"Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here.” 
Sue Monk Kidd

Stories that matter

Joi McGowan is a force of tenderness, joy, deep emotions, and she gently but powerfully invites others to feel, show empathy, compassion, and heal. She is the cofounder of Resilient Black Women, a podcast host that works to demystify mental health for Black women, and a mental health professional. She has a passion for advocating […]

“I have to cry because she was not able to”

creative-portraits

The Styles 4 Kidz Gala was held at The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park, Il this year. They celebrated a decade of serving their clients, impacting families, and creating an amazing community in the salon. I was invited to visit the women at the salon for updated stylist images and group images before everyone […]

Styles 4 Kidz Gala 2022 celebrating a decade of change

organization

I have absolutely been loving partnering with other women building a photography or storytelling brand and business. I offer mentorship sessions in person or online (or a combination of both!). This was a natural extension for me because a core value of mine in life and business is being FOR others. I love offering and […]

Ekemini in Chicago & Mentorship

creative-portraits

I partner with Styles 4 Kidz throughout the year and the day of their annual Gala we had some family mini sessions in the morning for families that are impacted by the salon and the work of S4K. Styles 4 Kidz shares, “Multiracial, transracial adoptive and foster families lack the know-how to care for their […]

Families of Styles 4 Kidz

organization

Learning in visual storytelling and developing my craft and increasing my ability to connect and honor people’s stories is vital for me in my work. Photographers Without Borders has been a community where I have been challenged, encouraged, and learned so much. I was able to complete their Ethical Storyteller Certification course ad participate in […]

Dreaming in Color with women in Guatemala

featured

It was such a joy to partner with Dr. Bonnie last week to help her update headshots but we did way more than that with our Creative Portrait Session. Her company Xceeding The Mark goal is in “Helping Women Claim Their Place as Leaders — While Navigating the Blend of Home and Work.” Dr Bonnie […]

Dr. Bonnie is Xceeding the Mark

creative-portraits

In April I had the opportunity to head to Vegas again for an earned trip with some amazing friends. This year was so special as there were more women that also earned this trip and I treated them to a day of photography in some pretty beautiful locations. More about our small but amazing team […]

Vegas with my squad

featured

Sharing this story from World Relief: On a cold day in the middle of Illinois winter, the home of Samira* and her family has vibrant colors. Though the family only arrived in the U.S. a few months before, they have been busy. And much of what Samira has done is create. This photo essay showcases the […]

a journey of sewing new threads in a new place

featured

Laura Coyle has more than 25 years of leadership experience and is dreaming big and launching her new company LTC Strategies. She blends strategy, creativity, and empathy in her work and life and shares, “I am inherently a risk taker that believes big results come from being bold. I am inspired by advocates and change […]

“Big results come from being bold”

featured