Crystal and Taren opened Cream and Sugar Coffee Shop close to where I live right around the same time I started this project. I as so thrilled to support a locally owned spot. When I went in for my first cup of coffee there I met Crystal and I fell in love with her kindness and openness to share with me. She also owns a spa called Grace and Grit. She was one of the first people I asked to feature in Heart and Soul project. She became the link that connected me to half of the Womxn I photographed. I am so grateful for Crystal.

Her daughter Bailey who has a jewelry business called Area 50Seven was at the shop when I met Crystal. I asked her to also be part of the project. I loved the idea of having a mother/daughter entrepreneur duo. Crystal’s business partner Taren, who also owns Sweet Petit Deserts also agreed to be part the project so I decided we could make their shoot a fun Mother/Daughter day so I invited Taren to bring her daughter Brooke to join us.

The four Woman were so fun to photograph. Here are a few of my favorites from the day. I cant wait to share the final painted pieces very soon.

Coming September 2020, ‘Heart and Soul’ is a photo installation project that was created to elevate the voices of some of Cincinnati’s amazing Black Womxn. Commissioned by Artworks and funded by FotoFocus I worked with 8 youth apprentices to make mini murals created with painted photos that will be wheat pasted on Black Owned businesses around Cincinnati.