I was three years old when the world wide web became available to the public. I don’t recall what age I was when it first became available to me. What I do remember is the confidence that came with learning how to communicate via typing. Receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia when I was in the fourth grade, I spent many years struggling with my reading, writing and spelling to a high degree. After years of learning and putting into practice techniques to combat my dyslexia I had loads of experience to reflect on. Learning how to type using a Charlie Brown children’s computer game designed specifically for this purpose, my spelling was dramatically improved when using a keyboard over handwriting. This keyboard confidence and my shy-in-real-life personality resulted in my seeking out social groups online. For me, a natural progression. From Xanga to Instagram, I have grown up alongside the growth of social media.
The path that would eventually lead me to suicidegirls.com started with a passion for photography. Having had my own 35mm camera to carry around since the fifth grade, I was excited in 2004 when flickr.com was launched. Although my flickr experience was relatively short lived for such a platform, I did receive one truly magnificent gift from the time spent - for over a decade I have had the pleasure of calling @zen one of my dearest friends. From high school student to business owner, she has inspired and motivated me each and every day! Although my creative path led me in a multitude of directions which eventually manifested into opening a community venue, I have joyfully watched @zen pursue with passion and endless talent her desire to make her living as a photographer. In 2015 @zen submitted her first set to suicide girls and became a staff photographer officially last year. She accomplished this while building a professional portfolio that has enabled her to successfully transition to a fulltime photographer with extensive support via suicide girls, personal and professional clients.
The passion and persistence @zen brings to reaching her own goals transitions gracefully into her support and enthusiasm of her friends and fellow creatives. Her encouragement and determination for me to find happiness, reminds me of my worth every day. Her unwavering certainty that I deserve to feel beautiful, confident and secure with myself has been a major factor if me finding my voice. Chrysalis is my debut set shot by @zen scheduled to come out in three weeks and two days and I couldn’t be prouder; proud of the accomplishments @zen has made in her career, proud of myself and the wonderful things I have achieved. I am grateful for the relationship @zen and I have built and absolutely proud of the beautiful work we accomplished together in creating Chrysalis! Thank you @zen for every piece of you is a blessing and every day is better with your friendship and support!
@zen @missy @rambo
