A Celebration from the Start

Girls with dreams become women with vision. It's one of my favorite sayings - because I believe it to be true.

That young woman will soon be a grown up woman with the potential to impact the world. Whether she is your daughter, your sister, your student, your niece, or even someone you mentor.

Celebrate her well from the start teaching her it's never too early to celebrate every stage of her life.

Image by Heartbox Photography

#celebrategirls #celebratewomen #heartboxphotography #portraits #seniorportraits #celebratedaughters

Your Own Kind of Beautiful

***

As I look at this image the first thing I think of is how lovely it is truly is to be your own kind of beautiful.

The comparing helps no one, not especially you.

And so today, I hope you really do walk with a joy in your step fully knowing, owning, and believing this.

Be your own kind of beautiful.

Because your own kind of beautiful really does exist.

Promise.

Image by Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup by Kathleen Tinney

A Celebration of Black Excellence | Black History Month 2021

“We've learned that quiet isn't always peace

And the norms and notions

of what just is

Isn't always justice

And yet the dawn is ours

before we knew it

Somehow we do it

Somehow we've weathered and witnessed

a nation that isn't broken

but simply unfinished

We the successors of a country and a time

Where a skinny Black girl

descended from slaves and raised by a single mother

can dream of becoming president

only to find herself reciting for one

And yes we are far from polished

far from pristine

but that doesn't mean we are

striving to form a union that is perfect

We are striving to forge a union with purpose”

***

-Amanda Gorman

Excerpt from 2021 inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb”

Images | Heartbox Photography

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

***

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.”

Michelle Toney | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.

It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” 

- Mae Jemison

I had the pleasure of getting to know Michelle Toney in our chats before and after her photoshoot and even though her educational background and career are in areas that many would consider “serious” (as an adjunct professor in math/statistics and also in the world of finance!), Michelle reminds me more of the friend you spend hours laughing with while chatting about everything under the sun.

She was born and raised here in the Bay Area, in Vallejo. As a student at Vallejo High School, she played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. Michelle went on to earn her BA in Math/Statistics at San Jose State University as well as an MA in Business Management at the University of Phoenix. As a local Hayward resident, she is an avid traveler, loves to enjoy great food and has a passion for all things that advocate for living a healthy life through exercise, self-care, and probably the most important thing, the daily medicine that is laughter. #amen

It goes without saying that Michelle is truly a #bosslady in life, in her work, and endeavors and I am beyond honored to highlight a bit of her story in today’s feature blog post with you all.

Happy Friday!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Wardrobe styling | Lisa Gaines

Makeup | Nancy Wetherholt

“My education background is Math / Statistics because I think math is fun and it is necessary for everyday life … especially if you want to be successful.

I’ve learned in the areas of finance, health care and manufacturing that math and statistics tell stories on how businesses are being run today and where it needs to be in the future.”

What are you most proud of in your life and why?

“I am proud to live the life I want and accept the good, the bad, and the ugly that goes with it.  I believe that’s I how I grow as a person and learn from the mistakes that I have made.  Plus, being surrounded by people who have similar life-style as me helps.”

What is something most people might now know about you?

“I am willing to work and partner with people where we both produce positive and productive outcomes/results.  Basically, have a “win-win” partnerships.”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My parents have been influences in my life where they taught me to think before I make a decision and be prepared to face the consequences.  Most of my sport coaches have helped shaped me where I can contribute my strengths for the team, but reminded me to improve on the skills that need more work so I can grow and exceed to the next level in life.”

What is the best advice you've ever received?

“Stay out of other people’s business that does not involve me.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“Having an opened mind is my inspiration.  By looking at the world from different perspectives allows me to help people on what they need to improve their lives.  I believe that most people in the world should travel and see/experience how others live and we could be live a little bit more harmony.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I want to meet my ancestors from the 1800s and thank them for their sacrifice and struggles they had to endure to get me where I am today… a single, black women who is a math and money genius, who is able to control her life without the limitations that they had to live. 

I am sure they would be very surprised, but be joyful that their hard work wasn’t done in vain.”

What does "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you?

”As a Science, Technology, Engineer and Math (STEM) affiliate, I honor our black inventors and scientists by letting folks (young and old, regardless of race) know who they are. 

Unfortunately, most people don’t know that Afro-Americans created the stop light, Super Soaker water gun, filament inside a light bulb, cotton gin, elevator, gas mask, the golf tee, etc.   

I believe I’m one of the many folks who want to share information so they can get a better sense on how to respect people, regards of their gender, race, religion, economic background, and love interests.”

Anya, Lydia, & Trisha | A Celebration of Friendship

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

- author unknown

The beauty of friendships.

Though the current situation is not anything any of us would have ever chosen, I also see how it’s brought about a great depth of gratitude in a lot of people. Gratitude for the warmth of sunshine they get to feel on their skin as they take a walk. Gratitude for the clarity that comes with a life put on pause, unhurried from the busyness of life. Gratitude for the friendships and family we still have in our life, even though a Zoom or Facetime call might have to suffice for the time being.

The energy and friendship of Anya, Lydia, and Trisha is evident when you spend even five minutes with these ladies. Laughter and warmth is easily seen in their relationship and I am honored to be have created these special portraits for them before the shelter in place a few months back. If anything, especially now, I see these ladies as a beautiful reminder of what a blessing it is to live this life with true friends anchored firmly by your side.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Beautiful One Hair & Makeup

“It might be a tragedy to not be born with sisters, but it means you get to pick your own. Lydia, Anya, and I have been friends for over 10 years. We met at work and quickly became close. These two amazing women are sistas who I can tell anything to - my joys, rants, hopes, and sorrows.

And I'm honored to be that person for them.”

- Trisha

“I am an immigrant, a mother of 3 grown up (or almost grown up) children, I made my journey through corporate carrier ladder in high tech - to business consulting and mentoring - to recovering my healing identity and becoming a Chinese medicine practitioner.

I am a healer at heart and I was always meant to do the work I am doing now. “

- Anya

“I'm a California native, wife, kitty mama, and low-tech person working in a high-tech company. I've learned that my hobbies happen in cycles.

At different points in my life, I've been obsessed with dance, knitting, Zentangle, and searching for the perfect lemondrop (martini, not candy).

My most recent hobby is standup paddleboarding, but I don't get out on the water as much as I'd like.”

- Trisha

“We were brought together by laughter.

We traveled from Washington DC business trip and just couldn’t stop laughing. It would have been embarrassing if we were capable of being embarrassed at that moment.

That unabashed feeling of joy and appreciation of life was what made us friends, and it underscores our friendship through all these years. We first became sistas, then become running buddies (and run lots and lots of miles together), and in all that - we became friends for life.”

- Anya

“I feel that I am finally at a place in my life when I live out my vision and my purpose. It does not mean there is no room for growth and learning - actually, there is a lifetime of learning and growing ahead of me and I will never get bored or complacent in what I do, which makes it even more exciting for me.”

- Anya

“In college, I remember learning about The Beauty Myth: how images of beauty are used against women. I've avoided fashion magazines and beauty articles ever since.

Societal pressures are everywhere, and it can be hard to not beat yourself up or get depressed. We have to remember to be our own best allies and have our own back.

Be kind to yourself, you deserve it. And ask for help if your self-love isn't cutting it.”

-Trisha

“Best advice is the one that you are ready to hear.

As I went through life, at different twists and turns of my journey simple words came from sometimes most unexpected people and landed EXACTLY where and how I needed to hear them.

Best truths are always hidden in the plain site.”

- Anya

“Nobody can tell you that you are beautiful - the feeling truly comes from the inside, from knowing your self.

I teach my patients to find the sense of peace and acceptance within selves first, and answer the question Who am I? What do I want? What do I truly want?

Once they find it within themselves - it is all about setting the vision and going after it unapologetically. Then everything falls into place and beauty shines from within.”

- Anya

"Love yourself. No reservations necessary."

- Trisha

Best advice you’ve ever received?

“If I'm afraid of not liking something new, "Try it and see." This was said to me by my boss in my first job out of college, when most things were new and scary for me. It's served me well over the years.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I most appreciate knowing that I want for nothing. I have a serene home, a stable and nurturing relationship, good health, and enough resources to be comfortable. Sure, there are things I might think I need sometimes - vacations, sparkly things, a new handbag. And it's fun to indulge!

But when I remember to be present and focus on the moment, it's so beautiful to realize I have everything I need.”

The Giving of Love

Happy February, everyone!

Traditionally, the month of February tends to bring to mind endless images of hearts, a chubby, flying baby who is reckless with his bow and arrow, shades of red overpowering every aisle at your local grocery store, and a sudden hike in the price of a regular dinner simply because it is February 14. 

And while there is nothing inherently wrong with any of this (I love any excuse to eat more chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, let's be real), it can dilute the real message behind the celebrations of this month that are much more important. 

And that celebration is rooted in the giving of love.

Giving of love to your friends. 

Giving of love to your family. 

Giving of love to your neighbors as you would want given to you.

Even in the giving of love to strangers you encounter daily. 

There is much to be said about what you gain from giving love. And I hope this month, whether you celebrate with best girlfriends, partners, or beloved family over an overpriced dinner and red/pink balloons everywhere, it would be rooted in the beauty of giving more love out into the world around you.

Here's to love,

Maria Abelaye, Owner

Heartbox Photography

Karmen | 2019 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“Love yourself for who you are, and trust me, if you are happy from within,

you are the most beautiful person, and your smile is your best asset.”

-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.”

“The best advice I have ever received is from my mom when I was a child:

Go explore and find your own answers.

These words are imprinted inside my soul. I am definitely an explorer. This has become my DNA blueprint.”

“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.”

“My message to all women today: rise and thrive!

Create a legacy you will be proud of, step into your brave, and show the world your love. This is what beauty is in my eyes.”

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.”

“I love my life and I want to help other

women fall in love with theirs!”

A First Try and Reflection Back

This past weekend a friend of mine celebrated the fourth year anniversary surviving a brain aneurysm. Back when it happened, I wasn’t as close to her as I am now and to put it bluntly, I am thankful to God for allowing her to miraculously survive and heal from that - to live today. I would not have known her had she gone home so to speak. :)

As part of celebrating her (and her brain!), she invited a group of us to join her for a hike that, truly had it not been for love for my friend, I would NOT have done. Give up chocolate for a day, yes. Climb up a hill for fun, no. But alas, friendship and love makes you do some weird things.

It was long, it was warm day, and there was an incline towards the end I wasn’t a huge fan of. BUT! We all made it! And yes, indeed it was beautiful and also so interesting to physically look back at the path and think “Seriously? We went and surivived ALL that way?!?”

I think that as much as being in the present and hoping for the future, it is equally important to look back. It makes the entire endeavor that much more meaningful, that much more sweet, that much more interesting, really.

I got to thinking about this as I looked at archives of past work. Below is one of the first photos I ever took when setting out to be a photographer of contemporary and glamour portraiture. I barely knew my camera, barely knew what I was aiming for, barely knew what it was like to create something without fear. I only knew that I wanted to create. That’s all.

And while it shows indications of a newbie just starting out, to me, it’s an image I am proud to share with you all and proud to say I created, even while still learning so many things.

Happy Wednesday!

Image | Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup | Julieta Camacho

Happy International Women's Day

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
-Michelle Obama

Writer, lawyer, & former First Lady

Here’s to a celebration of all phenomenal girls and women all around the world.

Happy International Women’s Day!

#internationalWomen’sDay

Target Socks and Winter-themes

Tell me something about YOU before I get carried away...many of you already know I’m a contemporary glamour and portrait photographer who posts stories about the incredible women I am blessed to have as clients.

But every now and again I like to toss up a post that tells you some things about me you probably didn’t know. And since it’s properly winter outside, this posts theme will be entirely cold-weather related.

Ready?

I have a love/hate relationship with winter weather. (as in LOVE the Christmas season, the reason to eat cookies and copious amounts of cheese and chocolate treats…but, hate that it’s 50 degrees outside and tugs at my inner, hibernating bear-like ways). Rawr.

I always crave warm soups of all kinds to to warm my soul, especially soups that contain noodles , aka CARBS.

This winter, I’m really into fleece-lined socks with penguins and animal prints on them. (HELLO, TARGET!!!)

My fave thing to do on a chilly morning is SLEEP. Surprise, surprise.

And…I love nothing more than to curl up with my fleece-lined, penguin-print socks and pajamas with a good book in the evening.

Happy New Year and happy winter, everyone!

Daniella | 2018 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.”

-Michelle Obama

Women have broken and continue to break barriers. And as I write this post, I find myself reflecting on what I sense is a beautiful revolution today of women everywhere who are are being reminded of the positive influence they can have for change in their own home, own communities, and society as a whole. I want to always be a part of any movement that empowers women - from the young girls to the women who have walked the path ahead of them.

I recently launched a series titled “A Celebration of Phenomenal Women: Fabulous and Over 40”. This series was meant to invite women in who were over 40 years of age, proud of their story, their life, and most of all, proud to be a woman of today.

Daniella is 41 - a wife, a mother, and health, fitness, and nutrition coach. As founder and owner of DFitLife, she is a businesswoman in the Bay Area who continues helping and serving people live the healthiest lifestyle they can.

I am incredibly proud to share with you all these images and video from the first photoshoot of many photoshoots that will aim to celebrate these phenomenal women in our community.

Many thanks to Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Daniella’s hair and makeup!

What are you most proud of as the woman you are today and why?

“I have worked hard through many years of self-doubt and loathing to finally emerge as the woman I’ve always wanted to be.

I feel good that I am setting a strong role model for my daughter. I want her to know she should ask for the moon, because you might just get it!

What advice would you give your own daughter as she grows up?

“Be kind to yourself and to others.

Don’t forget that life is full of laughter, but you have to choose to see it.

Choose happiness.”

What do you believe makes a woman beautiful?

“Self-confidence for sure. This is where men have been ahead of us. Regardless of how someone looks aesthetically, if they are comfortable in their own skin, that beauty shines through.

Women of my generation have done a lot of catching up on this and I think our children will really own it!”

What would you tell your 18-year-old self?

“Love yourself or no one else will! I would go back and try to embrace my quirks and imperfections.

I spent so much time trying to be perfect, that I lost sight of the moment. I was too serious for my own good. Now I try to find the humor in just about every moment of my day.”

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!

Love Hard.

"She's a strong cup of black coffee in a world that is drunk on the cheap wine of shallow love."

-JM Storm

She is a lot of things.

And if I'm honest - really honest -  ALL of us women are a lot of things. We are NOT just one way, one mood, one level of depth, one way of thinking, one way of seeing, one way of feeling, one idea or one thought.

No.

We are a myriad of something far more complex and far more special.

But one thing I can absolutely attest to is this: out of the many character traits of my mom one of them is that when she loves, she loves hard.  

Maybe it's because she had to figure out a majority of her adolescence without the help of a mom. Maybe it's because she was an immigrant to this country in her mid-twenties. Maybe it's because she hustled the raising of kids along with a full-time job, a commute, and an exhaustion level that only another mother could truly understand. 

And throughout this, all she knew to do to was to give it all she could to those she cared about and throw all her heart in along with it. And if that's not loving hard, especially in a world where shallow love is more common and popular, I don't know what is.

Proud to share with you all the very first portrait of my momma. 

Special thanks to Miranda Villanueva of Love and Artistry for lending her incredible talents to the styling of my mom's hair and makeup for this shoot! 

Behind the Scenes

To see the final results out of a client's photo shoot with me is by far one my favorite parts of the process. I love finalizing edits on every image, be it the last touch of color or last bit of sharpening for printing at the lab. If I could describe the feeling, I'd say it's very similar to when a painter is putting the final brush strokes and touches to a masterpiece that's ready for the gallery. It's like the baker who is putting the final swirl of frosting and decor onto a sweet creation for others to not only enjoy the flavor but the aesthetics of it. It's even like the dancer who has practiced for hours and has finally, with an exhausted breath, perfected every move of the performance ready for the stage.

What makes it even more satisfying to see the images is to also look back on some of the behind the scenes images that capture the process of it all. And SOMETIMES, as in this photo below, I'm lucky enough to capture a behind the scenes shot that is just as exciting as the final portrait images. 

A behind the scenes glimpse into the shoot I was was fortunate to do with owner and founder of San Francisco-based company Future Glory, Theresa Lee. On point for hair and makeup in this photo is stylist, Tammy Do.

This light? Oh man. #swoon

Happy Wednesday!

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. "

Preview | Hannah, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

I knew immediately that Hannah was cool the second she agreed that a bowlful of noodles with nothing on it but Parmesan cheese counts as dinner.  (BECAUSE IT DOES)

And when you meet someone who shares your love for planners and calendars (the paper kind, people!!), let's just say I almost wanted to high-five her for being all sorts of awesome. (If you haven't felt the excitement of perusing the aisles of a store in search of that perfect planner for the new year, I hate to break it to you, but you've been missing out. :)  #justsaying #partyatPaperSource

This lovely soul stepped out in front of my camera and I am proud to share with you all a preview from her photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. There's more to come, so be sure to stay tuned!

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown

Preview | April, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

“Luxury to me is not about buying expensive things;

...it’s about living in a way where you appreciate things.”

Oscar de la Renta

When I think about April and her journey, her smile then becomes something else to me. It's radiant, genuine, and most of all it is full of celebration.

A smile that celebrates this season of where she is.

A smile that celebrates the journey, the highs of it and the stumbling parts of it. 

A smile that celebrates wholeheartedly what is to come, trusting her life in the Hands of the one who breathed life and purpose into the depths of her soul and being.

Below is just a sneak peak into April's photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. I invite you to stay tuned as there is more to come and more to share on the life of this beautiful woman.

photography by: Heartbox Photography

hair/makeup by: Keziah Dauz

Rainia | 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Oakland, CA

"I have SO many amazing SHEROES...

my mom, aunts, and grandmother inspire me."

- Rainia

I absolutely LOVE Rainia's passion for world and local travel, for rich culture and music, for education, for treasured moments with friends and family - whether that means globe-trotting with them to Europe or sharing some time together over an award-winning movie and dinner.

Born and raised in Bay Area and as a graduate of both San Francisco State and Golden Gate University, Rainia's care for the people in her life extends well-beyond her family and friends and into her life's work. She currently works heavily with troubled youth all while also working towards completing her licensing as a marriage and family therapist. 

This daughter, friend, sister, counselor, world-traveler, and beautiful woman comes from a long line of other strong and and beautiful women (her Sheros!) who have helped her become who she is - and I am extremely proud that she chose to step in front of my camera, inspire other women through a glimpse into who she is, and celebrate her life in this way. 

If you could live in any country, which would it be and why?  

"I'd like to split my time between the Bay Area and a country in the Caribbean or South America."

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

"Nelson Mandela and Frida Pablo! I like to mix art and social justice."

"Embrace everything about yourself -

there's no one else in the world like you and that makes you special."

What do you think makes a woman beautiful?

"Our passion."

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

"That I REALLY like myself and [have] learned to embrace myself."

Photography by Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Beauty by Keziah

Melba | 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

"She's got a light around her
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her everywhere..."

-Billy Joel

She gives generously of her time and attention.

Her words are filled with an abundance of love and joy whenever you ask about her children, her husband, her grandchildren, her family....her life.

The smile that graces her face when describing places she has traveled to with her loved ones or recalling some of the best memories is a smile that seems to radiantly shine even brighter with each story.

Her laughter speaks of nothing but joy. 

Melba is a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. I always find it so uniquely special about photographing a woman who has given of her time, love, and attention so lovingly to others for many years. Because suddenly she is at the center of attention and having a rare moment where she gets to stop and say yes, I'd like to celebrate it all right now. There is this unmistakeable and endearing shyness when a woman realizes that it is absolutely ok to take a moment to celebrate, ok to feel beautiful inside and out, and yes, more than ok to enjoy every minute of the experience.

I am so proud to share with you all a little sneak peak image into this remarkable woman's recent photoshoot with Heartbox Photography. There is more to come from Melba's photo shoot, so be sure to stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Melba's hair and makeup!