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.”

Dr. Shea Lindsay | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Your body hears everything your mind says.”

-Naomi Judd

I think one of my favorite things about Shea is that when we first connected over a Zoom conference call a few months ago, I learned she was just as passionate about all things involving holistic health as I was. When someone else can understand and get excited with you about the healing properties of vegetables, well, in my book, they deserve a high-five. =)

Dr. Shea Lindsey is founder primary practitioner of the Chiropractic and Functional Living Boutique here in Menlo Park.  Using the chiropractic technique, Network Spinal, she helps patients heal from past physical and emotional traumas, become more adaptable to stresses, as well as give them the tools and resources to replace old patterns with new more optimal life strategies. 

Joining us on the photoshoot was none other than her sweet son, Liam. It was a beautiful summer day and being able to create images that also captured the essence of Dr. Shea as a mother was a wonderful reminder of the joys that still very much continue to exist.

I am honored to share the latest profile on this incredible woman, wife, mother, and healer - Dr. Shea Lindsay.

Images | Heartbox Photography

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

“Honestly, I’ve always been a super sensitive person, sensitive to other peoples energy, food, stress, chemicals…you name it.  I think because of that, I was extremely anxious  and experienced headaches for most of my life.  Thankfully, I had a mother who was very knowledgeable about holistic health and present in my life.  She really helped me shape a healthy perspective about my sensitivity. “ 

“New England born and raised, I found my way to California to make a change and to start my life.  After personal training and teaching fitness classes for about a year, I decided to start my doctorate in Chiropractic.  There I learned about an amazing gentle technique, Network Spinal that helped people liberate their bodies from trauma allowing them to live with more freedom.  It ended up changing my whole relationship to anxiety!”  

“I started my own practice after working for a doctor for a few years because I knew if I branched out on my own it would be scary, but worth it!  I have been practicing in Redwood City for 2 years helping to align peoples spines and help them liberate their own traumas and tension.  

I love what I do because I get to watch people transform everyday and become more aligned with their truest and most authentic self.”

Who or what 3 things have helped shape you to be the woman you are today and the woman you are becoming?

“Moving to California was a very important part of my journey.  That is where I began to truly grow into my own.

My soul sister Lindsay helped guide me towards chiropractic school and Network spinal.  I feel like this step was so important in my evolution to who I am today.

My daughter Sage was an unexpected pregnancy 3 years ago.  Being pregnant with her transformed me!  When she passed away, my whole life changed.  Her gift of life and death woke me up to my own purpose and passion in life.  Because of her, I am more on purposed and open than I have ever been.”

Best advice you ever received?

“Follow your knowing.  It is always there for you to access when you need it.”  

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“My family.  We have the most amazing son who is 7 months old.  My husband and I have been able to be home a lot, so this last few months have been the sweetest time together. “

Thuy, 2018 | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her own imperfection. To me, that is the essence of true beauty.”

-Steve Maraboli

Thuy is the founder/owner of 923 Design here in the Bay Area. She is a designer, a creative, a boss lady, a hustling mother who took the leap into her dream and never turned back.

In short, she is awesome and I am so proud to share with you all some of my favorite images from her photoshoot with Heartbox Photography, with hair/makeup by Miranda Villanueva of Love and Artistry.

Here’s to the women bosses out there representing the Bay Area. :)

Happy Friday!

Vicky, 2018 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Oakland, CA

Part of why I chose to be a photographer of women is because I believe that it is a unique way to not only bring out the beauty that I believe every woman possesses, but also because sharing their stories is a way to empower, inspire, and encourage other women and young girls. 

I was so inspired to get to know Vicky and learn more about her journey as a young, single mom to now a soon-to-be graduating DrPHC of UC Berkeley. And to learn that it was also another woman who inspired and mentored her many years ago to embark on this journey makes her story even more empowering. 

I am so proud to share with you all a few of Vicky's images and a behind the scenes look from her photoshoot with Heartbox Photography as well as the story of her journey through her own voice. 

Here's to celebrating the beauty, strength, and stories of all women.

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown

"Choosing to do be photographed is not something that comes naturally to me - usually I am the person who wants to hide in the shadows. For the past five years, I have been a doctoral student at UC Berkeley and I have had many challenges getting to where I am today. I haven't always had the confidence in myself that I should. The year of 2017 was about self-love and all I had to offer exactly as I am now. This new year in 2018 is about confidence and growing into the woman I know I have worked hard to become."

"As a young, single mother at 19, I knew that I could not provide the life my son deserved if I did not receive an education. My sister was one of the first in our immediate family to attend and graduate college and I was lucky to follow in her footsteps. I went back to school when my son was a few months old and fell in love with learning again. I started at the community college level and made my way to a four year university. While at San Francisco State University, I met Dr. Velia Garcia and she told me that I would be Dr. Gomez one day. I laughed at her and said I wasn't even sure if I could graduate with my bachelor's degree. "

"It turned out that Velia saw something in me that I did not see in myself. She taught me the importance of mentoring others and helping them reach their goals in a way that honored themselves. In 2012, Velia lost her battle with cancer and it was the sign I needed to apply to obtain my doctorate degree. Over the past five years, I have mentored many students, particularly underrepresented students like myself to pursue their academic and professional goals in a new way that honors who they are."

"So many have sacrificed so much so that I could walk through these doors and accomplish my dreams and I want to continue opening the doors for others to reach theirs. This degree is not just for me but for those that came before me and for those that will come long after I am gone. I wanted to demonstrate to others that anything is possible even when you feel the deck is stacked against you."

"My life's work is to continue mentoring others while teaching undergraduate and graduate students. My goal for this year is to take risks and be the best me I can be. Deciding to participate in this photoshoot with Maria was a vital step in my journey. I knew after seeing photos she did of a friend that she would bring out my natural beauty and confidence. "