A Collaboration for an Extra Special Crown

2 years ago, while covering the Asian Food Fest in Cincinnati, I met Jill Jaiswal. Jill is a henna artist with Jaiswal Design, and like myself, she enjoys donating her talents throughout the community.

On several occasions, Jill and I discussed joining forces to reach out to cancer patients within our communities.  Inspired by similar organizations, we’d hoped to provide portrait sessions to patients that would capture beauty during a not so beautiful moment in their lives.  Alongside the picture taking, Jill would provide a therapeutic henna session, featuring henna designs and applications at the individual’s discretion.

This is Ira.  (Ira happens to be friends with Jill.)

Ira was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer on February 26th, 2014.

And Ira agreed to be the face of our “Henna for Heroines” project!

So, on a sunny Sunday in May, a bunch of people met in historic downtown Milford, at The Picture Party Place studio.  Alongside myself, Jill, and Ira, we were joined by photographer and owner of The Picture Party Place, Caroline; make-up artist, Kendall; videographer and founder of Charity Media Cincinnati, Mike; and Gillian, Ira’s teenage daughter.  Everyone gathered to volunteer up their time, and donate their talents to bring our very first “Henna for Heroines” portrait session together.  The day was simply awesome.

And so here she is!

www.eclecticallyforyou.com/henna

So now we are putting this collaboration out there to hopefully bring more people in.  And at the very least, to inspire…

To nominate a survivor for a “Henna for Heroines” session, please click here.

If you are planning to walk at this year’s Race for the Cure on September 14th, please make sure to stop by my booth, say “Hi!” to my grandma, and maybe get a bit of henna art from Jill.  And make sure to watch for Ira and her posse, as she takes part in her first Komen walk.  *If you haven’t registered yet, make sure to use coupon code: Eclectically2014 to save $10.

 

“Thank You!”
-to Jill for your amazing artistry and wonderful nature.
-to Caroline for opening up your studio and keeping my pregnant butt company (ice cream and all.)
-to Mike for documenting the day and talking lenses with me.
-to Kendall for making a beautiful woman feel even more beautiful.
-to Ira for sharing her story and her beauty.