I’ve been (not so patiently) awaiting this issue of Latin Beauty Magazine so that I could share this series of photos I did in collaboration with Lance Reis of Kick Ass Designs , Megan Blake Beauty , & Roots & Crowns PDX!

Publication Tear Sheet: Latin Beauty Magazine/ @latinbeauty_100

My late grandmother, Theresa, inspired this shoot. Memories of her favorite holiday, Halloween, and telling me and my sister about Día de Los Muertos. Celebrating and honoring loved ones who have moved on from this world.

We are of indigenous Mexican heritage and while I unfortunately grew up disconnected from my Spanish speaking relatives in New Mexico, my grandmother made sure to teach us about Aztec & Navajo culture. I, like most pre-teens in America, took my rich and diverse ethnic background for granted and am NOW trying to educate myself and reconnect with those cultural traditions so that I can pass them on to my daughter.

I wasn’t able to attend my grandmother’s memorial & I suppose that may contribute to the lack of closure I felt even years after she passed. She was more than my beloved “Grandma Theresa”…she was my soul sister who was enchanting and magical. I could never describe how closely we were connected but anyone and everyone who met us saw that bond.

This shoot, albeit less traditional Día de Los Muertos style, allowed me to honor her life in a lovely & reposeful way. I think it’s also worth mentioning that this shoot, her birthday, day of passing, and Día de Los Muertos, all occur(ed) in October.

It is now a family goal to celebrate Day Of The Dead every year, displaying pictures on our mantel of our loved ones that have passed, lighting candles, painting our faces, and wearing bright beautiful flowers in our hair. Keeping the sweet memories near our hearts & celebrating the exquisitely beautiful lives they lived.

Thank you to everyone involved in this shoot and to Latin Beauty Magazine for publishing our photos!! I feel incredibly privileged to be featured by an inclusive magazine that provides a platform and creates space for Hispanic/Latinx artists.