12/12/2025
Some professions choose you, and teaching is one of them.
I grew up surrounded by teachers—my grandparents on both sides, my aunts, my mother-in-law—and I’ve seen how deeply they pour into their students and the lasting impact they have. So when Aliyah was nominated for my International Women’s Day Portrait Giveaway, I felt instantly connected to her story… and so excited to create something meaningful just for her.
When we sat down to plan her portrait, I asked her my favorite question:
“How would you like to be photographed?”
As we talked, her passion for her students, her purpose, and the heart behind her 18 years of teaching came alive. And slowly, a vision formed—one rooted in joy, resilience, and the lasting impact of a teacher.
Aliyah shared this memory with me, and it shaped everything that followed:
“In 2020, I was gifted a beautiful print of my profile filled with butterflies and poppies—each one created by my students. It came during a year when teaching was turned completely upside down. My class and I laughed, cried, and somehow found our way through online learning. When I look at that print, and now this portrait, I’m reminded what this work is really about. It’s a privilege to show up for children every day. I wouldn’t do anything else.”
Her words became the soul of this portrait.
The students artwork inspired the headpiece I created by hand.
And the final portrait—an ode to the calling that has shaped her life and touched so many others.
Aliyah—thank you for the heart you bring to your work, for the difference you make every single day, and for trusting me to tell a piece of your story through this portrait.
Swipe to watch the reel to see our journey from idea → inspiration → creation.
