Remembering The Why's

Sometimes, like most people, I get swept up in the busyness of striving and moving forward as an entrepreneur that I forget the why’s of my work and even the impact it has on people I have the privilege to serve. So many years ago, when first starting to think about what this photography business could even be, I remember wanting it to simply succeed, but also deeply wanting the work I create to have an impact, inspire, and uplift women of various ages, shapes, races, and backgrounds. I wanted to make a living doing something extremely fun and inspiring, not just for myself, but for the people around me.

In an effort to remember my why’s, I recently asked a handful of previous clients some questions and share their input about their favorite images from their photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. It was encouraging to hear/read some of their responses. I am extremely honored to share with you all one of the responses I received from my client, the lovely Danielle Dayoub-Forrest and her input on her favorite image below.

I guess what I am trying to say is that when you’re an entrepreneur like me, make a concerted effort to remember your why’s regularly. Not just as an end of the year, beginning of the year thing, but throughout the year, throughout the months, throughout the weeks. And if you forget or need help, a great place to start is simply reconnecting with the clients you serve or have served in the past. =)

Happy Thursday, everyone.

Image | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Kalani Style

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How does this photo makes you feel?

“I feel so myself here. It just sums up my work and my personality. And when I'm not present/in the moment, this is how I aspire to be.”

Why is the woman in that photo beautiful?

“She's a listener, she's smart, she's happy, she's comfortable in her own skin.”

What would you say to the woman who wants to do a personal portrait shoot of herself but is too afraid to or thinks they shouldn't because of how they feel/look?

“Maria does a great job of helping you just feel at ease- to move with confidence, and when the inner you is shining, the pictures always turn out beautifully.”

What do you think your children or grandchildren will say when they look back and see this photo of you years down the road? “I think they'll see the essence of the same woman they know, but a glowing version of her.”

Eva | 2018 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

 “A strong woman stands up for herself.

A stronger woman stands up for everybody else.”

-author unknown

Eva is not only a wife and proud mother of 2, but she is a health advocate in the best ways. She is the owner of Eva’s Fitness here in the Bay Area and one of the things I think is especially awesome about her work is the obvious passion she has to especially help individuals who may be challenged in leading a fit lifestyle because of injuries. As I got the chance to learn more about her background, work, and family, it was clear to me that she is a woman using the education and experience she received to make a difference in people’s health and provide the best service for her clients. And perhaps that is why the quote that starts off this post is the one that I felt was most perfectly aligned with the work Eva dedicates her life to. In her own way, with the talents and abilities she uniquely possesses, Eva is helping to encourage people live the healthiest version of themselves and even more importantly, helping them see that it is indeed possible even through injuries or other ailments.

I always have been a firm believer that every woman has something to give, whether it’s in the daily grind of raising her children, to being that listening ear on the other end of a friend’s call, or being the head of a major corporation. And what every woman gives is not limited by her ethnicity, age, or size, but rather the unlimited grit and grace she possesses. Every woman is uniquely created, therefore has something unique to contribute to the table - that is what this series “Phenomenal Woman” celebrates.

It is my honor to share with you all these images and video that highlights Eva, one of the many phenomenal women out there I have been privileged to photograph.

Many thanks to Kalani Brown for the styling of Eva’s hair/makeup!

“So far, my life has been very extraordinary and wonderful.

I come from a small town in Germany and was very fortunate to not only be able to pursue my dream career as a teacher of movement and health, but also to have met my amazing husband with whom I moved to quite a few new places in the world.

We have two beautiful children that we love and are extremely proud of.

Every day I am grateful for my husband and kids, my big family in Germany and in the US, as well as my friends and my clients.”

“The beauty of a woman comes from the inside, her thoughts, and beliefs. But we [also] need to take care of our health, work on our athletic skills, and keep fit.

Rather than telling this to my daughter I have to be the best example that I can.”

“Looking back, there is not much that I would tell my 18 year old self, except to wear sun screen and to keep dancing!”

Preview | Thuy, 2018 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits

This woman is a proud mom, the founder of 923 Designs based here in the Silicon Valley,  and a woman who exemplifies what it looks like to hustle and hustle hard. 

Thuy is an old friend of mine from high school and as we took time to catch up on life as she prepared for her photo shoot (many thanks to Miranda from Love and Artistry for hair/makeup styling!), I couldn't help but feel proud. Proud to know another fellow woman entrepreneur, proud that she's a hard-working mom, proud that she is an example of a woman who doesn't give up. She talked about how she took that leap to start her own interior design company, how she's raising her son, and working with the challenges along the way. We laughed about the realities of growing up (suddenly, late night outings don't sound as fun as being home in your pajamas), the things we've learned along the way, and could not believe how much time had flown by in the blink of an eye since our high school years. 

It is an honor to share with you all a sneak peak into Thuy's photo shoot with Heartbox Photography - there will be more to share to be be sure to stay tuned!

Preview | Ghia, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

To say that she is one of the most real friends I have been blessed with is an understatement.

Ghia is as real with her joys as well as she is about her struggles. She is as transparent with her victories as she is with the things that she knows are broken in her and healing. On countless occasions has her straightforward demeanor encouraged me, prayed for me, challenged me, and yes, even had me rolling with laughter when I would rather cry.

Even as I write this, I can't help but smile remembering the many times she has been an example of what love, laughter, and and a real friendship cemented in God looks like.

She's a woman, a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter. A friend to so, so many. And to me, she's more like family. The kind that's loud and crazy and beautiful inside and out beyond words. 

I am so very proud to share with you all a preview image from the photo shoot of my lovely friend, Ghia. As always, there is more to come and I can't wait to show you all so stay tuned!

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair and makeup: Kalani Brown

Celebrating June Birthdays!

Summer is going to be officially upon us. The weather is getting warmer, the sun is out longer, and I can justify eating ice cream everyday!

As we kick off summer and all the fabulous-ness that it entails, I wanted to give a special shout out to these incredible ladies who celebrate a birthday this month.

Here's to another year of life, laughter, health, and love - happiest of birthdays to each of you! May this year be the best one yet!

PREVIEW: Rina | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

One of the things that I am finding as a photographer is that the last time almost all of these women had their portrait taken was either when they were seniors in high school, during their wedding, or during some other "formal" event in their life years ago. I love and appreciate every opportunity I am given to remind them, through these photographs they allow me to create, that they are just as every bit as beautiful now as they were then. 

Meet the lovely Rina. This beautiful mom came in recently for a portrait session and we had a fun time getting to know each other and of course capturing her sweet smile in these photographs. Below is just a little sneak peak into her photo session with more to come soon, so stay tuned!

Many thanks to the talented Kat Tinney for Rina's hair and makeup!