Portraits of the Warriors – Breast Cancer Survivors

As October comes to a close, I wanted to shine one more light on the warriors who made it to the other side of Breast Cancer. In a time where the negative, painful, tragic side of life lives in the spotlight, I wanted to make a space to celebrate the beautiful, the powerful & the inspirational pieces that life has to offer. Thanks to Oneika J. Shelby Events, I was able to meet three lovely women in the Houston area who fought the good fight and came out on top.

Juanita, Demetra & Iman (and her gorgeous daughter Vivian) arrived to my home studio in Pearland, TX and were treated to a professional makeup experience by Shannon Michea. Shannon is such a beautiful person, inside and out, and that light is evident in her work.

Once the ladies were all glammed up, they sat down together for a candid conversation about their experiences with breast cancer, what they wish they knew while they were going through, and how they have been reaching back to help those who are currently fighting their way through that vicious disease. They shared from the heart and it was difficult to hold back the tears, just listening to them. I was able to film their conversation and other portions of the day, and am excited to release the final product in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned. But for now, enjoy some of the images that these lovely ladies helped me to create.

Iman is the definition of the young warrior. Being diagnosed so early and still having to work and take care of her little girl shows the grit and determination that is engrained in her. I am amazed at how her positivity has overflowed onto her daughter, who looks like she just may be a future ballerina. Brown Girls Do Ballet, watch out for this little one!

Ms. Juanita was so regal and full of grace. I loved hearing her speak of her family and all of her efforts in helping newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. I pray that all that she pours into others is returned to her 100-fold.

Ms. Demetra has the most pleasant, bubbly personality of anyone I’ve ever met. She was full of smiles the entire day and even helped us with posing the other ladies! I am so glad to have met these three gems.

This celebration of these three beautiful souls would not have been possible without my friends & fellow photographers Brandi of Brandi Ali Photography and Sierra of Sierra Collins Photography. Brandi is right here in Pearland with me, and Sierra just happened to be in town from Greenville, South Carolina and came through to help these survivors feel like royalty. The three of us are a part of the Queen Photographers, which is a group of women of color photographers around the nation who have connected with each other to share experiences, elevate their businesses, improve their art, and build a supportive community. It is the epitome of #communityovercompetition, and I’m glad we were able to come together on this day to do something special for three deserving ladies.

The ladies kept commenting throughout the day how much like celebrities they felt with all the pampering and photos being taken. Well, let me tell you, it was our pleasure. Thank you for your strength, for your courage, and for being the sources of inspiration that you are. We wish you the best of health, the best of love and the best of life as you continue your journeys. Stay strong and keep the faith.

Live in Love,
Keda