PREVIEW: Phoebe | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

Women are beautiful both inside and out. It's a message that I hope becomes more strong, more loud, and more true through every photograph I am privileged to take.

Meet the lovely Phoebe.

Phoebe's journey through the ups and downs with health and faith is nothing short of a story worth telling- complete with the highest of highs and the valleys of lows in between. In other words, her story is real and has helped changed her perspective on what it truly means to beautiful.

This is just a sneak peak into this amazing woman's photo session - be sure to stay tuned for more to come! 

I Remember

I remember what it was like to pull oranges out of my kitchen fruit bowl and perfectly arrange them on an placemat because I liked the blend of the colors and loved the composition.

I remember wandering the streets of Berkeley being captivated by the intricate colors of a wildly beautiful mural, stopping just long enough to force my camera lens through the wrought iron fence to get the picture I wanted.

I remember the day we ate at San Francisco's Pier 39 and the feeling of excitement in making all the crayons balance perfectly on the paper children's menu, just long enough for me to click the button on my camera before they tumbled down. 

I remember wandering through San Francisco's Chinatown, seeing the ordinary green stalks of vegetables come to life as amazing patterns and blend of color. 

I remember feeling incredibly embarrassed making my way up to be directly up at the front of the singer. But I also remember how thrilling it was to know that it resulted in a black and white photograph I was proud to share.

I remember trying to keep my friend's son still for the camera, only for him to end up moving and creating a better photo than the one I was originally anticipating.

And most of all, I remember how fun it is to learn, to experiment, to be unsure, to create and to ultimately share with you a few reflections of my creative journey. 

#FlashBackFriday

Erin | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to photograph the lovely and talented Erin Nolan. Not only is Erin is a professional actress and model here in the Bay Area, but she's a woman with a lot of great insight on the impact women have made in the entertainment industry as well as the challenges they still face today. 

For someone like me who sometimes buys into the common misconception that models and actresses have it wonderfully easy, a conversation with Erin helped correct that perspective. Actresses and models face some of the same challenges that everyday women face, perhaps even more so due to the industry they work in. But despite these challenges, there are also more women today influencing change in the film industry, sharing powerful stories that beckons an audience to listen like never before. 

Erin, thank you for allowing me to capture you in these photographs. But even more than that, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to hear about the hopes and aspirations you have for all women, not just those in the entertainment industry. Here's to inspiring change for women in film - and beyond.  

***

What do you think makes a woman truly beautiful?

"For me, a woman's beauty is based on the things that make her who she is - not what society thinks she is or should be. For me, the answer then becomes the same things that makes any human being beautiful.

Be it their inspiring compassion. Their bold creativity. Their contagious positivity. Feminine beauty of all too often evokes images of unattainable physical form or superficiality - and can lead a woman to suddenly fear, "if I have none of those things, am I not beautiful?"

Why must feminine beauty be based off of something purely physical and ever-changing, when women do SO much more their whole lives? They are mothers, best friends, CEOs, teachers - they are the brave pioneers of a new path of women every day. They are bringers of love, of hope, bearers of life - and isn't life the most beautiful thing?"

"To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a woman being all that she is, and all she ever wanted to be, living a kind, honest and beautiful life, far too free to allow any suppressive standard stand in her way."

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

"That I have freedom live in an evolving world that is becoming more and more accepting and encouraging of a woman to takes charge of her own life and not define herself as others seek to define her."

"And of course, to be so blessed to have the incredible support of friends and family to live this life on my own terms."

As an actress, what would you like to see changed about the industry and how women are portrayed and perceived in the media?

"I would like to see the microphone passed to women, to truly be given an honest and steady voice for their stories in film. Issues that we face each day have a way of being reinforced by stereotypes perpetuated through film."

"A huge problem is the overwhelming majority of stories center around a male protagonist, where the female character is there often for little more than to "embellish" his story.

They are the cute love interest. The seductive femme fatale. The captive princess. The murdered wife. The kidnapped daughter. The motivator for the male to begin his journey, to tell his story. But their identity is forever lost within that role, eternally valuable within the plot only for how they add to his story. "

"Women have so much more to offer.

In fact, the more that Hollywood has allowed and created female characters who stepped outside of the real or imagined society of their cinematic reality, we have been rewarded with incredibly captivating and iconic characters."

"When we cease to base a female character's value on their appearance and sex appeal, or as an accessory to the male protagonist and re-shift the focus to the female character's actual experiences: her journey, her struggles, contributions, and triumphs, we get Ripley, Katniss, Daenerys, Sarah Connor, Liz Lemon, Aibileen, Lisbeth, Elsa, Aowyn, Hermione, Rey, and Furiosa!

Is it any coincidence that these characters are all a part of some of the most beloved, critically acclaimed and prestigious award winning films/shows of our lifetime? Certainly not, for these are accomplishments that would never have happened without them had they instead taken a quiet backseat to the story.

Every woman has got an incredible story to tell. Now is the time for us to listen, and to be inspired to live as bravely as they do."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Be sure to check out the slideshow below showcasing Erin's photo session! 

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair and Makeup:  Kat Tinney of A-List Makeup 

Van | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | San Jose, California

It was a unusually beautiful day in San Jose. The weather was warm for a February and if you clicked the radio on or tuned in on your television,  you'd soon learn that the much anticipated Superbowl 50 was about to commence in Santa Clara.

But for Van, instead of football (she's a champ!), it was going to be an afternoon filled hair and makeup styling and some time in front of my camera. 

Van is a wife and devoted mother and also the president of the Silicon Valley-based company, Tempo. Her passion  for all people living healthier lifestyles while maintaining a greener planet, fused together and became the foundation of what Tempo is built on. 

Van, it was a honor to photograph you, to hear the story about Tempo, but even more so, to get to know you as a person. Thank you for allowing me to pull you away from all the afternoon Superbowl festivities, to bask in the afternoon light for these photographs, to trust my camera to capture the very best of you in these images. You rock!

Below are just a few of my favorite shots from Van's photo session with me. To view all the photos, check out the slideshow below!

This afternoon light?  It makes any photographer die from sheer happiness. LOVE.

Every women deserves to have a photograph of herself that reminds her that yes, it's totally ok to rock out your inner fiercenss.  

I love red. And teal colored bikes with flowers. And stripes. And red shoes. With golden sunlight. YES.

Van, you just go on with your beautiful self!

For me, this photograph below reminds me of what I'd love to remind other women of - that they are beautiful and uniquely made in such a way that they can be proud of. 

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for the styling of Van's hair and makeup!

Over

This past week, I had the opportunity to have conversations with women that reminded me of something important that I too often forget: everyone has a story. 

And while their stories might not align pretty within the lines drawn out to the box we often force them to fit into, it doesn't lessen the value of them. Over spotty cell phone reception in crazy traffic, over a warm bagel, over the noise of a crowd in a shop and over the awkward silence of someone's living room did I have these conversations this past week. And even though I am a naturally rushed person at certain moments, these pockets of time to exchange words and tap deeper into listening revealed to me, reminded me, and challenged me to remember that people have hurts, people have challenges, people want to be heard.

And though I am still trying to understand it all in my own self and don't always believe it, I am reminded that as a person who says they love Jesus, I am called to share His love wherever and whenever I can. Even if I'm just as broken, just as challenged, and even if my attempts are imperfect and clumsy and I don't always get it right, I am still called for something bigger, still fully accepted as God's beloved. No matter how clumsy or imperfect the attempts, I hope to share that even when my rough my days are or how "over" everything and everyone I sometimes feel, God always seems to restore hope and remind me that He is not "over" me. 

Belly Bumps

No, not mine. =)

I just recently returned from a trip to visit my sister and brother-in-law. They are expecting their first child and the purpose of my visit? To ensure that my sister had company when she felt like getting a cookie (because heck I love cookies and I'll happily eat one, too),  to stand with her among the endless aisles of baby onesies at the local  Buy Buy Baby and sample out the uber smooth rocking chairs, and.....basically do a whole lotta nothing and stare at her growing belly and how it's made her belly button look like it took on a total different personality.

Eeeks is all I gotta say about the belly button transformation. 

It's an exciting time for all of us as it's been awhile since the last grandkid. It's interesting and amazing all at once to see that my little sister is now going to be a mom. Yeah, it's amusing and makes me smile to see how she scuttles about organizing the diapers at his changing table and picking out books to line his little bookshelf and how my brother in law is able to school us on the uses of baby powder - even watching how they are both growing and learning together. We sat, ate, talked, and laughed  about how this kid is going to have a crazy and loud family, but that equally he was going to be surrounded by family that loved him like crazy. I, for one, can't wait to exercise my auntie skills once again and teach him  to call me Auntie Awesome,  to pass him an extra cookie when his parents aren't watching (but be sure that he's eaten his dinner first), to hear all about why he thinks certain things like dinosaurs and ice cream are amazing. 

What can I say, this new season just blows me away. I guess the miracle of can have that effect on you, right?

P.S. If you're in a bad mood or stressed, I have one solution and only one. Rocking chairs. I'm telling you, it will make you fell like the world just rained down glitter, chocolate, and hugs. Lots of it.

P.P.S. I saw these on the Cole Haan website and yeah, pretty much died. #majorAWWWWWfactor

Preview | Van | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | San Jose, CA

I absolutely love when my craft goes beyond me and makes someone smile, makes them feel inspired, and helps remind a woman that she is stunning simply because she is herself. 

Photographing the lovely Van felt like it was an afternoon spent with a beautiful friend who absolutely rocked that inner model. Van is not only one of the nicest, most down-to-earth women around, but she's also a wife, the proud mother of 2, and a driven and passionate entrepreneur, serving as founder of Tempo Bicycles. 

I'm so excited to share a sneak peak into Van's photo session below - there are definitely  more lovely images to come, so stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for the styling of Van's hair and makeup!

Preview | Erin | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

This past weekend I had the honor of photographing the lovely and talented Bay Area model/actress, Erin Nolan. I am very excited to share with you the sneak below  from her photo session - there's more to come so stay tuned!

Special thanks to  Kat Tinney for her work in Erin's hair and makeup! 

The first time I was told I was fat...

As I pondered writing this post, I couldn't think of any other title. Because really, how many ways could you nicely title a story about the time that you were told you looked like you gained weight? Kinda limited on your options for sweet sounding story titles, you know?

I consider myself fairly healthy. Yes, I try and eat right, exercise regularly, and absolutely believe  that health is a gift to be treasured. I also believe it means balance which of course translates into moments of yes-I-sometimes-think-chips-look-prettier-than-an-apple." And chocolate? I'm a woman, 'nuff said.

This past weekend I was pulled aside by an individual at a party to be told that though I may not want to hear it, it looked like I had put on some weight. The worst part was the chuckle that followed the comment. 

And BOOM.  Just like that, someone just got bumped off my Christmas card list.

If I wrote cards. Anyway...

After playing it off and trying to graciously explained that weight-lifting causes some extra bulk, I walked away and continued to mingle with other folks at the party. But oh, man, that mortified feeling never quite left me that evening. 

Looking back on that  I realize that what bugged me even more wasn't really just what I was told, but the fact that I was so bothered by it and couldn't pull a Taylor Swift and just shake it off. Insecurity reared it's ugly head and was staring at me in the face with it's taunting grin -  no matter how hard I tried to strain and look away. I even went home and spent time examining my legs for any trace of cellulite. #pleasedontjudgeme

That simple statement of "I looked fat" suddenly had more power and hold over me than the more powerful truths of what God has said about me over and over and over again. That I am made in His image. That I am entirely loved. That I don't have to be a certain way to be accepted or validated. That He actually delights in me and sees me way beyond my physical attributes.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:14

Suddenly all that confidence I thought I had, all the truths I knew in my heart and mind momentarily went down the drain as a result of the rudeness of another individual. Yep, it was kinda sad.

And if I felt that bad over that one time comment, I can't imagine what it must be like for women who hear this kind of talk on a daily basis. About their weight, their hair, their skin, what they do, or don't do, how smart or not smart someone thinks they are, what education they need...basically, here is where your deficit is loser! Now go fix it. 

Needless to say, the struggle of surviving through hurtful and abusive words is real for many women.

What I reminded from this experience isn't necessarily that I should just try  not to think about it. Because truth be told, I just don't have that willpower. 

No, it's way  more than that. I am reminded that I can actually forgive the rude words of someone else because I am greatly forgiven by a perfect God for the times I have used my words to hurt, whether intentionally or unintentionally and even forgiven for a lot worse that I have done. I am also reminded that my security about how I see myself needs to be rooted in Christ and no one else because He is the only one whose opinion and love for me doesn't change based on my outward appearance, what I do or don't do, whether I feel awesome or not. And while that kind of love and acceptance sounds crazy and nonsensical, it's also crazy fantastic as well. 

So yeah, dearly beloved woman who might be reading this: I don't know you and you don't know me. And I know you're reflex is probably to kick the person who so lovingly said something awful to you (I had to restrain my foot as well, believe me). But I hope somehow you'd know that there is One who loves you entirely and regards you as way more than your outer appearance.  Take care of your health yes, but also know that He's crazy about you and His acceptance of you isn't swayed by what is seen by the human eyes. 

Nancy | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

I am excited and honored to introduce you all to the lovely Nancy! Her immediate smile and friendliness immediately puts you at ease and the more we chatted during her photo session, one will soon realize that one of the great sources of that smile and joy comes from her 5 children and 7 grandchildren. (Her grandson's public declaration of love for how his grandma makes the best brownies totally convinced me that indeed, Nancy is one special woman!)

I love and appreciate Nancy's honesty and even more so her willingness to share the great challenges and joys that she's experienced as woman. In a world where perceived perfection is so easy to hide behind, it is truly a breath of fresh air to hear out the intricacies of someone's heart and life experiences. 

Nancy, thank you so much for sharing that warm smile of yours with the world and for allowing me to see a glimpse of your world. May these photographs be a reminder for years to come that you are beautiful and uniquely made, both inside and out. 

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Many thanks to Ashlyn Taylor for her lovely work on Nancy's hair and makeup!

Who or what life experiences have helped shape you to be the woman you are today?

"Absolutely everyone that has touched my life, has helped shape that life.  I was married at 18, and divorced 4 years later, and had custody of my oldest two children.  In the next 14 years, I had two more children  and during those years, I worked, did Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, and one year of Little League for 3 of the kids.  I was a single parent with 4 children, when I met my second husband.  We were married almost 10 years when he died in a motorcycle accident.  My aunt died 6 months later, at the age of 96.  The day after my husband died, we found out my stepson was going to be a father. 

Baby Joaquin was born the following March.  The day before the one-year anniversary of my husband’s death, my oldest daughter gave birth to a son.  Those two little boys helped me get through that first year…. don’t know what I would have done without the little ones to focus on."

"I joined a singles activity club almost 5 years ago, and that helped me form new friendships, and getting back out in the world.  I also went back to school just a couple of months before my husband’s death, and earned 3 Associates Degrees in 3 years (all with highest honors).  I still have not dated, and am not sure I want to date…..but we will see what the future brings."

"Life is a learning experience, and each day you learn something new….if you don’t you will  stagnate."

If you knew then what you know now as a woman, what would you have told your 18-year-old self?

 "I don’t think I would change anything…..everything played out just the way it should have.  If I change anything, I would not be the person I am now.  My husband and I both had this belief.  We met at the right time and the right place to appreciate each other, and love each other.  If we had met sooner, we would not be the same people, and the relationship might not have worked as well."

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about my family, after that, my work, and my friends. I [also] love to read."

If you could share a message about beauty to other women,  what would that message be?

"I would say to take care of yourself, eat healthy, get exercise (even if it is just walking), love life, and enjoy yourself. Always keep your mind active, and laugh often.  Make friends, care for your fellow humans (and animals), and try not to stress over minor things."

A 2016 Mood

Happy New Year! Here we go, 2016...

Several things have me excited for this new year. A new website that captures the lightness and brightness of the style I've always loved, new opportunities to grow, to change, to discover, to aspire, and most importantly, to trust.

On an evening before my husband and I were to meet my family for dinner, we roamed the nearby Urban Outfitters shop, marveling at all the fun things this shop always seemed to carry from vintage turntables to tiny, Polaroid-like cameras. 

Their book section beckoned us closer and upon intent browsing through the collection of the coffee table books, I stumbled upon this little gem that oooh, I just had to have. *insert girly voice here*

Writing becomes even more awesomesauce, even more fun when you have a few little treasures like this book of writing prompts to help combat the ever-known challenge of writer's block. 

Today's writing prompt....

Describe your mood today in one word.

Hope-filled.

Suman, 2015 | Contemporary Portraits | Fabulous Series | Santa Clara, CA

"I am a strong and independent woman and mother."

"I was raised in a loving and caring family. My parents taught me to be respectful towards others, to be independent, compassionate, and truthful in whatever I do in my life."  

"A truly beautiful woman does not compete with anyone. She understands the values and strengths that she alone possesses and appreciates them."

"Our society is obsessed with physical beauty and many women are caught up in that obsession. [But] the irony is that physical beauty is temporary in every sense. 

"My greatest strength is my mom and two wonderful, loving sisters."

"My father is my hero and never preached, but led by example. Though we never had a lot of money, there was incredible love [in my family]."

"Being a mother is the greatest joy of my life."

"I am eternally grateful to my family and friends who have always stood by my side and taught me to believe in myself."

"I have tried my best to live life honestly and compassionately though I have been put in many difficult situations which could have completely brought me down."

"What keeps a woman eternally beautiful are many inner qualities like the ability to love,  care, and exhibit compassion."

"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."

Photography: Heartbox Photography
Hair/Makeup: Kat Tinney 

Preview | Nancy, 2015 | Contemporary Portraits | Fabulous Series | Santa Clara, CA

Everyone's got a story. And as a photographer and writer, I have the opportunity to share the unique beauty in those stories for some pretty awesome and unique women.

Meet Nancy.

Nancy is the type of person whose warm smile and easygoing laugh immediately can make you feel at ease in a roomful of strangers.  And for someone like me who immediately gravitates towards hiding behind the refreshments in a crowd, well, you can bet this personality trait is one that I absolutely appreciate!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph this lovely lady and am so excited to share a little sneak peak with you all - there's more to come so stay tuned!

Photography: Heartbox Photography
Many thanks to Ashlyn Taylor for her lovely work on Nancy's hair and makeup!

Margret | September Birthday Rewards | Portraits by Heartbox Photography | Bay Area, CA

As the cooler air starts to settle in and we teeter between the remnants of summer weather mixed with the anticipation of a new season to come, I'd like to take the time out to say a happy birthday to the September Birthday Rewards winner, none other than the lovely Margret!

Margret and her family were one of the earlier supporters of my endeavors with Heartbox Photography and to have that trust from people to allow you into their world in front of the camera is a gift I will never forget.

Margret, I hope you had a fabulous September birthday celebration. Thank you for always being so supportive and genuinely kind. Here's to many, MANY more beautiful years to come!

30 Days of Thanks | Day 10 | Sister, Sister

I  used to wish I were an only child. I remember the pink pages of my Hello Kitty diary being filled with complaining for my very unfortunate lot in life, to be in constant company of not just one, but TWO of these beings called sisters. These rants came especially on the days when a favorite blouse went missing only to be "accidentally" discovered in my sisters' laundry pile. Or during the times that the lesson of sharing was highly emphasized in any situation involving chocolate or toys or a chance at the Nintendo controller. One wrong, cross-eyed look sometimes set into motion a spiral of fights, slamming of doors, and a vow that you will never get passed my half of the room!!

The pettiness as well as the crazy fun of our childhood together as sisters makes me smile. I don't know exactly when it happened, but in the wildly-woven fabric of our story, of our relationships, as life propelled us into the growing pains of adolescence and adulthood, I am reminded, so strongly, that I wouldn't trade the two gals that God decided a long time ago would be my sisters. Like, I actually love them. #whaaaat??

It's crazy to me to recall when the fights no longer were about toys, but were about missed phone calls. When it became less about sharing clothes and instead about sharing time. When it became about marriage, kids, careers, faith, failures, victories, and facing the unknowns. When it became about being unafraid to say that, this is harder than I can express, you're my sister, and I need you in my corner. 

I'm thankful that my Hello Kitty diary rants and wishes about wanting to be an an only child never came true. I look back and realize that God knew, far more than I ever did, that having siblings would be one of the best gifts I ever received.

30 Days of Thanks | Day 9 | Modern Medicine & Miracles

I'm not a fan of visiting the doctor's office, the sound of the automatic doors that slide open upon entering a hospital, the smell of a hospital, the charts all over the walls that show immense details of your digestive system, your bone structure, and the colored-chart of your epidermal system. It's immensely unnerving to me how one place such as a medical facility could hold such pivotal moments for people.

However, despite my sentiments and qualms about anything doctor/medical/hospital/colored-charts/automatic-sliding-doors-related, I can't deny my gratitude for how modern medicine also plays a significant part of great miracles.

In a series of unexpected events of the past two weeks, some friends of our recently welcomed this little miracle into the world. He was a a tad early, but fought like a champ every step of the way. I think he gets that the fighting spirit from his momma. :)

Looking back, even if the medical world ain't my cup of tea, I sure am thankful that God's hands worked through modern medicine, weird-sounding monitoring machines, and knowledgeable doctors and nurses to make sure that mommy and this little guy could come home.

#30daysofthanks

30 Days of Thanks | Day 8 | Sibling Birthdays

My sister is a big of a nerd when it comes to her birthday. And when I say "nerd" I mean it in the most affectionate/loving/I-have-to-say-it-this-because-I'm-the-big-sister way. Even if it doesn't necessarily involve a huge birthday bash, jars of jelly beans or a rainbow-colored pony with some glitter, the girl will make it known to everybody and their momma that she's so happy because it's her birthday.

The thing is, she's like this with EVERYBODY'S birthday, not just her own. I remember one year, as we were shopping during my own birthday, she decided that it was important to announce to the sales associate at the shoe store that it was my birthday. Half of me was touched, while the other half of me wanted to give her a noogie.

As nerdy as she is, I guess I can appreciate her feelings about birthdays. After all, it's a celebration of life, the anniversary of the day God decided to make you real, to put forth His awesome plans into motion through you.

I love my siblings and for every year that they get to celebrate life, well, now that's something I'm always super thankful for.

Happy Birthday to my nerdy, little sister.

Oh, and this right here? A unique gift for birthdays or any occasion. Re-purposed keys that allow you to inscribe a message to the recipient and then meant to be passed on. Check out the story of the Los Angeles based company, The Giving Keys - they're just as cool as having a rainbow-colored pony on your birthday. Really. 

#30daysofthanks

Preview | Suman, 2015 | Contemporary Portraits | Fabulous Series | Santa Clara, CA

One of my favorite things to share with my clients is that even as a photographer, even I still get really nervous and shy about being in front of the lens rather than hiding behind it. I sometimes think that us as women, though hopefully we grow more confident over time, will always have a little sense of this shyness, this hesitation as part of our DNA. And I personally think it comes from deep down hope that we are loved, approved, accepted as we appear in the reflection that stares back at us in the mirror.

It's getting harder and harder drown out the voices of social media and Hollywood that says we need to be a certain size and a certain age to be considered beautiful and fabulous.  But perhaps a new style of photographs can help change all of that. One that says, yes, I feel more beautiful as I get older and wouldn't wish to reverse anything!

As I photograph more and more women who are part of the "Fabulous" Series - celebrating women who are 40+ in age - I begin to see how awesome it is to see their smiles unfold and their unique personalities come out in each photograph. Yes, there are still hints of that shyness but to see how it intertwines magically with the heart and soul of a her smile creating a unique image for the camera to capture...well, it's just beyond cool.

These ladies are brave and I hope they see that it's ok to be proud of your age, that it's ok to laugh at the quirks of each year that passes, and HECK YES it's totally acceptable to twirl around and feel beautiful in front of the camera.

This is just a sneak peak into the latest "Fabulous" Series photo session - there's more, so stay tuned!

Photography: Heartbox Photography
Hair/Makeup: Kat Tinney 

30 Days of Thanks | Day 7: Power Girl Books

People say to me all the time, "You have no fear." I tell them, "No, that's not true. I'm scared all the time. You have to fear in order to have courage. 

I'm a courageous person because I'm a scared person." 

- Ronda Rousey

I know nothing about the MMA (mixed-martial arts)...except that I would never willingly step into a cage knowing there's a good chance it'll be the last time I see my teeth.

However, when I learned about Ronda Rousey, I was immediately intrigued by her story not only as a judoka, not only as an mixed-martial arts fighter, or even as an Olympian, but as a woman whose story is paving the way for female-empowerment in a new way.

It's a little disheartening to see that young girls look up to other female role models based solely on appearance, the level of family drama broadcasted on social-media or their latest news-headlining vacation, or what they ate for breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion just like any other gal and yes, sometimes I get sucked into clicking on that latest Yahoo article about the scoop on someone's dating life. However, the women that stand out in my mind with the story worth reading about are those who are build their lives and careers around being advocates for women to have a healthy mind-set of their bodies, women who are fighters for their hopes and dreams, women who are real with all ups and downs, women who know that their work is influencing younger generations of girls for years to come.

I love reading and even more so, reading about the lives of individuals who are helping to shape the world for other women in meaningful ways.

Check out My Fight, Your Fight by Maria Burns-Ortiz and Ronda Rousey - I highly recommend it.

#girlpower
#30daysofthanks

Thuy, 2015 | Headshot Portraits | Saratoga, CA

Beneath Thuy's quiet nature and resolve is a wife, mom, and talented business owner behind Bay-Area based, award-winning Ha Design Studio. Her wide span of creative branding skills have allowed her the opportunity to work with various companies in different industries that include LunchBots, Pizza California, Three Sisters Flowers, and Holistic Legal Services.

But beyond her wide-array of accomplishments as a designer, the one thing that stands out to me the most is that she is supportive and a firm believer in being unafraid to step out, be creative, and be different. As a fellow small-business owner and woman, I learned that we shared a lot of the same hopes, aspirations, and challenges. During the chats/lunches we've had, I always remember feeling encouraged and hopeful, even daring to dream big once again. Whenever someone simply says to you "Why not?" as Thuy has said to me on more than one occasion, your mind can't help but start thinking about new ideas to try out and new paths to discover.

Thuy, thank you for trusting my camera and me to capture you in these photographs. Your quiet and encouraging nature is something I can't be grateful enough for. I look forward to more opportunities I can be a support to you the way you have been for me!

"A truly beautiful woman is someone who is authentic and true to herself. She loves everything about herself and doesn't seek external validation. 

Because of this, she radiates happiness and beams with joy. She is kind, daring, creative, intuitive, gentle, and strong all at the same time."

What is one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were 18 years old?

"You are perfect the way you are. There's nothing to prove. 

Have fun and don't take life too seriously."

"[I want young girls to know] that self-confidence makes a woman more beautiful than all the makeup, clothing and jewelry in the world. 

"When we put another woman down, we are putting ourselves down."

"Be kind to other women. Too often, young girls see other women as competition and try to cut each other down to feel better about themselves. 

I want them to [instead] know that we are stronger when we come together."

"The thing I most appreciate about my life is my daughter. I'm watching her grow into this little human and it's so miraculous. 

Seeing how much she looks up to me and mimics everything - I try to be the best person I can be."

"I want [my daughter] to know that she can have it all and have a blast while she's doing it!"

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for her beautiful work on Thuy's hair and makeup!