portrait
“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
*************
“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.”
As I sat down to write and post for this month on this blog, I realized the one thing on my mind lately was friendship. This may be because at the moment I remembering a close friend of mine, sweet Rose, who went on to heaven unexpectedly last year.
I recently attended a live music event at a local jazz club/restaurant and could clearly see around me groups of women who obviously came together to attend this event as a girls night out. Waiting for the show to start, the familiar sounds of laughter and joyous chatter from all the ladies in the crowd brought both a smile and an ache to my own heart. Watching all these these friends, it reminded me of something simple and special - they are making memories choosing to carve out time to spend an evening together here celebrating the joys good food and music, but most importantly, friendship.
Rose was not a lazy friend - some of my favorite memories exist because it was she who took the time out to set that date in the calendar to simply be together. It didn’t have to be a special occasion - isn’t being friends a special occasion enough after all?
And to that I say yes, friendship is enough of a special occasion, Rose. Thank you for teaching me, reminding me even to this day, as well as so many others such a valuable and unforgettable lesson.
This photograph is one of my favorites of two amazing clients of mine who not only came in to do a photoshoot for themselves individually but also made sure to capture some beautiful images celebrating their 30+ years of friendship as well.
Happy Thursday, everyone!
I read a saying somewhere that says with age, you look outside what you are inside. And if that's true, then what you can see from Karen is a vibrant spirit who embraces life in all the best ways.
From the minute I connected with Karen to talk about her involvement in the 50 Fabulous Series, I am in the midst of creating, I immediately appreciated her sense of humor, authenticity, how she celebrated her age and life itself.
This gem of a lady celebrates a birthday today and I am honored to share one of my favorite images from her shoot with me with you all!
Image by Heartbox Photography
A dedicated wife.
Proud mother.
And…boxing club owner.
Yes, you read that right. Adrienne Rush is the owner of TITLE Boxing Club, a boutique fitness gym that offers boxing and kickboxing classes in Mountain View, California. I had the privilege of photographing her earlier this year as part of the 50 Fabulous Series I am working on to create a magazine celebrating the amazing women in the Bay Area who are 50+.
After many years in the tech industry, Adrienne eventually retired and took on the unexpected and exciting adventure of not only becoming a business owner but also in an area of fitness she had no prior experience in - boxing. Today, she not only runs this successful club, but also is a active participant/student in the boxing/fitness classes herself.
And in my world, there is just something incredibly cool about women who take up boxing to stay healthy and fit. I am so honored to share with you today’s 50 Fabulous spotlight on the amazing Adrienne.
Happy Monday!
Image | Heartbox Photography
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
My favorite part of running the business is helping people improve their lives through fitness. I meet wonderful people, have an amazing staff, and I love hearing members share their stories about how working out at the club has successfully helped them address health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight issues, or found that boxing helps them reduce the stress in their lives. The biggest challenge by far has been the closure we had during the pandemic.
***
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
Don't be afraid to be yourself and take risks.
***
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of? My life is full of things to appreciate - family, friends, good health, pets, nature - too many to list. I am most proud of my two wonderful daughters.
***
A fun or surprising fact about yourself? People are often surprised when they first learn that I run a boxing fitness business. They say, "Boxing? You?"
***
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why? Ruth Bader Ginsberg because she was not afraid to act in spite of so many challenges and pressures to conform.
Before and afters are some of my favorite images to share from a client’s photoshoot.
Why?
Because it is evidence that everyday, REAL women are magazine-cover stunners and they’re EVERYWHERE around us.
They are our friends, our co-workers, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and daughters.
Whether she is 18 or 85.
Whether she is just learning life or has gathered many seasons of life, wisdom, and experience already.
It is evidence we can give all women a chance to see their own uniqueness in themselves, give them encouragement to unapologetically shine it, and the permission to own their own limitless beauty.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Shine forth.
Image by Heartbox Photography
Inspiration really can come from everywhere.
Movies.
A walk outside.
Dance.
Sketching on a whiteboard.
A conversation.
Taking a nap.
A quote.
Books.
A little boredom.
It's funny how seemingly unrelated things like these actually influence business processes...
Spark creativity...
Generate new ideas...
Sharpen vision...
Carve out solutions...
And ultimately re-ignite vision.
Image by Heartbox Photography
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.”
***
I want to show women (and everyone, really) that there is even more to celebrate, not less, as the years go by. This is the first year I am launching the Portrait of a Lady campaign that aims celebrates women who specifically are 50+ and fabulous. It is my deep honor to feature the lovely Mara as one of the many faces you will see in this series for 2021.
Happy Friday!
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & Makeup | Kalani Brown
******
“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.”
Image | Heartbox Photography
Hair & Makeup | Kat Tinney
“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.”
-Plato
I have always thought there was a whole new level of cool whenever I hear a woman is in an occupation that is more commonly filled by men. The list is endless of these types of occupations, and no doubt, being a DJ is one of them.
Meet DJ Express.
Beneath this San Jose native’s quiet demeanor lies a deep love and passion for all kinds of music and for me, a Bay Area native who also believes that music truly does have a soul language all it’s own, you can just imagine how excited I was to have her and her work represented in this series.
In our time together, I got to learn a little more about her journey as a DJ, her inspirations as an artist, her hopes as a young professional, post collegiate years, and her family background as an Eritrean black woman.
An early morning photoshoot in some of my favorite areas of downtown San Jose getting to know this awesome individual was, needless to say, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday.
I am honored to share with you all today’s spotlight profile on this talented and incredible woman, DJ Express.
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. “
Jennifer is one of the most down-to-earth women I have had the opportunity to meet. She’s not only an executive for the City of San Jose, but she is also dedicated mother, and a singer and actress for local theater productions.
Basically, she’s the boss lady you’d admire, respect, and look up to. :)
When I heard about all her varied interests outside her day job, but also in her personal life, I couldn’t help but smile to think about how awesome it was to meet a woman so engaged with life itself.
Jennifer is an example of what I think us women need to be reminded of often - that we’re not “just” mothers or “just” this role at work, etc. - but we’re a lot of different roles and the richness of that is exactly what makes being a woman today so awesome.
I am so honored to share with you all the final images and behind the scenes footage of Jennifer’s photoshoot with Heartbox Photography.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Becky Lau
I love when clients bring in their daughters to also be photographed - because she is essentially shaping the life of a human that will grow into a young lady one day knowing it is absolutely awesome to celebrate every year of your life, whether you are 8 or 80 years old.
Celebrate the legacy of girls and women in your family with a portrait to last a lifetime - there’s something beautiful and powerful that is beyond the images itself.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Image by | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Katie Pheneger
I absolutely love Laura’s energy and warmth and am so excited to share with you all these stunning images from her photoshoot! She’s a budding entrepreneur with Rodan and Fields and it was so much fun being able to create fresh new headshots but also some images that were entirely for fun because with the beautiful outfits she brought - WHY NOT?
This was Laura’s first time ever doing a photoshoot like this and I am beyond honored to be able to help create images she can use as headshots but also ones that captures her class and confidence as a woman.
Cheers to phenomenal women…EVERYWHERE.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & Makeup | Kalani Brown
I think what made me the most excited to have Peggy in for a photoshoot was simply the story of her life thus far. She is the owner and founder of Ballet Petit, but she is a teacher and long-time investor of children who love the art of dance, she is a wife, mother, and grandmother, she is a cancer survivor, she is a woman whose smile, humor, and warm conversation make you feel like you’re talking to a long-time friend even after a few minutes of meeting her.
Peggy had never done a photoshoot like this before and as with most women, had some hesitations to step out in front of my camera. However, that did not stop her because in a very real way, this photoshoot was more than taking a few photographs - it was celebrating her journey with life on so many deeper levels.
I beyond honored to share with you all a few images from Peggy’s photoshoot, a behind the scenes video glimpse below, and most of all, a little bit about her through her own voice.
Here’s to the celebration and journey of life, both the peaks and valleys, and being able to see a deeper beauty through all the seasons.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Styling | Kalani Brown
“About three years ago, I went to yet another doctor’s appointment to try and control my asthma. After a chest X-ray, and several more follow up appointments, it was determined that asthma was not the issue after all - I had Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage 2B, with some extra symptoms.
It was a huge shock. I was told, due to concerns for my immune system during treatment, I was not permitted to teach school during my treatment, but was encouraged to teach ballet and take my ballet classes each week, for as long as I was able. It was a scary time. Less than a month later I started 6 months of chemotherapy every 2 weeks, followed by weeks of daily radiation treatments.
I decided the day I was diagnosed that I would do my very best to keep dancing, knowing that it would help my survival physically, as well as emotionally. I wanted to be strong for myself, and to set a good example for my students of the power and strength that comes from doing what you love. “
“I kept my focus positive, accepted the help and love of my community, and happily kept dancing all the way through my cancer treatment year. I didn’t give up. I made it and I am proud of that!”
What would you tell your 18-year-old self?
“I was a pretty strong-willed and ambitious 18 year old. I thought that if I tried hard enough, I could make just about anything happen or not happen.
I would tell my 18 year old self, “You may think you can control your life, but you can’t. Life happens. You can, however, have some control over how you handle what comes your way in life.”
“A beautiful woman lives her life according to her beliefs and the dreams she holds in her heart. Whatever it is that she values, desires, aspires to be or do, wants to achieve, her beauty shows through as she takes the steps necessary to fulfill herself and make her dreams become a reality.”
“Everyone has a place. Everyone has worth. No one is perfect. We all have imperfections.
This reminds us that we are all human. Regardless, we can all try to be our best selves while seeing the best in others. We become our best selves by being honest, open, and aware of ourselves and how we share this planet with others as we navigate through our lives.”
“I have been so fortunate to have lived my life surrounded by wonderful people in my family, my schools, and in the world of the classical arts. The proverb about it taking a village to raise a child rings so strongly for me.
I am grateful for the many people who have been a part of my village from the day I was born to the present day. They have been such an important part of my life story. I have been lucky to have had such a vibrant and supportive village. They have all had some part of who I am today. It has been pretty wonderful, the ups and even the downs. All in all, I am happy with how my life has turned out.”
-Taylor Swift
Tara is a mother, an ambitious go-getter, a woman dedicated to continuously learning and meeting challenges head on. Her love for fitness, passion to help and serve others through her work is evident - I even had the opportunity to see her in action as she skillfully led the organization of a local fitness fair for the community here in the Bay Area.
As part of the continuing “Phenomenal Women” series that features women from all over the Bay Area, I am so proud to share with you all a glimpse into the life of this entrepreneur, mother, and resilient go-getter - the lovely Tara, owner of Infinite Health and Fitness.
Here’s to celebrating phenomenal women everywhere who hustle hard in their own life for the purpose of serving others.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup | Kalani Brown
