A Journey of Learning & The Importance of Cheerleaders

“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.”

-Karmen Reed

Image | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Kat Tinney

Patricia | 2020 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong.

It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

-G.D. Anderson

Beauty is an inside job.

As a woman AND a photographer, I get the privilege of being able to continue advocating this message in a special way with my camera through sharing the profiles, stories, and images of women here in the Bay Area.

One of the things I am often proud to share with others is that I do not work work with professional models. I work with real women that vary in their confidence level in front of the camera. These women are from various backgrounds, of all ages and are experiencing various seasons of womanhood, from being a teen to an empty nester to being grandmother.

I work with women who, like myself, are growing past the common misconception that beauty is purely surface-level based solely on what others think of your style of clothes or make-up. Women who, like me, are seeing what it means to truly walk in the confidence that unleashes when you see that indeed, beauty is an inside job that no amount of exterior styling can replicate.

I am honored to share with you all the latest profile of a woman whose beauty radiates from the inside out, the lovely and phenomenal, Patricia.

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte

Can you tell me a bit about you as a person (your own life journey thus far), what inspired you to do the work you do, and what you find most rewarding about your work?

“I have always loved the written word, from my early childhood days of putting pencil to paper as I wrote my first sentences, to my current project of crafting the narrative of my grandparents’ World War II romance. Helping people put words together to create a sensory experience, share information, or teach something useful, brings me a deep sense of satisfaction.”

What are some things that you would want women to know with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up as a woman in today's world?

“Always be true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. That’s the compass you can always come back to, no matter how wildly the world is spinning. Regarding beauty — I believe you’re truly beautiful when you let your inner light shine.”

Best advice you ever received?

“After my mom died of breast cancer, a very wise and kind woman at work said to me, “Eat when you’re hungry; sleep when you’re tired; move when you want to move.” It sounds simplistic, but it’s about really tuning in to your basic needs so you can be grounded. From that foundation, you can successfully face whatever is happening in your life.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“My wisdom, my internal strength, and my amazing community of women.”

“In one of the photos Maria took, I’m wearing my mom’s gold earrings and my paternal grandmother’s Spanish coin necklace. I didn’t realize the pairing until I was reviewing the images with Maria.

These women, who weren’t close to each other, shaped and inspired me in very different ways.

It’s a powerful image of my lineage and legacy. I’m so grateful to have it!”

Danielle | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Her eyes have their own vocabulary.

What a beautiful language to learn.”

-author unknown

Danielle is a beautiful wife, mother and career-woman extraordinaire that I had the privilege of meeting through another client who just happened to be her personal trainer. As with most career women and mothers that I meet, Danielle is driven in her work and centered around caring for her family, doing an amazing job and also placing the needs of others before hers.

When we connected and started discussing the design of her shoot, she had shared that she has never done anything like this before and while excited, was also understandably nervous as most of my clients are. What I respect about Danielle is that this photoshoot is one of the many courageous steps she’s taken into remembering who she is as a woman and giving herself permission to not only take care of herself, but also celebrate exactly who she is and what she is still growing to be.

It still floors me to see how much women juggle between career, family, and life itself and I am beyond honored to share with you all some images and a behind the scenes glimpse into Danielle’s photoshoot with Heartbox Photography.

Happy Tuesday!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

“Really, I had lost myself for the last 15 years. Since having kids, juggling my demanding career consumed all my time, so although its such a cliche, there wasn’t any time left over for me.

Five years ago I had a health scare, which woke me up to seeing that things had to change. However, after initial changes, taking care of myself fell aside again.

After further decline, including gaining a lot of weight, I reached the end of my rope, and finally implemented changes to take care of myself. “

“I started working out with a personal trainer, implemented better nutrition, including removing processed foods, and did daily activities to help reduce stress.

I still have a ways to go, but I feel 200% better than I did 2 years ago, and am aiming to look and feel better by age 50, than I did even 20 years ago.”

“We need to be nicer to ourselves and realize its OK to not be able to do everything.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to do it all, that we lose sight of ourselves in the process. There will never be time to take care of you, so make the time. You are a priority.”

Best advice you ever received?

“Life is short. Each day is precious. Be sure to take time every day to do things you want to do, not just the ones you have to do.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I feel like I have my life energy back. Along with my health, my relationships are improving, and having time to play with my kids before they are gone is priceless.”