Growing up in Arkansas, I modeled myself after the women in my life. It was important to me to make thoughtful choices about who I would be and how I would present myself. I balanced between making choices based on the external expectations I felt from others and the expressions I knew I carried within.

Challenges and profound transformation have prompted me to grapple with, mourn, and celebrate my evolving identity. With this change has come intentionality.

Photos by Loam