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“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
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.”
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!
When I think of Sarah, the words “vibrant, energetic, leader” immediately come to mind.
Her involvement as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA is a national association in the United States that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children) eventually led to Sarah and her partner’s decision to adopt their daughter, Keriann. Sarah’s love for her family, her work (she currently serves as a Creative Director at an ad tech company here in the Bay Area) and life itself was clearly evident in our conversation and I am thrilled to publish this spotlight on a phenomenal woman whose drive and vision creates meaningful impact on the work she does for others and the community around her.
Images by Heartbox Photography
“I moved to the Bay Area from Washington, DC a little over 8 years ago with my partner Jason Pittman who was tasked with building the first Khan Academy brick-and-mortar school. We were exposed to some pretty big fish fairly quickly, but I really was looking for a more down-to-earth scene.
Looking for ways to build community and put down some roots, I started to do a lot of volunteering with kids in higher need communities. The biggest impact I felt I was able to make was as a CASA.
I encourage all my friends who haven't had children to explore being a child advocate or mentor for those who need a little extra support. It’s been the best experience of my life, and I hope to do more work here in a “second career”.
That said, I love my “day job”, where I’m the Creative Director at Frequence, an ad tech company in Mountain View. I’m proud to be the first female in executive leadership here and have developed additional resources, such as Women@Frequence and as well as our community initiative, where we’ve worked with hunger and education services.
After being a CASA for two years, Jason and I decided to adopt our daughter, Keriann, who was in her teens. She’s been an incredible part of my life and has pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined.”
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
“I enjoy connecting people. Nothing feels better than growing with a community, and seeing the fruits of your combined labor. This applies when working on the software we develop, implementing new creative workflows and growing a team of creative employees. It’s nice because we all have the same general goals - but different approaches in how we get there. It’s wonderful to track personal growth, but also see the changes in co-workers and mentees over a similar arch of time. This makes everything worth it!
The struggle lately has been finding time to make personal connections on a larger scale. Time is so precious and I think the last two years really showed me the importance of being intentional with it.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18-year-old self?
“She was such a mess! I didn’t know where to begin - I had so many interests and both terrified and excited by new things. I would probably give myself the same advice as I would currently - be precious about who and what you spend your time doing. Don’t attach yourself to anyone or anything that is just there because of comfort or fear of something new. Don’t let anyone waste your time - especially you!"
I look at my daughter, who is now 23, and often think about the things she could’ve taught me. She has always been laser focused on what she wants - and I have a lot of respect for the way she carries herself and the expectations she puts on those around her. I was not that strong at 18, 23, etc.”
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
“I appreciate self care. Although most would label me an extrovert, I think I’ve become more introverted or recognized that I need a fair amount of downtime where I can be completely “off”. I’m always doing something - sending and email, researching a new project, et - but the holy grail of self care must come first. Working from home post-pandemic has made it easy to get sleep, good nutrition, and exercise. Stress management is so important and I feel like I’ve finally figured that out.”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“This is hard! I’m kind of a pessimist in this way - they whole “don’t meet your heroes” curse. But I’m inspired by people who were bold enough to shake things up. It takes so much effort to step outside your comfort zone and fight against the current.
That said, I think I admire this so much after reading about Regenerative Design pioneer Victor Papanek. He was not a well-known industrial designer, but he was really focused on “breaking” things - redesigning everyday items for more sustainability, better ergonomics, equality, et. His book, Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change is really a hidden gem.”
Who inspires you and why?
Women.
“[My daughter], Keriann - she’s the strongest woman I’ve ever known.
My mom. She’s 75 and still working on herself. She never settles for long - she’s a passionate volunteer and is still working as a nurse. Her work ethic and tireless care for her family is something I feel is so special.”
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
“I have a lot of past lives. I’ve worked in a lot of different roles/industries, which I feel contributes to empathy and compassion.
I’m a creative professional, and enjoy many creative pursuits but don’t really consider myself an artist. I’m definitely more about the journey/process and the collaboration. It goes back to connecting - I love to manage a complex project, bringing in the best men and women for the job(s). I think that is my superpower.
I’m excited about “reopening” San Jose. I’ve been working with the New Leaders Council for the past two years and am so inspired by this group of passionate progressive thinkers.
I hope to continue to find ways to connect to community and culture in our city, and look forward to marking and observing my growth here.”
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Images | Heartbox Photography
Corina is the example of a queen that is well loved by her family.
I immediately noticed her quiet and steady smile as well as a laugh that was easily expressed in any given moment. Needless to say, it was a joy to spend some time getting to know her and create a photoshoot that celebrated Corina as the matriarch of her family, her recent birthday, and just the fact that she loved her life as it has shaped out to be.
Her family gifted her this photoshoot and needless to say, it was an honor to be chosen to capture such a beautiful and strong woman on camera not only for images that will be forever part of their family legacy, but also for images that will always remind Corina to celebrate everyday and every season of her life.
I am so proud to share with you all a few of Corina’s beautiful images and a behind the scenes look into her experience with Heartbox Photography.
Special thanks to Becky Lau of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry for Corina’s styling on this special day!
And last, but not least, Corina’s note to her family:
“My special thanks to Denise, Mayra, Luis and my husband Alonso for this great experience to capture in photographs this moments that we will treasure in years to come. “
-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.”
“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.”
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.”
-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!
