The Best is Yet to Come - Happy New Year!

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“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis

And just like that, it is officially 2024!

 I hope this finds you ready and hopeful for new opportunities, filled just a bit more with courage to take advantage of those opportunities.

I hope this finds you in a space where curiosity and joy thrive - daily. 

I hope this year, you find endless reasons to celebrate even the "small" everyday things, 

remembering that the so-called "small" things are actually the big things.

Happy New Year!

Celebrating Sisters & Friends

“There's no better friend than a sister.”

- author unknown

Photographing sisters holds a special place in my heart.

Mostly because I have the gift of two sisters myself and while a lot of our childhood was filled with your typical sister fights over toys and clothes our adulthood now shares a bond that makes me deeply grateful for my siblings. I have the privilege of having sisters I can call my bestest (yes, that’s a real word) friends.

Consider celebrating your sisters (or those you consider your sisters) through a photoshoot. Because sisters are simply priceless.

Image by Heartbox Photography

Celebrating Women in Business | Ramona Shaw

“ ‘Restore connection' is not just for devices, it is for people too.”

-Arianna Huffington

Happy New Year, everyone!

In just a few days, we will literally be halfway through this first month of 2023 already - and I sincerely hope the start of the year has been a good one for you all so far.

With this fresh start and new year, I though it best to start off with featuring one of my awesome clients, Ramona Shaw.

As a leadership and executive coach as well as author of The Competent and Confident New Manager with extensive experience as a former VP in a corporate setting, Ramona’s work is dedicated to developing and helping managers become high-performing, effective leaders.

Her work is about challenging and growing people to essentially be a great influence to those they lead and I am honored to feature her in today’s “Celebrating Women in Business” spotlight!

Images by Heartbox Photography

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Can you share a little bit about you and your business? 

I have a leadership development business that specializes in delivering coaching and training programs for new and mid-level leaders.

What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?

After graduating, I entered the field of private equity and ultimately led strategic projects and international teams at a private equity firm. However, I soon found out that I couldn’t figure out how to be a good leader all on my own. As I went through my own growth journey as a leader, I discovered my passion for coaching and leadership training.  I decided to get officially certified as a professional coach and dedicate my career to helping managers become leaders people love to work for. 

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

I absolutely love being able to be a positive influence on people’s careers. There is definitely a butterfly effect when it comes to leadership. I love helping a new manager overcome the obstacles that they face. I feel that by helping one person become a better manager, there is an even bigger impact that it has on the organizational environment because the people on that manager’s team will see how a good leader responds to challenges, sets a good example, and implements positive leadership habits that create positive and inclusive work environments.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

I would tell myself that it’s important to know yourself and that strong self-leadership, which includes the ability to manage our own thinking and our emotions, is key to becoming a strong leader. Start with growing that part of leadership first and foremost, regardless of job or position.

What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?

The thing I appreciate most about my life right now is how rich and full it is. My schedule stays busy but it’s busy with the things I love doing, spending time with my kids, running my business, and making a difference in the lives and work of others.

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

I would love to meet Marcus Aurelius, who reigned as a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He was a dedicated student of Stoicism and wrote what would later become titled “Meditations.” These writings were journal entries to himself as a source for his own self-improvement and philosophy on leadership. 

I admire the philosophical beliefs of Aurelius because as a leader his Stoic principles helped him overcome many obstacles and become one of the greatest Roman leaders in history. Not only does Stoicism help me feel more focused and have greater clarity even when things are unexpected or unpredictable, but it also helps me give up the need to feel like I have to be in control all the time.

Your Own Kind of Beautiful

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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

Unapologetically Shine Forth

“I can't think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.”

- Emma Stone

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

Start Somewhere | Lessons Not in the Book

This photo was taken about 10 years ago when I was looking for a space that I could invite clients to for their portrait sessions, basically the beginning stages of a dream to build a portrait photography business.

It hasn't been an easy journey (no entrepreneurial endeavor is), but it's a journey that taught me more than any book could teach me.

The biggest lesson so far? Sometimes, you just have to start somewhere.

Happy Friday!

Bay Area Women in Business | Ruth-Anne Siegel

We artists - the photographers, sculptors, ballet dancers, designers, the makeup artists, musicians, singers, writers, fashion designers, to name just a few - are HUGE on inspiration whether or not it comes from the same medium we use to express our creativity. There have been countless, beautiful moments of inspiration that have fueled the latest ideas and endeavors in my own photography over the years.

Ballet dancers have fueled my inspiration to capture the human body in movement through a dance series of photographs.

The valley of lights that flood the layout of Sensorio Paso Robles serve as a mesmerizing reminder of why I love the infusion of bright, bold colors in the expression of clothing.

Watching the careful ways a talented makeup artist unearths the beauty of women through their work with an array of shades of lipsticks, eye shadows, and brushes sparks my curiosity in trying a new, elegant makeup look on myself.

Observing the ways in which a musician becomes lost in focus in the world of melodic sound emanating from their instruments joined with other instruments is a more than familiar sight to me. I, too, have gotten that blissful look of a creative lost in concentration and creation of my own photography during the midst of a shoot.

Artists truly inspire other artists.

And what I am inspired by most with Ruth-Anne Siegel is she not only creates stunning works of art as a fine arts painter, but also that her joy for what she does and understanding of how art profoundly impacts people, their spaces, their lives is something I can deeply appreciate as a fellow creative.

It is my honor to feature the lovely, talented, and inspiring Ruth-Anne Siegel, a Bay Area-based fine art painter with Art4 Solutions!

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Images by Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup by Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of BeautifulOne Makeup Artistry

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What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?  

I love being an artist! It’s all I’ve ever been or wanted to be.

I realized my dream by studying graphic design in college at the Rhode Island School of Design and being a graphic designer for my entire career until now.

Luckily, design has many of the same principles and rules as painting such as color theory, composition, change of scale, etc. Yet being a fine artist is even more challenging than being a designer for various reasons. Unless I have a commission, I don’t have clients. I work by myself on my own. I’m my own client!

The work is solitary and self-motivated. I can put in lots of time and sometimes the work just doesn’t gel. It can be frustrating, but when work comes together, there’s no better feeling.

Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

When I was 18, I had to choose my major during my freshman year. I really wanted to study painting, but I was too practical to study a non-professional major.

I would tell that girl to keep studying graphic design and not worry, you’ll get to paint eventually. Also, that cute guy from Brown you met at the Halloween ball will eventually be your husband.

Who inspires you and why?  

My inspirations are varied including lyrics, books, and Instagram. My most consistent inspiration is looking at other artists’ work especially with creative curation. I love innovative museums and untraditional galleries.

My favorite artists are Richard Diebenkorn, Joan Mitchell, Claude Monet, and Franz Klein. Looking at their work, I see their hand; their marks are as alive to me as if they just painted them.

I am also inspired by my artist friends in Art4. They all think differently than me and their work causes me see other perspectives.

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?  

I am a Peloton fanatic! I also love Pilates and downhill skiing. Surprising because I am SO not athletic. I am also an avid word puzzle doer. I love playing Anagrams (a variation on Bananagrams) and Boggle with my kids. They are formidable opponents!

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

If I had to choose one, it would be Pete Townshend, the lead song writer and guitarist of The Who. His music and lyrics have had such a profound influence on me since I discovered The Who when I was 10. He has provided the soundtrack for my life. When I am not inspired in the studio, I put on a Who playlist or any of his solo work and the creativity just flows.

Bay Area Women In Business | Joelle Rabow Maletis

I love hearing about the pivots and turns that paint the journey of a woman’s life and how it contributed to where they are today. It is in these details that make people’s stories so interesting and Joelle Maletis is no exception.

Joelle is a Bay Area-based therapist, with an expertise on military psychology and post traumatic stress disorder. When I first met her, I immediately assumed this was her first career, one that she has aspired to be in from the very beginning - only to find out that her first career was actually as a professional dancer for many years (20!) before an injury prompted her to return to school to become a therapist. And yes, all this while being a mother to her then-one and three year old children!

She is the CEO of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates and I am so honored to feature the story of this remarkable woman in today’s Bay Area Women in Business spotlight!

Image by Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup by Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

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Can you share a little bit about you and your business? 

I am a native Californian and the CEO and Clinical Supervisor of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates Inc. I am also a psychotherapist, military psychology, and PTSD expert. I specialize in trauma, relationship issues, addictions, and life transitions. The work I complete each day allows me to be of service to others while using my educational background and real-life experiences. Outside of the office, I enjoy sports, cooking, running, biking, hiking, reading, and watching women’s soccer.

I started as a ballet dancer by training and was in the dance world for 20 years. I had a career-ending injury and thought therapy would be interesting.

From my own backstory, I fell in love with working through my own stuff and doing that with a therapist. All of a sudden, I was newly divorced with a one and a three-year-old, so I went back to graduate school for the third time and said, “okay well therapy sounds interesting, and I don't know if I’ll be any good at it but let's give it a go.” I have been a therapist ever since and have ended up loving it as much as I loved being a dancer.

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

I love that my job is multi-faceted because this makes it exciting. I also enjoy doing mentoring and career development with new therapists and working with clients on growth. Doing media work and talking to people and female business owners in a variety of discipline on mental wellness is something that I always look forward to as well.

Some of the challenges are taking care of myself while taking care of my children, family, team, and clients. It's so hard to be a people pleaser, a perfectionist, and wanting to give everyone everything all the time. As therapists, we give so much all the time, we forget to give to ourselves! I'm definitely guilty of this! It's why I love micro-self-care. 

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18-year-old self?

Who you are right now is not who you will be forever. Stay open minded and willing to try new experiences because even if you fail, that’s okay because growth comes from failure.

What do you appreciate/are most proud of?

What I appreciate and am proud of as an entrepreneur is being fortunate enough to go from borrowing $600 to purchase a couch for my office to growing my business into what it is today. I am very appreciative of the privilege that has allowed me to do that. What I am most proud of is what my kids have accomplished so far in life and the doors they have opened for themselves. 

Who inspires you and why?

Amy Poehler because of the work she does with her smart girl’s foundation.

Her Smart Girls organization encourages uniqueness and intelligence in young people so that they can become themselves without trying to fit in.

The work she does gives young people the opportunity to feel like they fit in while being themselves which is so important.

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

I have appeared in over sixty movies, commercials, and music videos as a backup dancer.

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

Emily Dickinson who bucked the patriarchy and wrote poetry anyway!

Misty Copeland the first black prima ballerina for the American Ballet Theater in NY; and, who redefined ballerinas’ bodies, showing the world that dancers are athletes, not stick figures! And Emmiline Pankhurst who started the suffragettes in the UK during WWI, helping women get the right to vote shortly after the war. 

A Celebration of Phenomenal Women | 50 & Fabulous Series | Melanie Gill

One of the things I enjoyed most about launching a series in 2021 that celebrated women who are part of the 50+ demographic was hearing their personal perspectives about what this season of life looked like for them, their careers, and their overall journey.

Being in this demographic means different things to different women and as such, I have asked a few women who participated in the series to share their stories - and today, I am honored to highlight Melanie Gill, Bay Area-based Marketing and Branding Expert, of Melanie Gill Consulting.

***

Aging is really a gift if you think about it.

Not everyone is blessed with this opportunity to journey “over the hill” and experience life at a slower pace.

Embracing my age has been a very freeing experience. A major step toward acceptance was ending the perpetual hair dye sessions and embracing my grey in all its glory. The year long journey from black to grey was slow. During that time, I really processed what it meant to be over 50. As I would look in the mirror and watch my hair changing, I too was able to shift internally as I would digest what the next chapter of my life could look like.

For me, it became clear that I was ready to work on my own terms as a marketing consultant and live more in the moment personally.

The tech space can be fast moving requiring more than a typical full time routine, often including extensive international travel. While I very much enjoyed that part of my life and seeing the world, it also became clear as I got older that I wanted to engage at a pace that supported my personal life here at home.

This is what inspired me to leave the corporate world and start my marketing consulting practice.

It was a bit of a dance back and forth for a few years between consulting, then returning full time, then back to consulting. And now I love being a consultant and supporting a variety of small and mid size companies while learning about new endeavors beyond technology.

With over 20 years in leadership roles in Silicon Valley, I bring extensive marketing and sales expertise to the clients I serve today. I am passionate about helping small to mid size businesses get the word out about who they are, what they are offering, and why it matters. I am gifted at being able to step into an organization and bring to light what is needed to achieve that next level of success.

Being a consultant has allowed me to create a balanced personal routine enabling me to focus on exercise, eating well, and keeping my garden beautiful. Right now, I am writing a cookbook and so far the recipes seem to all be vegan as I have been focused on bringing more vegetables into my daily diet. One thing is for sure, I don’t miss the commute or the long trips over seas for business.

When I have a bit of down time between clients, you will find me getting certified in something interesting like interior design or essential oils. Or taking on a big project at home like landscaping my garden myself.

And while I tend to be a driven, focused, and deliberate person, I also enjoy deep connection with people.

There is nothing I like more than having a meal with a handful of amazing, witty, and interesting women!

International Women's Day 2022

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

Portrait of a Lady | 50+ and Fabulous of 2021

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

New Year, New You 2022 Headshots

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!

Yael Rakib | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

Yael is the founder and owner of The Law Office of Yael Rakib. As an estate planning attorney, this incredibly accomplished woman continues making a great impact in the lives of countless families, but the first thing you will immediately notice even more is that she is the most proud to be a mother to her little girl.

Family is everything to Yael and it drives her passion to work in the field that she does. I recently had the opportunity to create new images for her company’s website and the most fun part was to include her sweet daughter as well in these photographs. Yael and I both agreed that her daughter definitely stole the show! It is my honor to share with you all some of the images from this fun photoshoot and also a little more about this phenomenal mother and attorney, Yael Rakib.

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

*****

“I am a single mom to a smart, fun and sassy five year old girl who keeps me on my toes. She’s the reason I branched out on my own and started my estate planning and probate practice. I’m passionate about helping people plan their legacies. Whether you’re a parent who wants to give everything to their kids or if you’re single and have charitable intent and everything in between, I want to help you achieve your goals.

“I am also uniquely situated because of my own life experiences to understand the situations of others who are going through divorce, those responsible for loved ones struggling with substance abuse, and parents of blended families. I use my education and experience to help you create an estate plan which fits your individual situation.”

“I started my legal career in child welfare law and I found after some time that this was not my passion. I had a friend tell me once that she thought my superpower is how much capacity I have to care for others and, unfortunately, empathy made it very emotionally difficult to work in this field. A mentor of mine introduced me to estate planning and, due to the necessity for flexibility as a single mom, I had to start my own practice. It took guts and grit, but I’m glad every day that I did it. This process also inspired me to mentor other young female attorneys who need the extra guidance and inspiration to strike out on their own.”

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

“I really enjoy meeting new people and putting their minds at ease about the uncertainties following what should happen to their assets if they lost capacity or died. Some of the challenges are that this area of practice does not work in a vacuum — there are intersections with family law, business law, intellectual property, even international law. But, it is very satisfying finding answers to new questions, expanding my knowledge and meeting new people along the way from whom I can learn.”

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

“I would tell my 18 year old self not to wait for the “right time” to come along. My father is an entrepreneur and I always looked up to him. I used to think that when the time was right, that I would know that I was ready to do something on my own, much like he had. The truth is, there is never a “right time” and it always takes guts and hard work to accomplish big dreams.”

What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?

“My family, my friends, my clients and my colleagues.

I have really good people in my life and I strive every day to make them proud and to give back to them.”

Who inspires you and why?

“I have been very fortunate to have many sources of inspiration. I’ve already mentioned my father because he was a role model in starting my own business. Now-a-days, my father continues to inspire me to work harder and achieve more. My mother inspires me to be more kind and patient. My daughter inspires me to be a better role model and to overcome challenges. My siblings inspire me to accept and love myself. My friends inspire me to be more selfless. My colleagues inspire me to learn more, and to teach others, as well as provide others with opportunities.”

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

“I can squat over 200lbs!”

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

“Ruth Bader Ginsberg because of her strength and success in breaking down barriers.”

Aundrea Lacy | A Celebration of Black Excellence

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, Aundrea 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 Aundrea 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!

Aundrea 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, Aundrea 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.” 

Celebrating Phenomenal Women | Tiffany Castillo

 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

“My passion is giving people knowledge regarding home financing and homeownership. Although I am a “mortgage loan officer,” I like to consider myself an advisor when it comes to home financing. Advising new and current homeowners how they can best utilize their largest asset.

Interestingly enough, it took me awhile to get here – it was not a straight line and I am proud to have arrived at my destination thus far. When thinking about “what I want to be when I grow up,” it was never a mortgage advisor.

While in tech, my manager knew I was not happy and asked where I see myself in 5 years. I was honest and told him that I can see myself in real estate but not as a realtor. He reached out to a family member who is a mortgage broker and asked if she would be willing to speak with me. From there, she took me under her wing and has guided me to where I am today.”

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

“Being part of this big event in a person or persons life/lives. The elation and excitement they feel, that its doesn’t seem real because it hasn’t all set in yet. The challenges – in general, purchasing a home is a stressful time due to the timeline of the purchase. Getting first time homebuyers to understand that things are moving as they should can be hard as there is a lot at stake for them, and I completely understand. I think it really comes down to trust – building that trust with my client – both a joy and a challenge.”

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

“Save early and don’t live outside your means even if it looks pretty – whatever it was, it was not worth it knowing what I know about being financially healthy with an asset of a home!”

What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?

“I appreciate my family - my kids are my pride and joy. They are what push me every day to do what I do. To help those families who are like mine and only want the best for them.”

Who inspires you and why?

“Again, my kids. They really show me how important it is to live in the moment. That not everything is so serious. They inspire me to be a better person every day and I base my decisions on what is best for them, both personally and professionally.”

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

“I am an adrenaline junkie, love tattoos, roller coasters, anything to get the heart racing – you’ve got one life, do what makes your heart go!”

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

“I would want to see my grandfathers to be honest. They were both very different men and when they passed, for one I was too young, and for the other, I was too naïve. I would want to sit down with them and ask them about their lives – how they came to be who they are. Stories from my family are great but I have my own questions and would love to hear their stories from them.”

“I strive to be the best resource to all who know me in whatever it is they need assistance in. And if I don’t have the answer, I will do my best to point them in the right direction. I will continue to be curious, knowledge is power!”

Wise Women

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“We need to be nicer to ourselves and realize its OK to not be able to do everything.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to do it all, that we lose sight of ourselves in the process.

There will never be time to take care of you, so make the time.

You are a priority.”

- Danielle Neville, founder/owner Neville Wellness

Wise words from a wise woman.

****

Happy New Year!

Image | Heartbox Photography

Miranda | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“As African-Americans, we're often underestimated but we rise above it. We honor Black excellence by never forgetting the sacrifices our ancestors made so we can live with dignity and freedom.”

-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.”

Cameo Roberson, Founder of Atlas Park | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”

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.

Give People the Gift of Memories & Legacy through Photographs

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”
- Robert Frank

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With the holidays around the corner, why not give the gift of something that will last a lifetime and have an impact on the legacy of the people you care about most?

There is always a reason and use for photographs - whether for personal or professional use.

Maybe you have never had a portrait that you love and simply want to keep for yourself.

Maybe you and your best friend have never had a photoshoot to celebrate your many years of friendship.

Perhaps a family portrait or a portrait of you and your significant other, your siblings, a gift for your parents because they haven't had a photoshoot done since their wedding day.

Maybe you want to give your awesome staff a gift they can use for their whole family this holiday season.

Or maybe you're even a business owner wanting to give your VIP clients a special gift for being a part of why your business has thrived all of these years.

Whatever the reason is, gift cards are available to fulfill all your gift giving needs on the Heartbox Photography website. Simply visit this link and choose from the various amounts available.

Here's to giving the gift of memories that will last a lifetime!

Happy shopping!

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. “