I've always had a love hate relationship with social media. As someone who believes in living in the moment, I never felt the need to show off every detail of my life and adventures.
But on days like today, I am really grateful for the power of social.
Through the world of social is how our worlds also become smaller. Everytime I connect with creative partners who also become friends, it makes me so damn happy. My partner in crime in creating this photo series is a photographer, artist, and do it all imaginative mind who knows her vision and needs no approval from others. Shayavia first caught my eye on instagram with her colorful and daring portraits that exuded energy, romance, and edge.
This is the funny and magical thing about meeting through social media, it's almost like a blind date the first time you meet. I found myself sitting in her make shift studio in her bedroom, and chatting with her while she works her magic on my face that was a blank canvas. I've always been a minimalist when it came to makeup, but Shayavia pushed me way out of my comfort zone.
"I've always had this in me. Since I was the only child growing up I loved playing with makeup and transforming people." For three years, Shayavia has been shooting portraits with her own hands as the hair and makeup artist.
"I don't like to look at the work of other photographers, because then I would be unconsciously copying those ideas. I like to let my imagination run wild. But I am very inspired by the Renaissance period."
I loved her individualistic approach, to art, to photography, and to life.
Sometimes I do find myself engrossed in this blackhole of constant social media streaming, and what started off as inspiration seeking becomes addictive information overload. We look so much to others and what they're creating that we sometimes forget to focus on our own visions.
So my challenge to myself this year, and to you all is to stop envying, slow down, and focus on our own unique purpose.
P.s. you can find my lovely friend Shayavia on instagram @g0ld_hearted