Karmen | 2019 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Love yourself for who you are, and trust me, if you are happy from within,

you are the most beautiful person, and your smile is your best asset.”

-Illeana D’Cruz

Karmen Reed is a Money-Mindset Coach and Consultant based here in the Bay Area. I had the privilege of recently photographing this lovely woman and learning not only more about her personal background but also about what inspired her to do the work that she does to help other women achieve their optimal success when it comes to their mindset and outlook on finances. She is also a devoted wife and mother with one of the warmest laughs and sunniest smiles I have ever encountered. If there is one thing I noticed about Karmen from the beginning is that she genuinely passionate about learning all that she can as well as teaching others so that they, too, can grow in their own professional and personal endeavors.

I am extremely honored to share with all of you some of the final images from this lovely woman’s photoshoot with Heartbox Photography. As always, a heartfelt thanks to Kathleen Tinney of A-List Makeup for her beautiful work on Karmen’s styling of hair and makeup for this special experience!

Here’s to celebrating phenomenal women everywhere, especially to women like Karmen who set out to help women realize their own inner-awesomeness.

“I was born and raised on the island of Brac in a little Mediterranean country Croatia. I came to America in 1987 when I was 20 years old because I fell in love and could not see anything that is in my way of that happiness.

My journey was that of learning. I was always a very curious being, always looking for opportunities to learn more… about everything. This has really allowed me the courage to start my own entrepreneurial journey. I was never alone on that journey. I was surrounded with people who love me and they were my biggest supporters and cheer leaders.

I also always had a mentor, a coach, a community I could rely on for support and help, as much as being challenged to rise up and take steps I was afraid of. This type of environment allowed me to thrive. I was learning about myself, business and the world. This inspired me to share everything I learned, to give back to women who are on a similar journey of empowerment, financial independence, and living their best life every day.

I learned to be a masterful coach. I started mentoring and coaching women and helping them create an amazing relationship with money so they can thrive in every area of their life. I absolutely LOVE watching women go through beautiful transformations when it comes to self-awareness and empowerment.

It is my goal to help many women create an amazing relationship with money, because how we do money is how we do everything.”

“The best advice I have ever received is from my mom when I was a child:

Go explore and find your own answers.

These words are imprinted inside my soul. I am definitely an explorer. This has become my DNA blueprint.”

“I believe that the beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and that we have to be that for ourselves.

Our empowerment comes from the place of awareness about our self-talk and our emotions.

Our self-confidence comes from our self-empowerment.

We as women have so much to offer to the world, and the world is hungry all the time. When a confident woman offers her love, care, perspective, knowledge, vision to the world, the world stops and listens.”

“My message to all women today: rise and thrive!

Create a legacy you will be proud of, step into your brave, and show the world your love. This is what beauty is in my eyes.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I have an amazing husband, I have two adult children, I have family abroad, and my husband’s big and complicated family is near and dear with many activities, we are surrounded by great friends, and we are very active socially.

I used to think that these are my disadvantages when it comes to my entrepreneurial journey, because these are my obligations as well. Relationships that are strong require work, time, and commitment consistently.

I looked at some of my colleagues who were seemingly more successful and was envious of their freedom from close relationships, mortgage, and family, because they can focus all their time and energy into their business.

What I realized is that my envy was so unfounded. I realized that I am the one with everything I need, and my relationships are my support, my cheerleaders, my biggest fans and that was an advantage.”

“I love my life and I want to help other

women fall in love with theirs!”

Preview | Natasha, 2018 | Portrait Photography | San Jose, CA

 “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent." 

-Madeleine Albright

Outdoor summer sessions with gorgeous light and the warm smiles of client's like Natasha are the best ways to spend an afternoon "working" as a photographer. :)

Hanging out with Natasha was more like hanging out with a friend and as we took a stroll down the dirt path of a San Jose park, ducking in and out of the summer sunshine, my heart smiled to see images like the one below captured onto my camera.

This woman is simply a sweet and easygoing individual and I am so excited to capture a bit of who she is in this sneak peak below to share with you all.

Stay tuned for more to come!

And many thanks to Kat Tinney for her styling of Natasha's gorgeous hair and makeup for this shoot!

PREVIEW | Bea | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

Even in this digital age, I am still a huge advocate and fan of having pictures printed out, whether it's treasured in a special folio box, an album you can touch, or a beautiful frame to display. And in this era of blinding speed and fleeting moments, I am still a huge advocate for stopping time in a special way for a woman through a timeless portrait of just herself.

Yes, I know it seems odd to take some time out of an incredibly hectic and busy life to have your portrait taken. I know it seems odd to have your hair done, to go beyond just the two second application of eyeliner and instead have a professional do your makeup in a way that makes you feel your best, polished self. However, many years down the road, it won't seem so odd anymore. Because that portrait of you that you hold in your hands is now part of the legacy of your family. Your children will treasure it, your grandchildren will have a glimpse into generations before them. It will serve as a reminder to you, that every year of your life is important and that there is something wonderful about reflecting back on a photograph of yourself from years ago. It will bring a smile to your face as you recall just where you were at in life when it was captured. And as a woman, I hope it resonates something deep inside you and reminds you that you are valued and wonderfully made.

Exist in photographs for yourself. Exist in photographs for your loved ones. 

Exist in photographs. 

I am incredibly excited and honored share with you all the latest celebration of women who have chosen to exist in photographs, a lovely mother and wife named Bea.

Bea not only a mother and wife, but a daughter, a sister, a friend, yoga instructor, speech and language pathologist, a homehealth therapist, a Netflix marathoner. Having spent an afternoon with her in the studio was more like hanging out with a familiar friend as her easygoing personality and laughter filled our conversations. 

As always, this is just a sneak peak, so stay tuned for more!

Happy Thursday!

Many thanks to Kat Tinney  of A List Makeup for Bea's hair and makeup!

Van | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | San Jose, California

It was a unusually beautiful day in San Jose. The weather was warm for a February and if you clicked the radio on or tuned in on your television,  you'd soon learn that the much anticipated Superbowl 50 was about to commence in Santa Clara.

But for Van, instead of football (she's a champ!), it was going to be an afternoon filled hair and makeup styling and some time in front of my camera. 

Van is a wife and devoted mother and also the president of the Silicon Valley-based company, Tempo. Her passion  for all people living healthier lifestyles while maintaining a greener planet, fused together and became the foundation of what Tempo is built on. 

Van, it was a honor to photograph you, to hear the story about Tempo, but even more so, to get to know you as a person. Thank you for allowing me to pull you away from all the afternoon Superbowl festivities, to bask in the afternoon light for these photographs, to trust my camera to capture the very best of you in these images. You rock!

Below are just a few of my favorite shots from Van's photo session with me. To view all the photos, check out the slideshow below!

This afternoon light?  It makes any photographer die from sheer happiness. LOVE.

Every women deserves to have a photograph of herself that reminds her that yes, it's totally ok to rock out your inner fiercenss.  

I love red. And teal colored bikes with flowers. And stripes. And red shoes. With golden sunlight. YES.

Van, you just go on with your beautiful self!

For me, this photograph below reminds me of what I'd love to remind other women of - that they are beautiful and uniquely made in such a way that they can be proud of. 

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for the styling of Van's hair and makeup!

Thuy, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | Saratoga, CA

Beneath Thuy's quiet nature and resolve is a wife, mom, and talented business owner behind Bay-Area based, award-winning Ha Design Studio. Her wide span of creative branding skills have allowed her the opportunity to work with various companies in different industries that include LunchBots, Pizza California, Three Sisters Flowers, and Holistic Legal Services.

But beyond her wide-array of accomplishments as a designer, the one thing that stands out to me the most is that she is supportive and a firm believer in being unafraid to step out, be creative, and be different. As a fellow small-business owner and woman, I learned that we shared a lot of the same hopes, aspirations, and challenges. During the chats/lunches we've had, I always remember feeling encouraged and hopeful, even daring to dream big once again. Whenever someone simply says to you "Why not?" as Thuy has said to me on more than one occasion, your mind can't help but start thinking about new ideas to try out and new paths to discover.

Thuy, thank you for trusting my camera and me to capture you in these photographs. Your quiet and encouraging nature is something I can't be grateful enough for. I look forward to more opportunities I can be a support to you the way you have been for me!

"A truly beautiful woman is someone who is authentic and true to herself. She loves everything about herself and doesn't seek external validation. 

Because of this, she radiates happiness and beams with joy. She is kind, daring, creative, intuitive, gentle, and strong all at the same time."

What is one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were 18 years old?

"You are perfect the way you are. There's nothing to prove. 

Have fun and don't take life too seriously."

"[I want young girls to know] that self-confidence makes a woman more beautiful than all the makeup, clothing and jewelry in the world. 

"When we put another woman down, we are putting ourselves down."

"Be kind to other women. Too often, young girls see other women as competition and try to cut each other down to feel better about themselves. 

I want them to [instead] know that we are stronger when we come together."

"The thing I most appreciate about my life is my daughter. I'm watching her grow into this little human and it's so miraculous. 

Seeing how much she looks up to me and mimics everything - I try to be the best person I can be."

"I want [my daughter] to know that she can have it all and have a blast while she's doing it!"

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Thuy's hair and makeup!

Kalpana, 2015| Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Sunnyvale, CA

One of the elements I constantly strive to incorporate in my portrait photography for women is that fashion/editorial feel. There is something incredibly fun about creating images that show the everyday woman not only at her best, but also in the "supermodel" version of herself.

When I sat down to chat with my friend and up and coming designer, Jenn Van Gundy, I discovered we both not only shared a deep interest for fashion, but also that we both aimed to stay true to our beliefs that women did not need to be too revealing to be considered fashion-forward, classy, and beautiful.

I love collaborating with other talented artists and am so excited to feature the final shots from this session. Jenn's skillful hands crafted this beautiful white dress that featured multiple pleats, a simple touch of multiple colors to adorn the waistline, and a sweetheart neckline. While the day was overcast and a bit breezy, our model, Kalpana toughed it out like a champ and simply rocked this beautiful creation! 

Here's to fashion, collaboration, and celebrating women everywhere.

Happy Friday!

Many thanks to the talented Jenn Van Gundy for celebrating women through your creative talents and to Kat Tinney for your work on Kalpana's beautiful hair and makeup!

Preview - Thuy, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | Saratoga, CA

The weather was beyond warm in downtown Saratoga, California, the sun shone bright and high in the sky and there was barely a breeze to be felt in the oven-like temperatures - all the conditions that would have sent most people running for cover.

However, the lovely Thuy Ha, owner of award-winning Ha Design Studio, proved herself to be a tough trooper and braved the California heat for her portrait session this past weekend.

And when the sun paints a beautiful halo light for shots like this, I can't help but feel the urge to do a little happy dance for sunny days, summer portraits, and I'll-withstand-the-heat-for-the-photo-kind of clients.

There's more to come from this shoot, so be sure to stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Thuy's hair and makeup!

Ritu, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | San Jose, CA

"The lawyer is a healer and has immense responsibility to help her client to change and be free."

-Ritu Goswamy

Immigration and Citizenship Attorney

Holistic Legal Services

As a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer, just like my grandpa. In my Hollywood version of what an attorney was, I wanted to walk into a courtroom with my briefcase in tow, ready to state my case, to win the fight, to eloquently reason without hesitation, even to hear the click-clack of my shoes echoing against the cold floor of courtroom. Intensely selfless and world changing lame, right? My grandpa was a respected immigration attorney and I grew up hearing countless stories from other family members of how he had helped many people. In short, I'm pretty sure my insightful perception Hollywood version of what I thought an attorney was would elicit a slightly amused chuckle from my grandpa.

Looking back, I am so glad that God had better plans for my life simply because I think my reasons for wanting to be an attorney were probably more based on pride than for a genuine desire to help people.

When I met Ritu, I was struck by her strong desire to genuinely help others not from a standpoint of "I'm an attorney hear me roar" but from a "Yes, I'm an attorney and it is merely a vehicle in which I can deliver service to people from a holistic perspective to make an impact that goes beyond the courtroom."

Her desire to impact and influence the legal world extends well beyond her clients as her firm also offers continuing legal education as well as health counseling for fellow attorneys. In an often high-pressure field, Ritu's convictions to shape her work in such a way that impacts the world is nothing short of inspiring. It reminds me that my work as an artist, a service-provider, a photographer, a woman and an entrepreneur can also help shape this world beyond just the immediate task before me.

I am excited, honored, and beyond thankful to have helped be a part of the re-branding of Ritu's firm, Holistic Legal Services - below are some my favorite shots from Ritu's recent head shot session in the beautiful downtown San Jose with Heartbox Photography.

Ritu, thank you for your trust, your kindness, and allowing me to be a part of such a huge step for Holistic Legal Services. 

Most of all thank you for using your skills as an attorney to help and serve others, to do what many of us could not do on our own.

Thank you, Thuy Ha, owner of Ha Design Studio for introducing me to Ritu and as always, many thanks to the awesome Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Ritu's hair and makeup!

Preview - Ritu, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | San Jose, CA

There are people in this world who posses such a genuine smile from the inside out that it is hard not to feel immediately at ease the minute you meet them. And I personally think that a genuine smile of someone who truly cares to help people is one of the best characteristics you can have when you work in the legal field, as Ritu does.

Ritu is an immigration attorney and yoga instructor in San Jose. As we spent the afternoon preparing hair and makeup and later strolling through the downtown area for her photo shoot, it was obvious in our conversations that she has a passion for tailoring her services (and living life) from a holistic perspective - something I can certainly appreciate and respect. To be a woman and unafraid to let who you really are shine through in the work you do and passions you pursue is no easy feat and I am honored to have met an individual who is doing exactly that.

I am excited to share a little sneak peak into this weekend's photo shoot with the lovely Ritu - there is definitely more so be sure to stay tuned!

Happy Monday, everyone!

A warm thank you to Thuy Ha, owner of Ha Design Studio for introducing me to Ritu and as always, many thanks to the awesome Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Ritu's hair and makeup!

PREVIEW: Kalpana, 2015| Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Sunnyvale, CA

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate on a special project with the up and coming designer, Jenn Van Gundy.

I first worked with Jenn awhile back after seeing her work featured in a local fashion show raising awareness for human trafficking. She was the designer of a beautiful, multi-colored dress made completely from....wait for it....scraps of t-shirts! It was nothing short of amazing and I soon discovered that the designer behind it all shared my same love for fashion and the desire to take our God-given creativity and make wonderful things to share with the world.

Photography has afforded me the wonderful chance to connect with other fabulous and warm-hearted women and I am so excited to share with you all a little sneak peak into our collaboration this weekend.

Many thanks to the talented Jenn for creating a beautiful dress to feature, Talitha, for your assistance in making sure every detail (and every bobby bin!) was in place, Kat Tinney for beautiful hair and makeup, and our gorgeous model, Kalpana, for being a part of this. You all rock!

There is more to come, so be sure to stay tuned!

Happy Thursday!

Danielle, 2015| Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Los Gatos, CA

The struggle is real when it comes to introverts and networking meetings. But what makes it easier and even enjoyable are when you meet individuals like Danielle.

As I'd blogged about here, I had the privilege to meet Danielle at a local networking function. Her friendly smile immediately put me at ease and as I sat chatting with Danielle as she got her hair and makeup done for her head shot photo session, I was reminded once again at how fortunate I was to meet such awesome and encouraging women who remind me how valuable it was to connect with others. Contrary to what I sometimes believe, she reminded me that no one at a networking meeting has it all figured out or never needs help or advice and encouragement. Everyone has something to contribute and is still very much learning something new all the time. 

Danielle, thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to create these photographs for you - it was truly a pleasure. But most of all, thank you for being among the first friendly smiles that make me more excited to continue connecting with others at Women in Consulting.

Happy Tuesday!

A special thanks to stylist,  Kat Tinney,  for her beautiful work on Danielle's hair and makeup!

Preview - Danielle, 2015 | Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Los Gatos, CA

Walking into any new situation that involves crowds of people and name tags has never been easy for me. Ever. It is almost a guarantee that as I maneuver my way through the crowds of confident chatter from women of various professional backgrounds, my focus and footsteps will always be zoned in on finding the snack/refreshment table quickly so I could hide my lack of confidence beneath the casual munching of cheese and crackers.

However, despite my innate ability to be terribly awkward and shy, I have been very fortunate to meet a ton of friendly and welcoming professionals who have been helpful and kind beyond what I can ever measure. 

Danielle is one such individual and I had the privilege of meeting her at a local networking event hosted by a wonderful organization called Women in Consulting. I had the opportunity to get to know this talented graphic artist and project manager as we spent a beautiful and sunny afternoon preparing for a photo shoot to update her headshots. 

Below is just a sneak peak into Danielle's photo session - there's definitely more so be sure to stay tuned! 

Happy Tuesday!

A special thanks to stylist,  Kat Tinney,  for her beautiful work on Danielle's hair and makeup!

Asmeret, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

The one thing I've always, always, always loved about the kind of portrait photography I chose to pursue is that it is not a one-way deal. It never gets tiring to be able to see a smile light up a person's face when they see themselves in a new light because of a photograph I can present to them.

It had been about 15 years since I last spoke with Asmeret and to be able to reconnect through photography has been nothing but fun and fabulous - much like Asmeret herself! We had last seen each other when were teenagers and I had the privilege to spend a sunny afternoon chatting, catching up and laughing with an old friend from long ago.

In our laughing and chatting, we each learned how life had grown us, what rough seasons it had taken us through since high-school, the victories we got to witness and experience as young adults growing into, well, older adults, how God's grace sustained us through it all, and what we still hope and dream for as 30-somethings now.

Azzy, I am excited to have reconnected with you after all these years and beyond honored that you have allowed me to capture your kind smile, your unique fierceness, in these photographs. I hope they serve as a lasting reminder of how awesome it is when you let your internal beauty shine through - brightly, unwavering and most of all, real.

Happy Wednesday, folks!

A special thank you to the talented Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Asmeret's hair and makeup!

Stephanie, 2015 | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Santa Clara, CA

Whenever I finish a shoot, I often have moments of complete photographer's geek out. It's a bit like a happy euphoria for an artist and photographer, when something they envision comes to real life in a photograph before them on the screen.

That's how I felt when I photographed the lovely Stephanie. 

Stephanie is a wonderful friend of mine and being able to capture the very essence of her in these photographs was not only an honor but an incredible reminder of the joy I feel when I'm given the opportunity and trust to paint a picture for a woman. To paint a new perspective for her, to show her what she may not always see or remember everyday - that she is, indeed, a beautiful and unique creation in a class all her own.

A special thank you to the wonderful Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Stephanie's hair and makeup!

Preview | Asmeret, 2015. Portraits by Heartbox Photography, Bay Area, CA

The theme was movement, mystery, fierceness. Add a beautiful late afternoon light and it's enough to make the little artist in me geek out and smile all kinds of happy.

A little sneak peak into this weekend's shoot with the lovely Asmeret...

There's more, so be sure to stay tuned!

A special thank you to the wonderful Kathleen Tinney of A List Makeup for her beautiful work on Asmeret's hair and makeup!

Future Glory | Headshot Portraits by Heartbox Photography | San Francisco, CA

It never fails. 

Whenever I meet women who are doing big things in this world through their work, I always feel inspired and reminded that my own work and aspirations can be a game changer, an avenue of hope for bigger causes. That a dream can break limits in remarkable ways.  

Theresa Lee and her business partner Jennie Chen are two such women I had the privilege of meeting and photographing in the beautiful city of San Francisco. They are the owners of San Francisco-based company, Future Glory. Not only does their company create beautiful accessories and handbags, but they also support and partner with Freedom House and Because Justice Matters, two organizations that take huge active strides towards combating human trafficking and violence against women.

The rain-free, afternoon light peeked through the windows of a studio in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco (where much of their products are made), making it an ideal day for a head shot photo session. Though the afternoon San Francisco air started to cool down as the time passed, both Theresa and Jennie remained upbeat and patient in our search for the best light and backgrounds for their shoot.

Theresa and Jennie - Thank you for not only being an inspiration as business owners, but for playing an active role in restoring hope back to women and victims of human trafficking. It was truly an honor to meet you both and I am excited to see more of what's in store for Future Glory. 

Happy Wednesday!

Many thanks to the talented Tammy Do from A-List Makeup for Theresa's beautiful hair and makeup!