First Selfied Headshot 2018Love my crazy curly purplish hair and everything that it represents, the fun, the passion, the creativity! Once upon a time, in a land far away...haha just kidding! 

I've pretty much lived where I am most of my life, never straying far for long.  Which is definitely bittersweet.  I have a love for our hometown like no other, the people, the landmarks, the sense of community like it had as I grew up.  I'm one of the neighbors on the block that knows the others names, will let you know if you forgot to close the garage door, and if Grandma needs help shoveling her walks in the winter.  

Oops, off topic!  Apologies, as I often "squirrel" or track off into another conversation then going back to finish the first, or maybe not.  Maybe all was already said :) 

I believe the Universe, God, Momma Nature and all other beings out there, helps us with our destiny.  If we are willing to let them guide us, follow their leads, we will be destined for the best we can be.  We just need to put in the work, be patient for the results, and learn from the experiences that help shape us. 

Growing up, I was that super tall, lanky girl that was as tall as the boys, except I had a mop of curls.  Yup!  HUGE HAIR!  Yes, I hated it, it tested me every moment of the way.  Now, I adore it.  I am grateful for it, and I am thankful for my mom whom told me time and time again, you will love it one day Korena.  And of course, Mom was right! Along with that hair came the desire of color, and makeup and connectivity of emotions.  How those all fit together in the big picture, scientifically, I have no clue.  I just know in my world there is a fierce connection.  One that which helps me connect with so many other persons, in an endless degree.  I am also that person, that will compliment you if I see your amazing lashes in the grocery store. 

Squirrel...fast forward, get married, have kids, work from home, as I found a beauty supply company that was fantastic, helped me gain amazing products for my skin and my family's at a discount - It was heaven!  I took that to the next level, went to school and got my Gel Nail Certification, as well as my Make Up Artist Certificate.  I am a happy little clam!  Then, it happened.  THAT Beauty company shut down.  ACK!!  What to do?? Pause story.

As the years went on, through junior high and all, I always loved taking pictures.  I am one of those people that have almost a hundred photo albums still from the old days, of the years gone by.  All of the trips we took, the places we seen, the people and concerts we experienced, ahhhhhhh it was great! Off n on again, as our kids were growing, I would often have my camera with me, and time n time again - Korena, can you take a pic of this - or can you take our picture?  Sure! Absolutely :) My heart warmed.  Weddings, Graduations, Events, Birthdays, sigh, even funerals.  :(  Alas dust to dust, ashes to ashes.

Un-pause story...once I realized the beauty company was in fact done.  It was hard.  It was like I lost a member of my family, or a divorce or something of major magnitude.  I couldn't believe it.  It felt like a death, there was a deep sense of loss.  I couldn't believe how much of my heart went to that company, the people, the products, the all!  Fast forward through all the emotions and grieving processes, I now needed to find an income.  What to do?

Keeping in mind, along my journey, my health has been much like a roller coaster.  Ups n downs, twists n turns, loops, long, slow stretches of up hill climbs, then super speeding fast descent, followed with a JOLT of stopping, then a gentle coasting forward.  YES, that has been my health.  All through the beauty time of my life, to the having kids part, and now the next phase of my life.  Along with inner health challenges, there was outer ones too.  My spine, neck, legs all have had their share of tricky moments.  I am currently awaiting assessment for surgery to see if I am able to get more "life" back into my step.  I could go into great detail here, you could also start snoring.  Ha ha.  For real though, life has thrown a chunk of curve balls at me, speed bumps, and obstacles; as I gently assess and maneuver through, or around them, perhaps even over them, I will find a way to reach my goals. 

This is how Photography came to Me.  I realized that I could no longer physically do a "normal/average 9-5 job".  My body and health requirements do not allow it.  How can I still help my family, and my soul, and even others? Light bulb moment - Of course!!  Taking photos!  I love it, I am able to share my passions with others, help others see the best within themselves, while still leaning on my Beauty Industry knowledge.  Knowing, understanding the hair and makeup angles, the importance healthy skin plays in photos, as well as how the photos will turn out in the end is a super awesome combo in my eyes.  I am grateful for my journey, the chapters and challenges I have had.

I have learned to go with the flow.  What we plan, may not happen. It may happen sooner or may be later, or not at all.  Which ever be the case, it's the grand plan of the Universe.  We are here to enjoy, learn, and respect it all.  Sharing and loving each other as our days are not promised, they should be enjoyed as we remember them.  I am big on connections, and keeping a pace that is good for everyone as moments happen too quickly sometimes we don't even realize the moment passed, or "that" happened, until we are looking back at the memories.

As you grow to know me, you will learn that my health, your health, is one that I will always gravitate towards.  Whether it be your internal or physical health, emotional or your spiritual health, they are all super important.  Sure, when I take photos of mud or truck events, it may seem weird about Healthy Inspirations ... however, inspiring to keep your heart and soul happy and healthy - has plenty of part in the happenings at that event.  Seeing the look on your face as your machine rips past everyone in the mud race, and being able to freeze time with that photo!  Or the look on the parents face, when your child is sharing the blanket with their sibling, or them looking back at you with love & adoration; those treasured moments in time,  that we created together, the emotions and connections we were able to capture. 

Thank you for reading along with me today and getting to know a bit about how photography came to me!

Self Portrait Fall 2019Self Portrait from my Red Dress Creative Project, the first of many projects that will be coming our way...