I had the honor of producing and directing a photoshoot in one of the homes my mother cleaned and nannied for over a decade—a space that held both the weight of sacrifice and the seeds of possibility. I titled it “Heritage,” an artistic expression of balancing the richness of my upbringing with the boldness of outgrowing the past. It became a way to confront imposter syndrome as I stood, both literally and figuratively, among my mother’s bosses—not only as their Housekeeper's Daughter but as their peer.

The low-lit, dramatic tone of the shoot reflects the gravity of our lived experiences, while the light illuminating the model—Marizen—serves as a powerful reminder that hope always shines, even in the heaviest moments. Rediscovering this shoot while curating my portfolio gave me chills. It always reminds me of where I started and why I can’t stop.

It’s a testament to resilience, to stepping into unfamiliar spaces, and to recognizing that we are the light in the darkness. No matter where we began, we carry the power to illuminate the world.