A few years ago Sydney was an eleven year old girl who’s life was flipped upside down when she was diagnosed with cancer. She was just a child who had to grow up so fast and face one of life’s most difficult challenges. I look back to the year I started middle school and think, man those were rough years. I had short flippy hair, braces and had not grown into my body. But that was nothing compared to Sydney’s already challenging middle school life.
Now years have passed and the cancer is gone, but the effects are long lasting. The nausea, the frail bones, the anxiety, the fear, the sadness, the loss, etc. This year has been very rough for my sweet cousin as she’s suffered from anxiety, among many other health problems. For her birthday she just wanted a photoshoot. Knowing how hard life has been for her the last few years and specifically recently, I knew I wanted to turn it into something more than a small birthday shoot. I enlisted in the help of my amazing friends — the Cache Valley wedding industry. These girls were so quick to jump on board and help in every way they could.
- Tiffany Johnson Beauty did an incredible job making Sydney feel beautiful with professional hair and make up and the sweet experience she gave to Sydney while she was in her studio.
- SE Needham’s let her borrow stunning jewelry. The most expensive jewelry she’s ever worn around her neck.
- Dahlia’s at First and Third Market donated a STUNNING floral crown, despite their crazy wedding schedule this week.
- Mandy with GloMobile gave her such a fun experience that any teenager would love — a stunning spray tan.
- And the cherry on top was when the rest of the make up artists wanted to help too, but since Tiffany was already doing her hair and make up. They each donated AMAZING expensive make up + beauty products and wrote the sweetest, encouraging cards. Thank you Tiffany, Jessica, Tia, Jandy and Rebecca for making this the best birthday ever.
Not only did these amazing professionals who donated their time and talents touch me, but Sydney and her mother too. The emotions were strong, and the gratitude was off the charts. I love this strong little community I live in.
Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of.
May 20, 2016
Kylee Maughan
