I was born and raised in Forest Hills, Queens, New York and I thought I would live there forever. Growing up in Queens was absolutely a blessing. Living in the most ethnically diverse urban place on the planet and being exposed to so many beautiful cultures at a young age probably influenced my desire to connect with others, explore cultures outside of my own, travel to foreign places, and never live a sheltered life. At the same time, the environment of New York City was also incredibly overstimulating… Millions of people, everywhere, all of the time, rushing around, always in a hurry, always hustling, different smells on every corner all competing for space in my brain took a toll on my nervous system. That along with a predisposition to mental illness, working three jobs, and a hefty amount of stress, lead to a manic episode and diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.

At the age of twenty two I moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to begin a lifelong journey of healing. The serenity of the Southern Lowcountry is where I found photography. First through photographing sunsets and sunrises, then through photographing birds, and now through photographing people. Capturing someone’s unique essence.

Photography has always been a major aspect of my healing journey. It is my passion. It is my purpose. It is my voice. When I’m struggling with depression and my world turns grey, I can return to my photos, to the feeling of the moment of the shoot. The temperature of the air outside, the aliveness is all right there in the photo. That is the beauty of photography. It freezes time. It allows us to capture fleeting moments, ephemeral emotions. Each photo carries a memory.

Photography is also incredibly empowering. As someone who was voted “Most Shy” in 8th grade, I’ve always struggled with being seen. It is vulnerable to step in front of the lens but it is also extremely liberating. To be seen fully, and accepted fully, for who you are, just as you are.

The first nude photoshoot I had done by a good friend completely changed my perspective of myself. When I saw the photos, I felt like an absolute Goddess. That is how everyone deserves to feel! And that is my mission.