Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

Senior Week—Claudia

Happy back to school, everybody! Iddy and Oscar’s and my Empowering Project is going strong. What is your advice to empower your younger self? Go to this link to answer that question for us, and also enter to win some super great prizes, including a senior mini session and a some Volcano scented goodies.

Go to the link HERE

Sunless tan glows by @quicktansunless, Quick Wash Laundry here in Lebanon was gracious enough to let us have a session in their laundromat.

Check out Iddy and Oscar’s HERE

Meet Claudia, a senior at Lebanon High School. When we asked her what her advice to her younger self was, here is what she said, “Chill out, don’t worry, everyone has gone through things, and others will understand.” The person who has empowered her through life is her mom. “The female that has made the biggest impact in my life would definitely have to be my mom. She is one of the most kind hearted people i’ve ever met, and that has always paid off for everything she’s been through. She is also very hard working and I look up to her for this reason because she has always been there for everything that i’ve ever needed even if she had to put herself second. She’s taught me so much, but one of the most important things is RESPECT, and one day I would love to have a family and give and teach my kids what my mom was able to give and teach to me. I will never stop learning from her!” Her mom sounds awesome. Have a great senior year, Claudia, and continue to empower other students with your words. Scroll for a look at her pictures. I love the crown!

Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

Senior Week—-Devin

Y’all, it’s the first full week of school Shout out to all the seniors for making it this far! Keep your head up, make good grades, work hard, and be kind. Iddy and Oscar’s and my Empowering Project is going strong. What is your advice to empower your younger self? Go to the link to answer that question for us, and also enter to win some super great prizes, including a senior mini session and a some Volcano scented goodies.

Go to the link HERE

Sunless tan by @quicktansunless, Quick Wash Laundry here in Lebanon was gracious enough to let us have a session in their laundromat.

Check out Iddy and Oscar’s HERE

Meet Devin, a senior at Lebanon High School. This one has a special place in my heart because I taught her in the first grade. Her little face looks exactly the same. :) I can’t believe she is this old. I can’t wait to see what her future holds. We asked Devin what advice she would give to her younger self to empower her, and she said, “I would tell my younger self to always be confident. Get out and enjoy high school. Don’t care what anyone else thinks. Join thing, get involved, dress up for the pep rallies!”

Devin also said that the woman in her life who empowered her the most is Joy Pine! Our sweet friend from Iddy and Oscar’s. I would totally agree, Devin. Also her friend, Meghan. Here’s what she had to say, “I think the first female that has inspired me was Joy Enzfelder. When I was younger my mother and I would talk about Joy's journey thru her mission work and Miracle Power. She inspired me at that point in my life to see the world in a different view and I knew that I wanted to be able to make a difference in some way, somehow. I ended up collecting change for a change and Joy was able to purchase a goat at Miracle Power. Today, I still hope that this had a great impact in some child’s life. Without Joy being an inspiration, I'm not quite sure that I would have some of the aspirations that I do. That brings me to Meghan, the woman who as of today probably has made the biggest impact of my life. I met Meghan through my mom when they worked in the hospital together. From the first day I met Meghan she caught my attention with her kindness toward others, the way she views things in a positive ways, her love for the Lord, the medical mission work she does, her fearless heart, courage and ambition to fulfill a dream to work at St. Judes to work with children. I can totally see myself walking in her shoes and she is someone that I inspire to be like.” Devin will be great at anything she chooses to do. Let her give you some kind words when you see her at school.

Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

Senior Week—-Allison

Like it or not, all the school is happening! If you’re a senior be sure to make this your best year yet. You’re about to go on to your future! Iddy and Oscar’s and my Empowering Project is going strong. What is your advice to empower your younger self? Go to the link to answer that question for us, and also enter to win some super great prizes, including a senior mini session and a some Volcano scented goodies.

Go to the link HERE

Sunless tan by @quicktansunless, Quick Wash Laundry here in Lebanon was gracious enough to let us have a session in their laundromat.

Check out Iddy and Oscar’s HERE

Meet Allison! She is one of the most free, confident girls I know. We asked her what she would say to her younger self to empower her, and she said, “I would tell her to wear anything she wants, go to anything she wants, don’t care what anyone else thinks. Make all the noise, sing all the songs, dance in public because life is too short!! The inner you is just as good as the outer you. Shine! Show everyone else how good you are.” I need this advice. All the people need this advice. Way to go, Allison. I love it!

We also asked Allison who has empowered her over her lifetime. This is what she said, “I love this, as a strong believer in women empowerment myself! My grandmother! She taught me not to care what anyone thinks about me, how to always take advantage of any dress up opportunity, my manners, how to make a cheesecake, never go anywhere empty handed, how to charm and make people laugh. she taught me it’s always okay to be the only one dancing or singing as long are you are having fun. She is the one that has made me the hippie child i am today. She has incredible strength and charisma to show me to take on the world one step at a time. I would love to be able to show young girls how to show the world that they are here to make a difference! Every girl has a fire inside them that needs to kindled to glow! I want show every girl she is beautifully made inside and out! I love to work with young girls to empower them and break them out of their shells and let them know it’s okay to be their true self.” Wow! That is all I have to say about that. If you see Allison in the halls at Oakland High School, she’ll give you a smile and some encouraging words. So proud of this girl for letting her light shine.

Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

Senior Week—Angelica

Happy back to school, everybody! Iddy and Oscar’s and my Empowering Project is going strong. What is your advice to empower your younger self? Go to this link to answer that question for us, and also enter to win some super great prizes, including a senior mini session and a some Volcano scented goodies.

Go to the link HERE

Sunless tan glows by @quicktansunless, Quick Wash Laundry here in Lebanon was gracious enough to let us have a session in their laundromat.

Check out Iddy and Oscar’s HERE

Meet Angelica, a senior at Lebanon High School. We asked her what advice she would give to her younger self to empower her, and she said, “Get out of your bubble! Get involved, and make more friends. High school goes by super fast.” Great advice. Angelica is into gymnastics, and her gymnastics coach has empowered her along the way by teaching her life lessons along with gym skills. She hopes to one day become a role model for the kids she coaches. Keep it up, sweet girl!

Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

Senior Week—-Joseleen

It’s Friday! You made it through the first two days. Iddy and Oscar’s and my Empowering Project is going strong. What is your advice to empower your younger self? Go to this link to answer that question for us, and also enter to win some super great prizes, including a senior mini session and a some Volcano scented goodies.

Go to the link HERE

Sunless tan by @quicktansunless, Quick Wash Laundry here in Lebanon was gracious enough to let us have a session in their laundromat.

Meet Joseleen! We interviewed her and asked her to give some advice to her younger self. She said “You’re smarter than you think.” That’s such good advice looking back on your high school years. Take that advice now, Joseleen, and be confident in your senior year! You ARE smarter than you may think.

Joseleen also says her mom has made the biggest impact on her. “I truly believe my mom has made the ultimate impact in the way I am today. She has shown me to be proud of who I am no matter what others might think. She’s taught me to have my own opinions and to never let myself be disrespected. I hope that I can pay it forward by empowering my friends and those who need to hear just how powerful their voices are.” I love that these words can also help others. You’ll see her this year in the halls at Lebanon High School, so stop and talk. It’s so important to be kind and do your best to empower others.

Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

Senior Week—Sarah

It’s the first day of school, Y’all!!! Iddy and Oscar’s and my Empowering Project is going strong. What is your advice to empower your younger self? Go to this link to answer that question for us, and also enter to win some super great prizes, including a senior mini session and a some Volcano scented goodies.

Go to the link HERE

Sunless tan by @quicktansunless, Quick Wash Laundry here in Lebanon was gracious enough to let us have a session in their laundromat.

Meet Sarah! She is a senior at Wilson Central High School. Her advice to her younger self (to empower her and you!) is to be confident. That’s so important now, girls. Be confident to stand up for what you believe in, so you can also empower others. Sarah says her mom has made the biggest impact on her life. She is always there for others, and Sarah will pass down that trait to her future kids. Sarah, I hope your senior year is awesome and that you have the confidence to make it fun, rewarding, and everything you need it to be! #theempoweringproject

Check out Iddy and Oscar’s HERE

Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

Senior Week—-Aniston

“God has a plan for you, and he will lead you wherever he wants you to go.” This is Aniston’s advice to her younger self. No matter how bumpy the road is, it will smooth out. Have faith. I love this.

Aniston is a senior at Lebanon High School. The person who has empowered her is her mom. through the hard times, she has been the glue that has held their family together. Aniston says her mom is super caring and is sort of a hippie! :) She wants to make her mom proud by “bettering myself and making myself one with god more. I hope to be as strong and courageous as my mother is.” Her mom is lucky to have her as a daughter. Sweet Aniston! I hope your senior year is the best yet.

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Iddy and Oscar’s and my Empowering Project is going strong. What is your advice to empower your younger self? Go to this link to answer that question for us, and also enter to win some super great prizes, including a senior mini session.

Go to the link HERE

Sunless tan by @quicktansunless, Quick Wash Laundry here in Lebanon was gracious enough to let us have a session in their laundromat.

Nashville TN Photographer | The Empowering Project

It’s Senior Week and We Want to Empower You!

Seriously. Iddy and Oscar’s and I have paired again for The Empowering Project! Keep reading for a chance to win some awesome prizes, and learn about our project to empower girls and women just like yourself.

We are kicking off “back to School” week with our empowering project to remind you that you are enough! We photographed and interviewed 7 high school seniors to empower you with words of advice. The question they answered is “If you could tell your younger self one thing to empower her, what would it be?” Stay tuned on Instagram and see the answers on our stories this week. @heathergraviss.photography Also @iddyandoscars. I hope their words stick with you, and help you to reflect on what you can do to empower yourself and others.

NOW for the prizes! Do you want to win a Senior Mini Session from Heather Graviss Photography or a Volcano scented bath bomb and hand wash from Iddy and Oscar’s? I know you do. follow us on Instagram, reply to, and share our posts. Then go to this link to share your empowering words and enter our contest: Click Here!!!

The link to Iddy and Oscar’s Give Back Boutique is HERE .

We decided to take our seniors to Quick Wash Laundry in Lebanon, tn for this session, and I’m so glad we did! So fun! I’ve always wanted to do a Laundromat shoot. We also stopped by the Mural, Let Love Fly, outside of Iddy and Oscar’s, painted by Abby Head. Hair and makeup done by the girls, and spray tans by @quicktansunless. Thanks, girl! They look awesome.

Please, please don’t forget to enter to win!

Lebanon, TN Photographer | Breast Cancer Awareness

Warriors

Oh, my goodness. These women. I can’t even begin to say how much I admire them, and want to honor them in this post. When Joy Pine from Iddy and Oscar’s told me her idea for this October photo shoot, I thought it was THE BEST idea ever…so we contacted these four warriors, and they jumped at the chance to share their stories to help others, even though it has been a hard, tough road. I’m sure it is sometimes difficult to open up and talk about something as scary as breast cancer when you are still fighting the fight. I am in awe at their bravery, kindness, and willingness to help others. Each of them has said that they would readily talk to anybody going through what they did and are. Reach out if you need a friend who knows the struggle. All four of them are brave, beautiful, and so, so awesome.

“The most important thing God has taught me through this is that this life we live here on earth is just labor pains…our eternity in heaven is worth every pain here on earth.” -April

“You come out with a testimony, the one chosen for you by a God who loves you with an everlasting love and will never leave your side.” -Debbie

“Enjoy every day. Live life to the fullest. I hope I can be an inspiration to just one person. God has a plan. He knows.” -Cindy

“Cancer does not discriminate. You are never too young for breast cancer. Being your own advocate is so important. ‘Do not be afraid. Just believe.’ Luke 8:50.” -Toni

Thank you to all that made this happen:

Iddy and Oscar’s Asante Masters Salon for hair and makeup