photography
How proud I am to serve and encourage women. To remind them of their voice, their possibilities.
March is when we celebrate International Women’s Day. And as I look at the faces of just some of the women I have been privileged to photograph over the years, I am in awe of the beauty seen in various stories that weave together a sweet reminder of how proud I am to be a woman.
Images | Heartbox Photography
#InternationalWomensDay2022
I must confess that as I type this, I find the urge to sit up straighter at my desk and exercise better posture. =)
Why, you might wonder? Well, today I am honored to feature Dr. Kerry Lindell, founder of Lindell Chiropractic in this month’s “Bay Area Women in Business” profile!
Dr. Lindell is a trusted Bay Area - based chiropractor with extensive (over 30 years) experience. She has been named Local Businessperson of the Year in Mountain View twice and her commitment to providing the best care for every one of her clients, undoubtedly, is what contributed to not only the success of her practice, but also to the stellar reputation she has built among her clientele.
One of the things that I personally found so interesting about Dr. Lindell is that while her work is centered around spinal care, sports injuries, etc. this amazing business woman is also pretty fearless when it comes to facing activities that would send someone like me running for the hills! I will let her elaborate on it below, but basically, while most of us shy away from activities like bungee jumping and swimming with sharks, she is the daredevil who seeks after the thrill of activities like this gusto!
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Can you share a little bit about you and your business?
I grew up in Los Altos, California and studied Biology at UCLA. Towards the end of college, I was suffering with severe pain in my shoulder blade. I was not able to focus on my studies and needed to get some help. My parents flew me home so I could see a chiropractor. After the first treatment, I felt so much better. She treated me again the next day and I improved even more. Not only did I get significant relief from my pain, but I also realized then and there that I wanted to become a chiropractor.
I went to Palmer Chiropractic College West, graduated in 1990 and have been in practice for almost 32 years. I specialize in proper spinal alignment, posture correction, sports injuries and neurology. I am also having huge success with the latest technology challed Shockwave Therapy which is a regenerative treatment for acute and chronic injuries. You can visit www.lindellchiropractic.com to find out more about me and my services.
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
I absolutely love being a Chiropractor and can't imagine doing anything else! What I enjoy the most about what I do is getting to know my patients and being able to improve their quality of life. I have developed treatment protocols to help my patients restore normal posture, relieve pain, improve range of motion and function, and recover and rehabilitate after an accident or injury.
The greatest challenge has always been dealing with insurance companies. Need I say more?
Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
I would tell myself to trust my gut, listen to my heart, and follow my intuition. It worked for me when I was 22 and it still works to this day.
Who inspires you and why?
My twenty year old twins inspire me to be the best role model possible as a mother, doctor of chiropractic and business owner.
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
I am somewhat of a dare devil or thrill seeker. I have tried bungee jumping, skydiving, hang gliding, paragliding, parasailing, balloon riding, helicopter riding, flying trapeze, motorcycle riding, surfing, horseback riding, shooting, E biking, ziplining with monkeys and scuba diving with sharks in South Africa, waterfall/cliff jumping and Spartan Obstacle Course Racing.
If you could meet anyone in history (living or not), who would it be and why?
I'd like to meet the fabulous British actress, Dame Maggie Smith. Since I am currently watching Downton Abbey for the second time, she has been on my mind lately. It turns out we both have Scottish mothers and she reminds me of my mother as they have very similar mannerisms. She has had an extremely prolific acting career since the 50's and is currently working at 87 yrs. old. I am sure she could tell some funny and fascinating stories.
It is no secret our world continues to be in times of constant change, impacting the personal and professional lives of not only ourselves but also those around us. Career transitions and pivots have become the norm, whether it is for those who find themselves one year or 30 years into their career.
Tricia Dolkas, founder of KickStart Career, is more than familiar with the challenges that come with being a young professional navigating these kinds of changes during uncertain times. She not only graduated from Stanford University in the middle of a recession herself, but also has over 20 years experience as a corporate recruiter with various companies such as IBM, Google, Sears, Blue Jeans Network, and VMWare. Her extensive recruiting experience coupled with her passion for helping young professionals successfully transition into new career territory is what makes her an ideal coach. She also currently serves as President for the Women’s Networking Alliance, Chapter 122 in Los Altos.
It is my honor to highlight Tricia in this month’s “Bay Area Women In Business” profile!
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Can you share a little bit about you and your business?
I am a career coach assisting people in determining the best next steps in their career and how to approach a career transition strategically and efficiently. I work mostly with 2 different groups of people. First, I love helping people starting or early in their career. In this case, I work with families as parents support their children in launching their careers. I also love working with mid-career professionals with a significant career pivot, ex: changing their career to a direction that is more aligned to their values and passions.
What has your journey looked like professionally to get to where you are now?
I was a corporate recruiter for 20 years. I have recruited for positions at all levels of a corporation and within all functions. My industry experience includes the Tech Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, Professional Services, Telecom, Agriculture, Financial Services, Retail and Oil & Gas. I also am the poster child of career pivots. During my career I have worked as Data Analyst, Product Manager, IT Manager, Telco Project Manager and a Recruiter.
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
Currently in “The Great Resignation” I believe there is a fundamental shift happening in the relationship between professionals and corporations. Professionals are learning to speak their truth and seeing how that brings more personal and professional satisfaction. What I REALLY enjoy about my work is being a catalyst for “The Great Resignation”. I LOVE teaching people techniques for increased confidence in their career direction, more effective job searches and to own their power as a capable candidate for a company. I am THRILLED when I see my clients more grounded in their self-worth and their ability to make meaningful changes in the world.
One challenge is that my work is a partnership that depends on a willing client. My method is effective, but sometimes people aren’t willing to follow the guidance or to try new techniques. Ultimately, I can’t apply for job openings or initiate a professional networking relationship, only my client can take these actions. Success depends on their commitment to action.
Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
Don’t be afraid of career transitions that allow you to grow professionally and to contribute to society in ways that are meaningful to you. And don’t be afraid to ask anyone for support in reaching your goals.
Who inspires you and why?
My father. He was a business owner and restauranteur in Southern California. He believed that a business will succeed only if management takes care of the employees. So in the 1970s, he offered full benefits to all the staff, even the people bussing dishes. He also offered profit-sharing to the management team. Both of these actions were unprecedented in the restaurant business and resulted in a very successful business and a group of very loyal and hardworking employees.
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
I started snow skiing when I was 4 years old and think I skied better then than I do now.
If you could meet anyone in history (living or not), who would it be and why?
Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a strong woman who took action on her principles and worked to change the role of women in business and society.
In the Spring of 2021, I officially launched the very first Portrait of a Lady | 50+ and Fabulous Series. I have always photographed women of all ages, but never designed anything specifically dedicated to celebrating this fabulous demographic of women.
Until now.
The goal was to intentionally reach out and photograph 50 women in 2021 who are 50+ and proud to share it with others through their images. I am honored to now present to you all the first ever compilation of my clients whose images together create a beautiful tapestry of art that speaks a message of celebration at every age and season of life!
Portrait of a Lady, 50+ Fabulous Series 2021
Images | Heartbox Photography
Over the years, as any small business owner I am sure will agree with, you realize how important it is to have a network of great connections. Truly, no (wo)man business owner is an island and I am fortunate to know some of the best out there.
My work with Heartbox Photography is centered on women and I think that while it’s important to obviously highlight the awesome women I have the privilege to work with as clients, it is equally important to highlight the women who are part of the business connections that have supported me along this journey. And one such organization I am proud to be part of is a phenomenal group called Women’s Networking Alliance.
Kelly Dunn is the owner of Kelly Dunn Insurance Agency. She also currently serves as the Education Chair for our WNA Chapter (Chapter 122 - Los Altos) and in the time I have gotten to know Kelly, it is obvious she not only has a passion for what she does in her work, but also being a contributing member to our networking group, always being among the first to suggest a contact or connection that would be a beneficial resource for our group to learn from. (Hence her role as our Education Chair!)
It is my honor to highlight Kelly in this month’s “Bay Area Women In Business” profile!
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Can you share a little bit about you and your business? My mother passed away unexpectedly when I was 18 years old. Fortunately my godfather is an insurance agent and had my parents set up adequately. It was then that I truly learned the importance of insurance and having the right coverages.
What has your journey looked like professionally to get to where you are now? A lot of hard work and being able to hear the word no repeatedly. I just take comfort in knowing with every no I am that much closer to a yes!
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges? I enjoy protecting my clients, knowing that in one of their worst moments, car accident, home fire, etc. that they will be ok because I provided them with the correct coverages. My biggest challenge is no one likes to talk about insurance so I try to find ways to make it interesting and fun when I can.
Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self? Other people’s opinions are a reflection of their own limitations and boundaries. I had so many people tell me having your own business is too hard/too much work and that I should just get a “real” job.
Who inspires you and why? My grandmother was my biggest inspiration because she was a strong, independent woman who always took care of herself.
A fun or surprising fact about yourself? I was tetherball champion in 5th grade at my school’s field and track day. Lol
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why? I would love to meet Audrey Hepburn, I think she was a very classy lady and I love her sense of style.
Happy New Year, everyone!
To kick off the celebration of this new year, I am excited to once again offer the New Year, New You 2022 Gift Card below that may be used towards any of the Business Headshot Packages from Heartbox Photography!
First impressions are everything so whether it's for Linked-In, your company website, or any online social media presence - why not step forward confidently with a headshot you can be proud to use in 2022?
This offer expires February 28 so if you have questions or are looking to book your session,
visit this link and choose a date/time for your consultation today.
Cheers to new beginnings in 2022!
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-Deborah Meier
It is my honor to share with you all this month more about the CEO, Founder, and woman behind the Bay Area-based company, Spirit Sox USA.
Phenomenal women are everywhere and Lisa Riggs is no exception. She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs (her grandfather started his own jam and jelly company!) and is the first in her family to move from food-industry based entrepreneurship to socks! Spirit Sox USA helps fuel fundraisers for organizations in various industries and non-profits, both locally and nationally.
She has also been featured as a podcast guest on Blue Roads Education Group, School Zone Podcast, and Enterprise Podcast Network. In addition to being affectionately known as the “Sock Queen”, Lisa is also a proud mother, wife, and loyal Bay Area fan of both the 49ers and Giants!
Image | Heartbox Photography
Hair & Makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
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“I founded Spirit Sox USA about 5 years ago. We are a certified woman owned company that customizes socks uniquely for each customer. My true goal is to make the world a better place 1 sock at a time and that's why I do what I do and donate 5% of my profits to helping underserved communities.
On a personal note, I've been married almost 25 years and am enjoying empty nest more than I expected with my husband! My son, Mitchell, is 20 and attends UCI, majoring in Chemistry with a goal of saving the planet with chemistry. My daughter, Kayla, is 19 and will be a sophomore at Cornell, studying communications and already an editor for the Cornell Sun and blog writer for the Women's Network. We love our animals! Our 2 rescue dogs, Tucker and Callie, our 30 year old box turtle, Henry, and our 5 fantail goldfish! In my spare time I love to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, go to the beach and read. My happy place is swimming with the sea turtles in Maui!”
What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?
“I had to grow a lot personally in order to grow professionally. I'm a perfectionist and perfectionists do not like to fail. Do you know the % of startups that fail? 90%. So my personal growth which included confidence in myself and my abiilites as well as overcoming, or even embracing, the fear of failure. I have to admit Google search is my friend - it's amazing what I have been able to teach myself from full Photoshop skills to how to build a business!”
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
“Honestly, my favorite part of my job is helping my customers improve their community or area of the world. Who would think a pair of socks can make the world a better place?!
But time after time, I've seen my customers raise money with their sock fundraisers to fight teen suicide, support Down Syndrome, raise awareness for mental health, fund cancer reasearch on so on."
My main challenge is being a one woman show, not because I'm a woman, but because I wear so many hats. I did get funding to start this company so I truly have built it from the ground up. As we've grown, I've been able to hire contractors to take on roles in the company but I just never seem to have enough time to get it all done.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
“My 18 year old self always focused on the negatives about myself rather than the positives. Thankfully I when I went to college I found both my indepence and the start of my self confidence. So if I could talk to her now I'd say: Be kinder to yourself. Enjoy the moment. Have confidence in YOU.”
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
“My family 100%. I am so proud of my kids for their intelligence, their accomplishments and most importantly for the genuinely good humans that they are. I'm also very proud of my husband and I who have our 25th anniversary approaching and worked our tails off to create a loving and happy household for our family. As we all know it's not always easy, but it sure is worth it.”
Who inspires you and why?
“My dad has always been my biggest inspiration. He's so smart and confident but also one of the kindest, most thoughtful people you will ever meet. He's run and sold multiple companies so he is tough in the boardroom but a softy with babies and dogs and his grandchildren, too! I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My grandfather started his own jam and jelly company. My dad started a strawberry company. And as the 1st female entrepreneur I took us out of food and into socks!”
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
“Fun fact: I have a 30 year old box turtle named Henry. He is my sidekick and I love him dearly! Also, I am a sports nut! Die hard 49er and Giants fan. We've had season tickets to the Niners for 31 years and I rarely miss a game!”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“Honestly, I think I'd like to meet Oprah. She has overcome so many barriers and failures to be the household name that she is while always retaining her class and her authenticity. She is someone women of all ages and colors can look to as a role model.”
It is always a wonderful surprise when situations that seem to be happy accidents end up yielding the most pleasant of results.
After baking brownies as a thank you gift for a friend many years ago, Andrea later realized she had transposed the brownie recipe without knowing she was dyslexic at the time. These results, in addition to hard work, perseverance, and limitless vision over the years is what catapulted Andrea Lacy, owner/founder of Bay Area-based company Luv’s Brownies, into the inspirational success she is today. (You can read more about her story here) Not only has her company’s desserts become an award-winning Bay Area favorite, but Luv’s Brownies has also earned national recognition from shows that include Good Morning America, The Montell Williams Show, CBS New York, just to name a few!
Andrea is a firm believer in generously giving back to her community and in addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she has also established The Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship, which is awarded to student applicants on the path to pursuing higher education or vocational training.
It is my honor to share with you all the latest feature in the Celebration of Black Excellence Series, Andrea Lacy!
Tell us a bit more about your background - where are you from, what inspired you to choose your specific area of education and eventual career?
“I was born in San Franciso. My family moved to the peninsula when I was elementary school and I went to Mills High School in Millbrae.”
What are you most proud of in your life and why?
“I am most proud of my son Mateo-Sebastian. His youthfulness and zest for life gives me hope for the next generation.”
What is something most people might now know about you?
“I’m frugal. I know how to stretch a dollar.”
Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
“My son has had a huge influence over my life. He has taught me to have patience.”
What is the best advice you've ever received?
“Best advice I received was from my father. Hard work always pays off.”
Who/what inspires you and why?
“My inspiration comes from watching other Black Americans thrive.”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“I would like to meet Oprah, Marcus Lemonis, Tyler Perry. All of them show tenacity and are willing to always give back. They have used their platforms to enlighten and educate others.”
What does it "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you personally?
“Black Excellence means bringing more voices to the table. The richness of our culture is unmatched. Most people don’t know the slave trade was huge. Brazil got more slaves than the United States. The African diaspora should be discussed more in school. Our Black history month shouldn’t be just a month.”
When I first started Heartbox Photography almost 9 years ago, I (as many photographers who are just starting out will attest to) began experimenting with the various styles and types of photography I wanted to specialize in. Everything from families to weddings and everything in between helped refine my creative style over the years and clearly showed me that I thoroughly enjoyed portrait photography that specifically highlighted women the most.
Tiffany Castillo is a devoted mother, wife, and works as a loan officer with Green Family Mortgage, a family-owned mortgage broker. During the early stages of my business, I had the privilege of working with Tiffany on a styled photoshoot in the San Jose area, as she so graciously agreed to help me build my portfolio and serve as one of my models.
It has been many years since that photoshoot and I recently had the honor of working with her again, this time to create her business headshots. One of my favorite things about her session is that we not only got to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor light, but also that her images prove you can absolutely have professional headshots that seamlessly integrate a fresh style and sense of fashion as well.
Without further ado, I am proud to share with you all the latest photoshoot featuring this phenomenal woman, Tiffany Castillo.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
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
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Images | Heartbox Photography
Can I just say what a cool feeling it is to feel optimistic and look forward to possibilities? 😊
That's all.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Image by Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup by Vlada Fomenko-Haggerty
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.”
“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
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-Miranda Wilson
As a proud Bay Area native, I am especially pleased to have Miranda Wilson highlighted in today’s post for the Celebration of Black Excellence Series.
When I first connected with Miranda, I immediately felt a welcoming and warmth from her. While sharing the details of what this photoshoot would entail, we also exchanged stories about our own personal upbringing here in the Bay Area, which included a special love and appreciation for Bay Area radio.
As a native of Oakland, Miranda’s life and career are overflowing with an obvious and beautiful zest for life, rich in experiences which, to me, testify greatly to the truth that stories of the human experience are always worth slowing down to listen to and learn from.
With over 30 years in San Francisco Bay Area Radio, her experience includes work at local Bay Area station, KBLX, as well as prior work with heritage stations KSOL and KDIA and 18 years as Midday Host at KKSF 103.7.
She is a two-time winner of the Golden Gate Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television Award as Best Midday Host and is active in the market and nationally as a Voiceover Actress. HGTV, Wells Fargo Bank, Land Rover, and Intel are just some of the companies that have called upon her skills in helping to represent their products/services.
Giving back is to her community remains a consistent priority for Miranda. She is an active volunteer Writer Coach for Oakland schools through the Community Alliance for Learning/Writer Coach Connection. Miranda has also served as a dedicated board member of the East Oakland Youth Development Center, Progressive Transition(s), a non- profit organization that provides counseling for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking and was a volunteer at Solid Foundation Mandela House Oakland, a substance abuse program for pregnant and parenting women.
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What are you most proud of in your life and why?
“My career- 33 years in the media/entertainment industry. My path has had plenty of zigs and zags. Although my deep desire was to be an actress in the theatre, the path that lead me to radio has been an exciting journey that has thoroughly enriched my life.”
What is something most people might now know about you?
“Most people know that I sing-Gospel, R & B and Jazz but what most don't know that I studied voice from my teen years into my 30's and I am a classically trained singer.”
Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life?
“The woman who gave me life, my mother, Mrs. Bettie Cheeks Austin.”
What lessons did that person teach you?
“She was a woman of great faith and she taught me (and all six of her children) to have faith in God, to be resilient, to celebrate the joys in life, nothing beats a failure but a try and to make every stumbling block your stepping stone. She also believed that within every person lies a special gift and that that gift would always make room for you in life!”
What is the best advice you've ever received?
“In radio, I had a Program Director who told me to "Be yourself!"
Who/what inspires you and why?
“I'm often inspired by the quiet places. where there are tall cathedral Redwood trees, the sound of a stream, birds singing and the whispering of the wind.
The Redwoods because they cause you to look up when you're down. The sound of water flowing in a stream because it represents movement like time passing. We can watch our problems flow right on by... The birds know their job they sing because that's what they were born to do...And the whispering of the wind- is like the presence of God. We don't know where it comes from or where it goes but we experience its presence when it's there. All of that reminds me to just be still.”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“I've met a lot of famous and infamous people in my lifetime but in history, Harriet Tubman is the one I'd like to meet. She was considered less than a human being because she was a slave. Yet this seemingly ordinary woman was inspired to do the extraordinary. She used her unassuming presence, and over a ten-year span made 19 trips to the South to free over 300 slaves through the Underground Railroad and lived a long life as a free woman in her own home.”
Dr. Mae Jemison, First African-American female astronaut
Cameo Roberson is a Business Coach and Operations Strategist, Founder of Atlas Park where she provides financial advisory firms and wealth management partners with guidance on operations and management, business planning and development, and improved programs to manage people, process and technology. Tactics learned from a highly regulated profession, is where service based entrepreneurs find her valuable as a Virtual COO, to help companies scale responsibly, control the chaos and bring balance to revenue generation!
Prior to launching her firm, Cameo served as an operations advisor at several independent fee-only RIAs. She uses her expertise to help business owners organize what they need to grow strategically, avoid burnout and save time. Her articles and expanding work have been highlighted in FORBES, Investment News, Financial Planning Magazine, NAPFA Advisor Magazine, The Journal of Financial Planning and in several other media outlets.
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Tell us a bit more about your background - where are you from, anything you wish to share about yourself personally, what inspired you to choose your specific area of education and eventual career?
Bay Area native, born/raised in Redwood City, CA. At the age of 12, I decided I wanted to earn some extra money. It was probably to go shopping or to the movies with my friends! I got this idea to ask my neighbors if I could rake the leaves from their front yards. I made $30 my first day. From that point on, I knew that earning my own money was something I wanted to continue!
As a teenager, I continued to earn my own money through odd jobs, babysitting and neighborhood events! The entrepreneurial seed was planted, but it was not until I took an entrepreneurship course in college that I decided to major in Business Administration, with an emphasis in International Business.
I actually fell into financial planning and wealth management after I returned home from college, student loans in tow. It was a decision that shaped my career path and led me to the ultimate opportunity to start my own business providing service to financial advisory firms.
What are you most proud of in your life and why?
I am most proud of stepping out of my comfort zone in 2007 and travelled to Ghana, West Africa for a medical and humanitarian mission.
What is something most people might not know about you?
Many people may not know that I am a big basketball fan, played in high school, intramural leagues during and after college.
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 had a huge influence on my life. Collectively they taught me to have a strong faith, love and believe in myself and to pursue my goals with determination!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be harder on yourself than others are! Be kind to yourself.
Who/what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by people who have had extreme difficulties in life, yet are able to rise above and be successful. It reminds me that my problems are only as big as I make them out to be.
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
I would want to meet Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. In 1972, she became the first African-American candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States. For a woman to do this in the late 60’s and 70’s is amazing in so many ways. I’d want to hear what inspired her to step out during a time when women, let alone black women were seen in a subservient light.
What does it "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you?
Honoring and celebrating “black excellence” to me is remembering that I come from a long line of amazing, talented and resilient individuals who have set the stage for where I am today. I honor them and myself when I can acknowledge their struggles and embrace the opportunities they set before me.
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Be honest.
Is your Linked-In headshot in desperate need of an update but you despise having your photo taken?
Or, do you wonder if it’s even possible to look polished (maybe even amazing!) on video conference calls when it’s hard enough trying to make it work in that dimly-lit corner of your room with barely enough space for your laptop?
Your company, your work, and YOU possess a high-level of skill and expertise.
So why not finally have headshots and a presence on your video conference calls that truly represent the very best of what you and your work bring to the world?
Whether you are in finance, work in medicine, create as an artist, author or small business owner, the strength of your brand and level of professionalism shows clearly through absolutely everything you share online - including your headshots and how you present yourself on business video conferencing calls through platforms like Zoom.
And I invite you to take the leap to finally get this done for yourself!
I am very excited to announce that Heartbox Photography is now offering an all-inclusive package available for business professionals looking to polish up or do a complete makeover on their online presence both through headshot images and video conferencing makeovers that include input on camera angles, lighting, and video-specific makeup tips.
To schedule a consultation and chat about what services are available for new headshots or conference call makeovers, click here and we can discuss what will work for you!
Let's finally create the power images and branding that represent the best of what you offer to the world.
Image | Heartbox Photography