Friends photo shoot? Fun! Ashley wanted her BFFs to enjoy a date that involved playing dress up, colorful arty walls and being silly. It was the perfect girly time.
Ashley & Friends
Author Archive | souls.celiadluna.blog
Ava’s 3rd Birthday
I could end my post here, but I also wanted to show the kids partying. 🙂 Ava is the sweetest.
Drea, Alex, Marlowe & Puppy Waylon
These Holidays I couldn’t help to think how thankful I am for my journey in Photography. It has been challenging but so rewarding. After many shoots, I’m finally sure of what makes my heart sing and what I want to pursue and show to the world. I’m really passionate about my fashion photography work and I don’t see myself ever stopping, it’s never boring and always so much fun! But my very first love in photography was capturing candid moments which is completely different from fashion photography. It’s the other part of me, my sensible side (I blame my daughter for it). I find so much joy documenting honest moments and that’s the same reason that I want to keep doing it.
I spent a morning with Drea, Alex, Marlowe and their adorable puppy at the Farmers Market in Coconut Grove. I gotta be honest, even though I’ve shot family portraits before, I wasn’t entirely happy with the results I got from them. This time was different, I let this adorable family be themselves, and even though it was harder to control and I kept thinking “I’m totally sucking at this one!” I got photos that I’m proud of showing. The photos of this shoot were meant to be for another project that I’m working on but instead they reminded me of my first love, and I’m thankful for that! Do you remember what made you fall in love with your career initially? Pls share!
PS: If you still follow blogs you must already know of Drea’s blog but if you don’t have a look. She’s pretty awesome.
Travel: Chicago & Michigan
Jorge and I had a job up north and we took the opportunity to visit some friends and to also explore the city a little bit. This was my first time experiencing a true fall season. I was fascinated by the rich colors of the trees. I also got to see some of leaves falling in what seemed like slow motion and it was kinda magical. All photos are mine, except the one of me; that one is by Jorge. 😉
Travel: Orlando
I’m visiting 3 different cities this month. It’s been a lot of fun but also a little chaotic (hello, dirty laundry). Last weekend, my little family and I took a couple days off to visit Universal Studios in Orlando. Jorge has been trying to convince me to go for the past 2 years. I must admit, I’m not a huge fan. Crazy roller coasters make me sick and waiting in line for 1-hour for a 2-minute ride doesn’t really please me either. But I have to give it to Jorge, it wasn’t terrible, it was actually pretty fun! But what I loved the most about this trip was to see Luna and Jorge bond. Luna loves daddy, it’s the sweetest thing.
Travel: NYC
I just got back from a trip to New York and I feel like a new person. NYC always has that effect on me. I attended a photo workshop hosted by one of my favorite fashion photographers, Lara Jade. As I expected, Lara is not only talented but also knowledgeable. I really appreciated her pleasant demeanor and her willingness to share her skills. Attendees were also lucky to learn from Ashlee Gray, a fantastic photoshop retoucher that shared her tips and tricks with us. I’m eager to apply everything I learned to future shoots, but I have to remind myself that I can’t do it all in one day!
I also wanted to take some time to enjoy the city. I was able to see Cabaret, a broadway show starring Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams. They were both incredible! A must see if you’re in the city. I knew that I also wanted to include some live music into my itinerary and found out that Helado Negro and Sinkane were performing during my stay. Hands down, one of the best shows I’ve ever attended. Sinkane made me feel I was in the 60s listening to a bad-ass soul band. I got goosebumps during their performance and didn’t want it to end. You must check out their tour dates and show them some love if they’re playing in your city; you won’t regret it!
True Colors: Sandy
Sandy started baking sweets in a small closet in her house. Her workspace was small but her dreams were big. Little by little, with a lot of love, discipline, sacrifice and the help of her family she has built her dream job; she now runs a specialty cake boutique in Little Havana called Sugar Fancies where she bakes with her sisters. She’s not only an inspiration to her siblings but she’s also a testament to the rewards gained by following your true calling. I spent a day at her bakery immersed in Sandy’s sweet world.
LC: HOW WOULD YOUR DESCRIBE SUGAR FANCIES?
SF: The formal description would be a specialty Cake Boutique. In random words: yummy, loving, fun, pink, buttery, fancy yet simple.
LC: TELL US HOW YOU STARTED AND ALL THE STEPS IT TOOK YOU TO BE WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW.
SF: Like most of us, I started from home around eight years ago. Although cliché, I did start my love for the kitchen at a young age, however as I grew older I never thought I could turn my pastime into a business. I started from home with a few orders a month, and grew from there. I think what really brought me to view locally was when I attended a Foundation and offered my services as a donation. We had a great turnout: people really loved our product! With no more time to waste, I decided to perfect my craft and I went off to Pastry School. By no means has any of it been easy or a quick turnaround: on the contrary owning a small business is a constant fight towards achieving your dreams, and keeping the passion that fuels it alive.
LC: YOUR SISTERS ARE A BIG HELP, HOW DID THAT WORKING RELATIONSHIP START?
SF: I am extremely lucky to say I have a big and amazingly close family. My sisters were a big part of this Journey, as was my mother, father and husband. They have been the mere life and soul of my business, an incredible support-not only emotionally but also as a workforce. They got Sugar Fancies going. It was the love that only a family shares that drove this beautiful journey. My sisters were exposed at a young age to the art of cake design and pastry; it started as a game that turned them into my indispensable right hands. I am lucky we share the talent and love for this wonderful craft.
LC: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR SISTERS?
SF: Life is made of moments. Never allow anyone or anything to stop you from living in the moment, live your dreams today, don’t be afraid. Take your time and make the best out of your moments, as those become your memories and your memories become your life.
LC: DESCRIBE YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A BUSINESS OWNER.
SF: My greatest accomplishment has been to have seen our work recognized by industry professionals, featured in print publications and participating with the Food Network.
LC: WHAT ARE THE NOT-SO-GREAT THINGS ABOUT OWNING A BUSINESS AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THEM?
SF: The numbers! Tax Season is my least favorite part of owning a business. There is no numbers while creating art. However, being prepared and having a positive attitude can help you tackle anything.
LC: LIST 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO GET ON WITH YOUR DAY.
SF: Morning Tea, Soup (no matter the weather) & some type of dessert.
LC: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
SF: My family, my business and the love to my craft.
LC: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST WAY TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS?
SF: I would say, firstly, word of mouth, and social media.
LC: HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY?
SF: I like to get involved at a personal level. I like to meet every single client, when possible, to develop a connection with their visions and expectations. We love to provide an experience.
LC: IF YOU COULD, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF 10 YEARS AGO?
SF: You are enough.
LC: IF SUGAR FANCIES WAS 3 COLORS, WHAT COLORS WOULD YOU PICK?
SF: Blush pink, gold, nude and some grey. Sorry, I think I mentioned 4.
Thank you Sandy for letting us into your world!
Portraits: Alicia
Alicia is turning 16 soon and has informed her mom that she is cutting her hair very short after her birthday. Her mom couldn’t talk her out of it, but she did manage to convince her to have a photo shoot with her long hair before cutting it. One of the things I love about photography is that when people reach out to you to have their photos taken it’s usually for a reason and I love being a part of that decisive moment. Without further ado, I present Alicia with long hair.
Luna & The Ceiba Tree
There is a magnificent tree with very large tall roots close to our house. The first time I saw it, it gave me chills; I felt it’s energy and I was curious to find out more about it. It turns out that it’s a Ceiba tree and it’s sacred in “Santeria” (afro-cuban religion) because it’s thought to have great spiritual force. It’s no wonder people come and make offerings ranging from dead chickens to even a little plastic cake topper figurine, leaving them at the foot of the tree between it’s snaking roots. Whenever we pass by, Luna loves to climb it, this time I snapped some photos.
Music: Summer Mix
Summer is here! I’ve been listening to a lot new music lately that fits right in. Some cheery songs that will make you dance right before you jump in the pool and some more soothing for those rainy days. Enjoy!
Artwork and Photo by Moi