Audrey's Postcard

As CEOs, executives, and team leaders, you hold tremendous responsibility and power.

Yet, amidst the demands and pressures, it can be easy to lose sight of your own exceptional nature. We all have insecurities and may not always see ourselves as we want. But that doesn't mean we aren't extraordinary.

Almost ten years ago, my two nieces came to visit me in New York City. I was excited to share my city with them and, especially, to do a photoshoot capturing them at the pivotal ages of 12 and 13 on the cusp of childhood and teenagehood, a time when most of us feel somewhat insecure.

I've often imagined the impact the whole trip could have had on their lives—perhaps falling in love with NYC as I did on my first visit, or discovering a passion for theatre, art, or even elote (Mexican street corn). Read all about their trip and see some of the photos below.

Recently, I received a heartfelt postcard from my niece Audrey. Next fall she starts her second year in law school and will begin working for a child welfare non-profit this summer. She shared how our photoshoot profoundly impacted her. (She gave me permission to share this.)

"...As I change and adapt to this new phase in life, I've thought often of my time with you in New York in 2015. I don't think I ever properly put it into words, but you were the first person to make me feel mature and beautiful. Middle school was a time when it was easy to feel inadequate in the face of societal beauty standards, but the photos you took of Gravity and I helped me see myself as someone beautiful, even if I didn't look how I wanted. Thank you for giving me that confidence and self esteem. Love, Audrey"

I was a puddle of tears of joy. Yes! I was so happy to hear this, so happy that the experience of our photoshoot together had such an impact on her little soul. She was a tough cookie, smart as can be and held her cards close to her chest. I had hoped it would be something fun and creative and new for her, I am grateful for the impact it made especially at such a vulnerable age.

What are the moments in your life that shaped how you see yourself today? Where and when did you discover your grit, your wit, your strength, your empathy, your gorgeousness?

Even as highly accomplished leaders, it can be vulnerable to drop your guard and let yourself be seen, especially in front of a bigger audience. It can be challenging to recognize our own extraordinary qualities and lead with them unreservedly.

We often see ourselves differently than others see us, especially during transitional periods in our lives, like career transitions. While you may focus on your perceived flaws, others can see your true beauty and potential.

This difference in perspective can be incredibly powerful. Allowing yourself to be seen through the eyes of someone who recognizes your strengths and successes is not about vanity—it's about building confidence, self-assurance, and self-esteem. It's about letting go and being seen in a new light so you can grow.

Imagine the power of seeing yourself through someone else's eyes—someone who recognizes your true strength, beauty, and potential. Whether you're a 13-year-old finding your way or a 51-year-old leader, there's a unique magic in being fully seen and appreciated. Embrace that magic and let it transform how you see yourself.

I am grateful that Audrey shared what our photoshoot meant to her because it is what I hope all my photoshoots, on some level, do for my clients—lift them up and allow them to see themselves in their best light, so that they can lead with true confidence and unlock their potential to achieve extraordinary results.

Being photographed involves being vulnerable. It is a powerful act that unleashes what I call your gorgeousness. Your gorgeousness has the ability to change lives and any room you are in. It is what draws people to you and what expands the impact you can have.

Are you ready to unleash your gorgeousness?

Book a consultation with us here.

Check out our gallery of badass ceo headshots here.

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Cousins Not Identical Cousins.

Last summer I was so excited (and a little bit nervous) to host my little nieces, Gravity and Audrey, by themselves, for 2 weeks in New York City. They were 12 and 13 years old respectively. 

To prepare for their trip, I sent them each a set of activity cards I had illustrated and painted, to choose from for their visit. On the cards were Staten Island Ferry, Best donut, American Girl Doll Store, tickets to Wicked and of course an "official" HelloGorgeous.nyc photoshoot to name a few. For the photoshoot, they would not only star in it, but also be a part of the whole production: concepts, shopping, styling, hair and makeup.

Before that though, their New York experience started with a 5k run/walk for WEP, a visit to outdoor art in Coney Island, and a culinary tour including a stop for Elote at Cafe Habana and dessert at Canellé in L.I.C.

From the cuddly department at FAO Schwartz to the studdly shoe department at Nordstrom Rack. 

We left inspirational notes around the city one day, ate Pizza from Joe's, went to Staten Island and visited my sister's old apartment where I first lived in NYC the summer of my internship.

I had so much fun with them sharing New York and soaking up their youthful energy and seeing NY fresh thru their young eyes.

They are both strong, smart and independent-minded, and lovely with very different personalities. Both are straddling childhood and young ladyhood.

For the photoshoot, they had a blast shopping for clothes, trying on everything and anything, searching for sides of them to express. That's what clothes do, is allow for expression, but which?

We came up with ideas together, and they had fun styling each other and doing each other's hair and playing with makeup. (I guided and helped, but they did a lot on their own.)

They played versions of themselves, from the inside out. It was a spectacular.

At the end of our shoot they begged to have a second day of shooting instead of doing some of the other NYC activities. I happily complied.

Some outtakes of our photoshoot.

Playing and creating new characters:

Audrey embodying "Audrette" and other alter egos created by her and Gravity.

Gravity embodying "Gravetine" and other alter egos created by her and Audrey.

Inspired by their names:

Gravity discovering Gravity & Audrey at Tiffany's.

Now that they are in high school, all these images carry even more meaning for me. As they grow up faster and faster, these images are a mark of this transitional time and serve as a reminder of a special memory for all of us.