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.”
