching and worked our tails off to create a loving and happy household for our family. As we all know it's not always easy, but it sure is worth it.”

Who inspires you and why?

“My dad has always been my biggest inspiration. He's so smart and confident but also one of the kindest, most thoughtful people you will ever meet. He's run and sold multiple companies so he is tough in the boardroom but a softy with babies and dogs and his grandchildren, too! I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My grandfather started his own jam and jelly company. My dad started a strawberry company. And as the 1st female entrepreneur I took us out of food and into socks!”

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

“Fun fact: I have a 30 year old box turtle named Henry. He is my sidekick and I love him dearly! Also, I am a sports nut! Die hard 49er and Giants fan. We've had season tickets to the Niners for 31 years and I rarely miss a game!”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“Honestly, I think I'd like to meet Oprah. She has overcome so many barriers and failures to be the household name that she is while always retaining her class and her authenticity. She is someone women of all ages and colors can look to as a role model.”

Aundrea Lacy | A Celebration of Black Excellence

It is always a wonderful surprise when situations that seem to be happy accidents end up yielding the most pleasant of results.

After baking brownies as a thank you gift for a friend many years ago, Aundrea later realized she had transposed the brownie recipe without knowing she was dyslexic at the time. These results, in addition to hard work, perseverance, and limitless vision over the years is what catapulted Aundrea Lacy, owner/founder of Bay Area-based company Luv’s Brownies, into the inspirational success she is today. (You can read more about her story here) Not only has her company’s desserts become an award-winning Bay Area favorite, but Luv’s Brownies has also earned national recognition from shows that include Good Morning America, The Montell Williams Show, CBS New York, just to name a few!

Aundrea is a firm believer in generously giving back to her community and in addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she has also established The Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship, which is awarded to student applicants on the path to pursuing higher education or vocational training.

It is my honor to share with you all the latest feature in the Celebration of Black Excellence Series, Aundrea Lacy!

Tell us a bit more about your background - where are you from, what inspired you to choose your specific area of education and eventual career?

“I was born in San Franciso. My family moved to the peninsula when I was elementary school and I went to Mills High School in Millbrae.”

What are you most proud of in your life and why?

“I am most proud of my son Mateo-Sebastian. His youthfulness and zest for life gives me hope for the next generation.” 

What is something most people might now know about you?

“I’m frugal. I know how to stretch a dollar.”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My son has had a huge influence over my life. He has taught me to have patience.” 

What is the best advice you've ever received?

“Best advice I received was from my father. Hard work always pays off.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“My inspiration comes from watching other Black Americans thrive.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I would like to meet Oprah, Marcus Lemonis, Tyler Perry. All of them show tenacity and are willing to always give back. They have used their platforms to enlighten and educate others.” 

What does it "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you personally?

“Black Excellence means bringing more voices to the table. The richness of our culture is unmatched. Most people don’t know the slave trade was huge. Brazil got more slaves than the United States. The African diaspora should be discussed more in school. Our Black history month shouldn’t be just a month.” 

A Celebration of Black Excellence | Black History Month 2021

“We've learned that quiet isn't always peace

And the norms and notions

of what just is

Isn't always justice

And yet the dawn is ours

before we knew it

Somehow we do it

Somehow we've weathered and witnessed

a nation that isn't broken

but simply unfinished

We the successors of a country and a time

Where a skinny Black girl

descended from slaves and raised by a single mother

can dream of becoming president

only to find herself reciting for one

And yes we are far from polished

far from pristine

but that doesn't mean we are

striving to form a union that is perfect

We are striving to forge a union with purpose”

***

-Amanda Gorman

Excerpt from 2021 inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb”

Images | Heartbox Photography

Lisa Gaines | A Celebration of Black Excellence

It is no secret to anyone in the world today that we are certainly living in times where conversations on race are long overdue. Though I am only one person with a camera, I came to realize that everyone can contribute something to keep advocating for change - even a portrait photographer like me. Lisa was one of the first women I spoke with when I had the idea to do a series that celebrated and told the stories of Black women from the Bay Area - in short, to give honor to Black excellence that these women exemplify in both their personal and professional lives and share it with the world.

I am honored to share with you all today’s feature highlight on this phenomenal woman, Lisa Gaines.

“I  grew up in the true South, in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.  I am originally from North Carolina.  From a young age, I knew I had a passion for fashion.  I loved to play dress up and an invitation to attend any soiree that required a dress, tights and patent leather shoes was high on my list of favorite things.  I had the opportunity to model into my 20’s.  My path to California and to the field of image consulting and color analysis was somewhat circuitous.  I utilized my Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Georgia Tech while working for a commercial printing firm and, shortly after my marriage, my husband and I moved to California.  I began managing a multi-million dollar revenue retail store in the Bay Area."

After having my first child, I put a lot of focus on raising my family, but my heart always brought me back to fashion or fitness.  I was a successful Fashion Coordinator for a large clothing line.  A chance introduction to my image and color mentor by a mutual friend launched me into a passion for supporting women 40 and over who have a desire to step into a new season in their lives and need a fashion-infused confidence boost. I’ve been working with clients for 6 years helping them to express their true essence in their signature style. 

My clients feel a renewed sense of self and purpose and realize the confidence to pursue their passions.  I firmly believe age is just a number and I want to bring as many women as I can to “the sweeter side of life”, so they can be free to be who they are, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, fully aligned and shining brightly!

I am very proud of the time that I spent as a stay-at-home mom.  It was never something I envisioned for myself, but it was a season of my life that brought me a lot of joy...to be able to be there for my kids, every day, and to witness their development into amazing people.  And I have to say I am very proud of how my journey and all the things that I have done and experiences I’ve had and some of the most amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet have all brought me to where I am today. It’s fueled my passion for modeling for women being of “a certain age” doesn’t have to be a limitation for them and that tapping into their authentic self opens up opportunities they could never imagine.”

Besides fashion, my other passion is for dance.  I love all forms of dance and if I had had my druthers, I would have been a professional dancer.  My very pragmatic father convinced me that I wouldn’t make a lot of money in that sort of career, so I let it go and pursued another avenue. I find ways to dance anytime, though.  I do tap, jazz, have even taught Zumba and until about a year ago, danced professionally with an African Drum and Dance cultural group in the Bay Area.  I cannot hear good music and not move my body.  It’s in my blood!”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My mother is probably the biggest influence in my life. 

She has always been a go-getter and does everything she pursues with excellence. She taught me to believe in myself and never give up and even now that she lives with my family, she is still my biggest cheerleader!”

What is the best advice you've ever received?

“Before I got married, I was told, never to go to bed angry at my husband.  It’s something I have always followed and I believe it is big part of the reason my husband and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this year.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“I am always inspired by other women’s success.  What I have learned is that one woman’s success equates to the success of all women.  If a woman is doing the same thing as you, you’re not competitors,  you’re sisters.  When women collaborate and join their talents and creativity together, they are so much more powerful than they are alone.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I think I would love to meet Nina Simone.  She was a strong and beautiful black woman who used her powerful voice and artistic genius for social justice.  Her musical legacy is a testament to the struggle for equality and civil rights of  Black people and her message was a catalyst for social change in her time. I’d be curious to learn how she sees how much or little things have changed since she’s been gone.  I’d like to know her thoughts about the BLM movement and how she would be making her voice heard in 2020.”

What does "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you personally? 

“It means shining a light on the achievements and contributions of black men and women who are continuing the legacy of excellence that has always been a part of our culture. 

So many things that we take for granted in this world were developed, designed, or patented by Black people but the history has been re-written, glossed over, or outright changed to diminish or delete their contributions. 

In order to preserve and protect that legacy, it is important to highlight and promote the achievements and contributions continuing to be made and to dispel the negative and erroneous stereotypes that are still prevalent in society.”

Patricia | 2020 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong.

It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

-G.D. Anderson

Beauty is an inside job.

As a woman AND a photographer, I get the privilege of being able to continue advocating this message in a special way with my camera through sharing the profiles, stories, and images of women here in the Bay Area.

One of the things I am often proud to share with others is that I do not work work with professional models. I work with real women that vary in their confidence level in front of the camera. These women are from various backgrounds, of all ages and are experiencing various seasons of womanhood, from being a teen to an empty nester to being grandmother.

I work with women who, like myself, are growing past the common misconception that beauty is purely surface-level based solely on what others think of your style of clothes or make-up. Women who, like me, are seeing what it means to truly walk in the confidence that unleashes when you see that indeed, beauty is an inside job that no amount of exterior styling can replicate.

I am honored to share with you all the latest profile of a woman whose beauty radiates from the inside out, the lovely and phenomenal, Patricia.

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte

Can you tell me a bit about you as a person (your own life journey thus far), what inspired you to do the work you do, and what you find most rewarding about your work?

“I have always loved the written word, from my early childhood days of putting pencil to paper as I wrote my first sentences, to my current project of crafting the narrative of my grandparents’ World War II romance. Helping people put words together to create a sensory experience, share information, or teach something useful, brings me a deep sense of satisfaction.”

What are some things that you would want women to know with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up as a woman in today's world?

“Always be true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. That’s the compass you can always come back to, no matter how wildly the world is spinning. Regarding beauty — I believe you’re truly beautiful when you let your inner light shine.”

Best advice you ever received?

“After my mom died of breast cancer, a very wise and kind woman at work said to me, “Eat when you’re hungry; sleep when you’re tired; move when you want to move.” It sounds simplistic, but it’s about really tuning in to your basic needs so you can be grounded. From that foundation, you can successfully face whatever is happening in your life.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“My wisdom, my internal strength, and my amazing community of women.”

“In one of the photos Maria took, I’m wearing my mom’s gold earrings and my paternal grandmother’s Spanish coin necklace. I didn’t realize the pairing until I was reviewing the images with Maria.

These women, who weren’t close to each other, shaped and inspired me in very different ways.

It’s a powerful image of my lineage and legacy. I’m so grateful to have it!”

What Would You Say to Your Younger Self?

Hey, ladies.

If you could face your younger self now, in the form of that teenaged girl growing up and learning life, what would you tell her? 

What would you say about self-confidence? About womanhood?

What would you say about outward and inward beauty? 

About love? About mistakes? 

What would you tell her about flying…and about the moments we fall down in life? 

I think that portraits are some of the best ways you can show your teenaged girls that life is already happening NOW. That it’s important, especially for young girls growing into womanhood, to see that it is more than ok, dare I even say, necessary, to see the value in existing in portraits, to capture where they are in life now. 

Not to wait until they feel “worthy”.

Not when they achieve society’s definition of what is “beautiful”. 

Not when they achieve x, y, or z. 

And certainly not when have earned the approval of other people. 

But now. Just as they are.

So that when it comes time for them to look back at those photographs of their younger selves, they can smile in remembering who they were becoming in that image. They can smile remembering that someone advocated for them and told them that they absolutely are worthy to capture in a photograph, even if they are still learning and trying to understand their life, awkwardness and all.

It is a joy to be able to capture young adults in photographs. 

**

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SUMMER!

Whether they are entering in as seniors in high school or have just begun their teenage years, we are now booking for outdoor photo sessions this summer!

I  invite you to book that appointment for the young adults in your life, whether they are your own children, your nieces, your god-children, whatever the case may be. 

Encourage them to exist in photographs. 

Because their life is worth capturing in images today and these images are a part of their unique story.

#existinphotographs #teenagers #seniorphotography #heartboxphotography #seniorportraits #sanjosephotographer

#classof2021 #seniorphotos 

The Giving of Love

Happy February, everyone!

Traditionally, the month of February tends to bring to mind endless images of hearts, a chubby, flying baby who is reckless with his bow and arrow, shades of red overpowering every aisle at your local grocery store, and a sudden hike in the price of a regular dinner simply because it is February 14. 

And while there is nothing inherently wrong with any of this (I love any excuse to eat more chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, let's be real), it can dilute the real message behind the celebrations of this month that are much more important. 

And that celebration is rooted in the giving of love.

Giving of love to your friends. 

Giving of love to your family. 

Giving of love to your neighbors as you would want given to you.

Even in the giving of love to strangers you encounter daily. 

There is much to be said about what you gain from giving love. And I hope this month, whether you celebrate with best girlfriends, partners, or beloved family over an overpriced dinner and red/pink balloons everywhere, it would be rooted in the beauty of giving more love out into the world around you.

Here's to love,

Maria Abelaye, Owner

Heartbox Photography

Daniella | 2018 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.”

-Michelle Obama

Women have broken and continue to break barriers. And as I write this post, I find myself reflecting on what I sense is a beautiful revolution today of women everywhere who are are being reminded of the positive influence they can have for change in their own home, own communities, and society as a whole. I want to always be a part of any movement that empowers women - from the young girls to the women who have walked the path ahead of them.

I recently launched a series titled “A Celebration of Phenomenal Women: Fabulous and Over 40”. This series was meant to invite women in who were over 40 years of age, proud of their story, their life, and most of all, proud to be a woman of today.

Daniella is 41 - a wife, a mother, and health, fitness, and nutrition coach. As founder and owner of DFitLife, she is a businesswoman in the Bay Area who continues helping and serving people live the healthiest lifestyle they can.

I am incredibly proud to share with you all these images and video from the first photoshoot of many photoshoots that will aim to celebrate these phenomenal women in our community.

Many thanks to Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Daniella’s hair and makeup!

What are you most proud of as the woman you are today and why?

“I have worked hard through many years of self-doubt and loathing to finally emerge as the woman I’ve always wanted to be.

I feel good that I am setting a strong role model for my daughter. I want her to know she should ask for the moon, because you might just get it!

What advice would you give your own daughter as she grows up?

“Be kind to yourself and to others.

Don’t forget that life is full of laughter, but you have to choose to see it.

Choose happiness.”

What do you believe makes a woman beautiful?

“Self-confidence for sure. This is where men have been ahead of us. Regardless of how someone looks aesthetically, if they are comfortable in their own skin, that beauty shines through.

Women of my generation have done a lot of catching up on this and I think our children will really own it!”

What would you tell your 18-year-old self?

“Love yourself or no one else will! I would go back and try to embrace my quirks and imperfections.

I spent so much time trying to be perfect, that I lost sight of the moment. I was too serious for my own good. Now I try to find the humor in just about every moment of my day.”

Behind the Scenes | Melissa | Glamour and Contemporary Portrait | Santa Clara, CA

One of my favorite things to create from a client's shoot is a behind the scenes video that captures snippets of her getting ready, sharing laughs with whomever she brought with her to the shoot, and most of all, the transformation of seeing her inner beauty come out as she gazes into the lens of the camera.

I came across this behind the scenes video I shot a little less than a year ago and couldn't help but smile as it reminded me of the relationship I have with my own sisters. Melissa was treated to this photo shoot by her sister, Sandy, and as you can tell, they share that special bond that only sisters can.

Enjoy and Happy Friday!

Hair and makeup by: Kat Tinney

Photography by: Heartbox Photography

What is #existinphotographs? Why?

#existinphotographs

What is it and why? 

It's a movement that says you are good enough today to celebrate who you are in beautiful portraits.

It is a statement that says the faster that life moves, the more intentional we need to be to slow them down and to have something to hold 30, 40, 50 years from now that remind you where you were and just how far you've come - every year of your life.

It is a proclamation that regardless of how you feel about your age, your body type, even the season of life you are in, you are always beautiful enough to be captured in timeless photographs that reflect back to you a woman who looks like she stepped out of a magazine.

And that woman is YOU. 

It is the reminder that says those moments are also meant to be experienced with your best girlfriends, your sisters, your daughter, your mother, your grandmother - so why not bring them along to capture a beautiful images together that celebrates generations of the women in your family?

Exist in photographs.

To remember yesterday...

to celebrate today....

...and to look forward with joy for what is yet to come.