12/17/2020
Really glad to be part of projects that help to share a story or bring awareness.
For the past 6 months I have been working with Native American youth, specifically Navajo, and boy is there so much to unpack with this demographic. Smiles are worth gold.
Here’s the story behind the shoot by the visionary Ashlee Skinner:
Self-worth is a big deal for young girls. Girls from every culture struggle with self-worth in a fast fashion world. Despite popular opinion, “feeling pretty” for young ladies is just as important as knowing you are beautiful. There is fascinating research on the psychology of dressing up.
This holiday photoshoot was an opportunity for the girls to dress up and “feel pretty.” The photos from the shoot were gorgeous. However, what wasn’t seen in the photos was the hard work and sacrifices that took place to make it happen. Many of the girls took leadership roles in coordinating the shoot. Some girls were makeup artists, hair stylists, costume designers, and creative directors. These roles required long hours and collaboration among girls who didn’t normally talk with one another. The results were new friendships, beautiful pictures, and a revelation of hidden talents.
In the process of coordinating the photoshoot, girls shared and borrowed clothes from one another, encouraged one another, and ensured each other that they looked beautiful.
The dedication, the sacrifices, and the spirit of love during the photoshoot allowed girls to not only “feel pretty,” but reveal the ingredients of true beauty—diligence and charity.
Photos by Chevon Petgrave
