Several weeks ago I had the great honor of participating in a photo shoot with four women. Each woman received a high-quality wig through Lolly’s Locks, a non-profit created to help women feel beautiful, even while going through chemo. Connecting with these women throughout the course of a day was incredible and moving. It was an eye-opening experience for me to see the grace with which these women spoke about the varying levels of their treatments and current prognoses. Most interesting to me, though, is the theme of the video – that it’s so much more than a good hair day.

I photograph beauty portraits. I help women feel beautiful. And for me, this is nothing close to vanity but springs from a place within that deeply knows appearance shouldn’t matter so much and yet alters our moods completely. I’ve always been the sort of person that, after having a bad day, wakes up a little earlier the next day and dresses a little nicer, takes a little more care with my hair. It’s not necessarily about looking great, but about the intention of taking care of myself. That investing in myself for even a few extra minutes will change the next day’s outlook just enough to matter. It’s so much more than a good hair day, or a good face day, or a good outfit day. It’s about choosing to excel. I think that’s why Lolly’s Locks touched me. Please take a few minutes to support this wonderful organization by viewing their new story!

To Tanyis, Julie, and Caitlin, my best wishes for you all moving forward. For heads and hearts!