“Youth has no age.” - Pablo Picasso
What a privilege it is to publicly wish a heartfelt happy birthday to these awesome clients of mine who celebrate another year of life this month. I love these collages because it even makes me pause and see how beautiful it is to work with all different women from all walks of life.
Image by Heartbox Photography
#novemberbirthdays #celebratewomen #heartboxphotography #portraits #headshots #bayareaphotographer
Girls with dreams become women with vision. It's one of my favorite sayings - because I believe it to be true.
That young woman will soon be a grown up woman with the potential to impact the world. Whether she is your daughter, your sister, your student, your niece, or even someone you mentor.
Celebrate her well from the start teaching her it's never too early to celebrate every stage of her life.
Image by Heartbox Photography
#celebrategirls #celebratewomen #heartboxphotography #portraits #seniorportraits #celebratedaughters
I once heard someone say that curiosity is a form of the best hospitality.
And how true this statement is. This world is loud with many things, but not always curious. People have stories to tell, a journey to share, and part of what I get to do in is practice being hospitable through curiosity about people and their lives. Instead of me telling, it’s taking the position instead of asking and saying “tell me more.” To give women a space to share what their life experience has been, who inspires them and why, and how they have seen the world so far - the peaks, valleys and everything in between.
And today, this beautiful woman, mother, and grandmother shares her journey through this Celebration of Black Excellence spotlight.
Image by Heartbox Photography
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“I am an only child born to a single mother. My mother never complained about anything. She worked hard, sometimes working two jobs to make sure that I had what I needed. My mother taught me that because of my race I had to work twice as hard and be twice as good to succeed. Some of my mother’s family looked down on us and it wasn’t until I was in high school and a member of the National Honor Society and obtaining other superlative awards that we were accepted.
As a child or teenager, I never thought of myself as poor or disadvantaged. I was never hungry and always had clothing and shelter. I grew up in Durham, N. C. where I had great role models. There was a black owned bank, black owned insurance company and blacks were attorneys, real estate professionals and business owners [such as] drug stores, grocery stores, barbershops, doctors, dentists, etc.). When I was a freshman in college and met another freshman from New Rochelle, New York, and he told me he had never seen a black mailman, I begin to realize how blessed my childhood had been.
I married my childhood sweetheart and we bought our first home before we were 25 years old. The house was brand new and was quite an accomplishment. I worked at IBM and my husband at Owens-Illinois and we lived a good life.
In 1972, we moved to Atlanta, Georgia and started a new life there. I had always wanted to move out of Durham so we could come back on holidays as I had seen many of my neighbors’ children do.
I remember applying for a job at Southern Bell in Atlanta where my husband was working. I had to take a test. I took the test along with a white woman and I was called to the desk and told I had failed the test. The test was a very easy test and I knew I passed it, so I told the lady that I knew I had passed the test. I insisted and they reviewed my test again and determined I indeed passed the test. Southern Bell offered me a job, but I was so upset with the way I had been treated that I declined their offer and found another job.
After a few years of living in Atlanta, I decided to sit for the real estate exam. I passed the exam and started selling houses. I loved real estate. I worked for a black real estate company and we had some of the best sales training in the U.S. I remember famous sales trainer, J. W. Edwards, telling me I could sell to white customers because of my light-skinned complexion. I studied for my real estate brokers license after 3 years and passed and went into business with six of my real estate co-workers. We opened our own company.
After my divorce, I went to work at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At the time it was so painful to go sit in an office for 8 hours a day and the salary was peanuts compared to what I made in a real estate closing, but it was consistent and that was what I needed. As I look back, that was the best thing for me so that I could retire with benefits and enjoy the senior days of my life.
I ended up loving my job at CDC, learned so much, and accomplished so much working there. It was a godsend. While working at CDC, I was introduced to meeting and event planning and joined the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). This organization gave me great opportunities to be a leader and to become an officer on a national board. I traveled and spoke at chapters across the United States. I chartered chapters in Baton Rouge and Houston. I received my Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Tourism Asset Specialist (CTAS), and Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) certifications. I received SGMP’s highest award in 2007.
Knowing what I know now, I would tell my younger self that life doesn’t always go the way you plan or want it to go, but you must take advantage of all of the opportunities that arise. Use them to help you get what you want. Work hard and strive to be the best at what you do. Never give up when life throws you a curve. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will win in the end.
I appreciate most that I am able to retire. I appreciate my family and friends and the fact that even though I have moved thousands of miles away from my close friends, we still keep in touch. I appreciate that I have met some wonderful people here in California and that I am as healthy as I am.”
What are you most proud of?
“I am most proud of the two children I have raised. They are good people with good hearts and are not afraid of hard work and difficulties. I hope one day they realize what I tried to instill in them and how it helped them on their life’s journey. I wanted them to be able to successfully go forward when I am no longer here.”
Who inspires you?
“A lot of my high school teachers inspired me. My former boss at CDC, Dr. Carl Tyler, MD, who encouraged me to do a lot of the things that I accomplished at CDC. When I was having trouble getting a promotion or a cash award, he encouraged me to continue my work of trying to get more minority students to CDC to work in Internships and Fellowships as well as permanent positions. Dr. Tyler had served as the Director of the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service which is CDC’s most prestigious group of epidemiologists. Dr. Tyler had a sleep disorder that caused him to be demoted and locked out of his office. He continued to work at CDC and do great things in public health. One of my former neighbors, Jackie Cooper, who at 90 years of age, inspires me. She is always so full of life and joy and makes me want to be just like her.”
What is one surprising fact about you?
“I never learned to ride a bicycle, skate, or swim. My mother was afraid that I would get hurt so she didn’t buy me a bicycle or skates. I used to use my friends bicycle or skates, but never long enough to learn.”
Who would you like to meet?
“At this point in my life, I would like to meet former President, Barack Obama. I would love to be able to say I met the first black President of the United States.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Treat people like you want to be treated.” My mother taught me that. She said “You never know who will give you your last drink of water so treat people like you want to be treated.”
What does black excellence mean to you?
“Honoring Black Excellence is honoring in this case black women who have excelled and accomplished great things despite the personal setbacks and heartaches they have experienced while living as a black woman in this country. Black women have always had to be strong from the time when they were enslaved and their children were taken away and sold, through the civil rights movement when they worked beside their men and behind the scenes until this day.”
As I sat down to write and post for this month on this blog, I realized the one thing on my mind lately was friendship. This may be because at the moment I remembering a close friend of mine, sweet Rose, who went on to heaven unexpectedly last year.
I recently attended a live music event at a local jazz club/restaurant and could clearly see around me groups of women who obviously came together to attend this event as a girls night out. Waiting for the show to start, the familiar sounds of laughter and joyous chatter from all the ladies in the crowd brought both a smile and an ache to my own heart. Watching all these these friends, it reminded me of something simple and special - they are making memories choosing to carve out time to spend an evening together here celebrating the joys good food and music, but most importantly, friendship.
Rose was not a lazy friend - some of my favorite memories exist because it was she who took the time out to set that date in the calendar to simply be together. It didn’t have to be a special occasion - isn’t being friends a special occasion enough after all?
And to that I say yes, friendship is enough of a special occasion, Rose. Thank you for teaching me, reminding me even to this day, as well as so many others such a valuable and unforgettable lesson.
This photograph is one of my favorites of two amazing clients of mine who not only came in to do a photoshoot for themselves individually but also made sure to capture some beautiful images celebrating their 30+ years of friendship as well.
Happy Thursday, everyone!
I love learning about people behind the business. Very seldom do you find a business that is not rooted in some aspect of the owner’s own personal story - whether it highlights their childhood dreams, aspirations or, in Laura’s case, her victories found in her own story of recovery.
Laura Hawkins is the owner/founder of Laura Hawkins Recovery Coaching. We got to know each other though the Women’s Networking Alliance and later served together as volunteers for Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose. I deeply appreciated Laura’s sense of humor and just how honest she was about her story and how it led her to later establish a business focused specifically on helping others on their recovery journey.
And let’s be a real - I think my favorite fun fact about Laura is that she is obsessed with ice cream - and who doesn’t love that?
I am very proud to share today’s spotlight on Laura as another way to continue celebrating Bay Area women business owners who are are making an impact!
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Can you share a little bit about you and your business?
I’m a native Californian currently residing in Menlo Park with my old pit bull Charlie. I’m the proud mom of two amazing young adults, Jack and Julia, and a sober member AA for over 30 years. I love to travel and do it every chance I get. My favorite place I’ve ever been is South Africa.
Professionally, I’m a serial solopreneur (runs in my family — both of my parents had their own successful businesses for years) and currently work as a recovery coach and certified recovery specialist.
As a recovery coach I guide and support clients to create a simple and practical plan for living a life free from their addictions. I partner with people interested in recovering from substance use disorders or similar conditions. My programs are exclusively tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?
Little did I know that over 30 years ago, my decision to get sober would lead me to my life’s work. It certainly didn’t start out that way, but what’s always been a constant for me is that I’ve always worked in industries that incorporated my passions. That’s extremely important to me.
I’ve worked in public relations/marketing, t.v., and animal welfare organizations like the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley where I was the executive director before starting my own business as a recovery coach. I loved this position, but there started to be this internal pull towards working with people in recovery that was too strong to ignore. I've seen what an important piece coaching can be to programs of recovery, and I wanted to help in that way.
Although I got sober through AA anonymous, I work with people who want to explore programs that aren’t 12-step. What I want most for my clients to find a group that works for them where they feel comfortable and supported in overcoming their addictions.
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
I love being able to help those who want to tackle head-on the things in their lives that are keeping them from being who they really want to be. I have such admiration for people who have gotten to a really low place in their lives but are willing to do something differently by trying a program of recovery. Confronting yourself about what’s not working is one of the bravest things one can do, I believe. I love seeing the hope come back for my clients when they realize that they can conquer their addictions and will go to any lengths to do it. I was where each one of my clients have been before, so I know how it feels, and what’s possible.
What’s difficult about my work is working with people who ultimately decide to go back to their addictions. However, I never, ever give up hope because I know recovery isn’t always a straight line. My door is always open.
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
Never stop working towards your goals and passions. Understand it will be frustrating at times but that temporary. Travel a lot and take risks. Ask for help and see what you can do for other people. When I’m thinking about someone else, I’m not thinking about myself. Don’t think to be successful you have to do it all on your own or that you need to be perfect. There is no such thing. And lastly, laugh a lot. Use humor to connect with others. I’ve found that laughter really is the best medicine for what ails me.
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
What I appreciate about my life is the perspective time and recovery have given me. I’ve learned that there are very few really big deals. I’m most proud of the relationships I have. They are full of humor and truth and caring. Nothing better than that.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone trying to do better inspires me. People who give expecting nothing in return and help others "just because" it’s the right thing to do.
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
I was on a game show in college hoping to win money to fix my car — I lost! I have volunteered in animal shelters and fostered for rescue organizations for much of my adult life
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
I wanted to answer this question in a really heady way, but the truth is, that I would love to meet the person that first invented ice cream. I’m literally obsessed.
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.
Part of what makes my work as a portrait photographer for women here in the Bay Area is obviously the opportunity to create images they can be proud of and have forever - AND also celebrate the amazing wins they achieve!
I am so proud to share that my amazing client, Jerylann Mateo, was again named this year as one of RealTrends America's Best Real Estate Professionals. This list represents the top 1.5% of 1.6 million real estate professionals in the United States!
Congratulations on this accomplishment, Jerylann - you rock!
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
I just love the opportunity to promote and talk about women in business in the Bay Area. And to be invited to play a small role in helping establish their brand by making sure they have professional headshots, well, that’s even better! Anne Brinkman is the founder/owner of BetterYour.Life and I had the privilege of not only helping her create her business headshots but also feature her in today’s “Celebrating Women in Business” spotlight.
Images by Heartbox Photography
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Can you share a little bit about you and your business?
“I run a life coaching business - I coach people who have visions of their success but are struggling to get there.”
What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?
“I appreciate the opportunity to explore different careers. I spent many years as a software engineer, some as a computer lab teacher, some in software training and consulting, and exploratory jobs doing kitchen prep and bakery work. Every where I worked has contributed to me in some way and the role I now have as a coach.”
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
“I love to connect closely with people, to understand their motivations, and to help them find their blocks and get past them. The biggest challenge is that I need to spend time on myself as well, to get past my own blocks.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
“Stop caring about what other people think. Just start learning and practicing the things you want to get better at and time will do its thing.”
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
“That I have not held back in trying new careers or felt tied to a career ladder. That I've followed interests I've had despite needing to start over.”
Who inspires you and why?
“People who have dreamed big and really made it happen, through belief and persistence. Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Steph Curry, Jose Andres, etc!”
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
“I love learning and would be a full time student, time and money permitting. I run a lot (slowly) and have completed over 20 1/2 marathons (and one marathon)!”
-Arianna Huffington
Happy New Year, everyone!
In just a few days, we will literally be halfway through this first month of 2023 already - and I sincerely hope the start of the year has been a good one for you all so far.
With this fresh start and new year, I though it best to start off with featuring one of my awesome clients, Ramona Shaw.
As a leadership and executive coach as well as author of The Competent and Confident New Manager with extensive experience as a former VP in a corporate setting, Ramona’s work is dedicated to developing and helping managers become high-performing, effective leaders.
Her work is about challenging and growing people to essentially be a great influence to those they lead and I am honored to feature her in today’s “Celebrating Women in Business” spotlight!
Images by Heartbox Photography
Can you share a little bit about you and your business?
I have a leadership development business that specializes in delivering coaching and training programs for new and mid-level leaders.
What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?
After graduating, I entered the field of private equity and ultimately led strategic projects and international teams at a private equity firm. However, I soon found out that I couldn’t figure out how to be a good leader all on my own. As I went through my own growth journey as a leader, I discovered my passion for coaching and leadership training. I decided to get officially certified as a professional coach and dedicate my career to helping managers become leaders people love to work for.
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
I absolutely love being able to be a positive influence on people’s careers. There is definitely a butterfly effect when it comes to leadership. I love helping a new manager overcome the obstacles that they face. I feel that by helping one person become a better manager, there is an even bigger impact that it has on the organizational environment because the people on that manager’s team will see how a good leader responds to challenges, sets a good example, and implements positive leadership habits that create positive and inclusive work environments.
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
I would tell myself that it’s important to know yourself and that strong self-leadership, which includes the ability to manage our own thinking and our emotions, is key to becoming a strong leader. Start with growing that part of leadership first and foremost, regardless of job or position.
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
The thing I appreciate most about my life right now is how rich and full it is. My schedule stays busy but it’s busy with the things I love doing, spending time with my kids, running my business, and making a difference in the lives and work of others.
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Marcus Aurelius, who reigned as a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He was a dedicated student of Stoicism and wrote what would later become titled “Meditations.” These writings were journal entries to himself as a source for his own self-improvement and philosophy on leadership.
I admire the philosophical beliefs of Aurelius because as a leader his Stoic principles helped him overcome many obstacles and become one of the greatest Roman leaders in history. Not only does Stoicism help me feel more focused and have greater clarity even when things are unexpected or unpredictable, but it also helps me give up the need to feel like I have to be in control all the time.
A dedicated wife.
Proud mother.
And…boxing club owner.
Yes, you read that right. Adrienne Rush is the owner of TITLE Boxing Club, a boutique fitness gym that offers boxing and kickboxing classes in Mountain View, California. I had the privilege of photographing her earlier this year as part of the 50 Fabulous Series I am working on to create a magazine celebrating the amazing women in the Bay Area who are 50+.
After many years in the tech industry, Adrienne eventually retired and took on the unexpected and exciting adventure of not only becoming a business owner but also in an area of fitness she had no prior experience in - boxing. Today, she not only runs this successful club, but also is a active participant/student in the boxing/fitness classes herself.
And in my world, there is just something incredibly cool about women who take up boxing to stay healthy and fit. I am so honored to share with you today’s 50 Fabulous spotlight on the amazing Adrienne.
Happy Monday!
Image | Heartbox Photography
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
My favorite part of running the business is helping people improve their lives through fitness. I meet wonderful people, have an amazing staff, and I love hearing members share their stories about how working out at the club has successfully helped them address health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight issues, or found that boxing helps them reduce the stress in their lives. The biggest challenge by far has been the closure we had during the pandemic.
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Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
Don't be afraid to be yourself and take risks.
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What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of? My life is full of things to appreciate - family, friends, good health, pets, nature - too many to list. I am most proud of my two wonderful daughters.
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A fun or surprising fact about yourself? People are often surprised when they first learn that I run a boxing fitness business. They say, "Boxing? You?"
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If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why? Ruth Bader Ginsberg because she was not afraid to act in spite of so many challenges and pressures to conform.
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Image by Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup by Kathleen Tinney
Before and afters are some of my favorite images to share from a client’s photoshoot.
Why?
Because it is evidence that everyday, REAL women are magazine-cover stunners and they’re EVERYWHERE around us.
They are our friends, our co-workers, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and daughters.
Whether she is 18 or 85.
Whether she is just learning life or has gathered many seasons of life, wisdom, and experience already.
It is evidence we can give all women a chance to see their own uniqueness in themselves, give them encouragement to unapologetically shine it, and the permission to own their own limitless beauty.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Shine forth.
Image by Heartbox Photography
“Her soul is fierce, her heart is brave, her mind is strong.” -Unknown
Every year of life is a gift worth celebrating - happiest of birthdays to one of my awesome September birthday clients, the beautiful Julie!
Image by Heartbox Photography
This photo was taken about 10 years ago when I was looking for a space that I could invite clients to for their portrait sessions, basically the beginning stages of a dream to build a portrait photography business.
It hasn't been an easy journey (no entrepreneurial endeavor is), but it's a journey that taught me more than any book could teach me.
The biggest lesson so far? Sometimes, you just have to start somewhere.
Happy Friday!
Inspiration really can come from everywhere.
Movies.
A walk outside.
Dance.
Sketching on a whiteboard.
A conversation.
Taking a nap.
A quote.
Books.
A little boredom.
It's funny how seemingly unrelated things like these actually influence business processes...
Spark creativity...
Generate new ideas...
Sharpen vision...
Carve out solutions...
And ultimately re-ignite vision.
Image by Heartbox Photography