“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong.
It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”
I had the opportunity to opportunity to photograph the beautiful Tracie Root.
And her story? I was seriously blown away. I mean, really, we talk about women and being strong, surviving but to be honest I heard Tracie’s story and all I could think about was how I couldn’t fathom having to endure what she did. There’s something about a woman’s smile that becomes even more beautiful once you learn more about the life challenges they’ve endured that had the potential to wipe away that smile forever - and yet it’s still there, brighter than ever.
Tracie’s own personal story is the backbone to the work she does as an established certified health and wellness coach here in the Bay Area and as the owner of Gather in Santa Cruz and I am so proud to share with you all these images that capture the essence of this phenomenal woman.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte
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I grew up in Silicon Valley and was always a high achiever for all the external things - school, performing arts, career - but I always struggled with health and energy. I was overweight as a teenager and was a yo-yo dieter into my 30's. I was a smoker, I lived on caffeine and nicotine and lots of junk food, dieting off and on, with little success as I was motivated by what I looked like on the outside.
“By age 40, I was married to a great man, had 2 great kids, when life hit us hard and my husband lost his 4-year battle with cancer.
I was left with 2 preschoolers and most of my family and friends did not live near me, so the kids and I were literally on our own, attempting to survive in this new season of life.”
A couple of years later I realized that this was how things were going to stay if I didn't make some changes, so I started with my health. I connected with a health coach who had a proven system that taught me how to make real changes. I got to a healthy weight and that trickled to all areas of my life.
“She taught me how to pay it forward, and not only was my physical health transformed but I learned how to ask for and to give help, how to cultivate gratitude, how to hold space for myself and others, and how to find my own peace after trauma.”
I began coaching in 2012 and life has never been the same. Helping people with their healthy body, healthy mindset, healthy finances, whatever is most important to them (or all three and more!)...there's nothing better when you can guide another to transform their life!
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?
“I believe that all people have beauty within them if they focus on love and gratitude. Like in the movies - the "ugly witches" are ugly because they have ugliness within them.
The beautiful ones use their power for good and helping others. The movies didn't just make this up! If you have gratitude and love in your soul, beauty will radiate from within, and you will shine bright.”
Best advice you ever received?
“Everything we do is a choice.
What do you choose?”
What do you appreciate most about your life now?
I'm grateful that I get to pour into others every day. My family, friends, and the world at large, my mission is to show people what's possible and hold space for them while they work toward their transformation
- and I get to live that mission every day!
