Best Friends Celebrate Strength – Frisco, Texas – Rising Phoenix Experience at FIORIA by Me Ra Koh

Heidi and Carrie flew in from Cincinnati for an unforgettable and transformative experience. They came not just to celebrate their individual Rising Phoenix transformations, but to honor the unbreakable and enduring bond of their lifelong friendship.

This was more than a trip—it was a chance to showcase how best friends celebrate strength in the most beautiful, meaningful, and joyful way.

A Bond Forged in Resilience

Heidi and Carrie’s story began in grade school, blossomed as college roommates, and then took a pause when life pulled them in different directions. But when each faced the heart-wrenching and life changing decision to leave an abusive marriage, fate brought them back together. Their reconnection became a lifeline of hope and strength. “I was going through my issues with my first husband and had no support and didn’t know what to do,” Heidi shared. “When I visited Carrie, I found out she was going through the exact same thing. It brought us close to know that we had a shared experience. We weren’t alone, and we could lean on each other.”

Their shared journey is a powerful testament to the strength and depth of friendship. In every chapter of their lives, these best friends celebrate strength, showing up for each other with unwavering resilience, love, and humor.

When Friends Become Each Other’s Anchors

“Through all the struggles, Carrie’s always been easy to talk to and confide in,” shared Heidi. “I trust her that she won’t judge me and she’s there to listen and empathize with what I’m going through. We joked that we must be friends because we know too much about each other! With everything that she’s gone through in her life, she always seems to be able to maintain a positive attitude and just knows that no matter what, she’ll get through it.”

“This is in the hallway at the top of the stairs. It is a reminder every day that I always have someone who has my back. Someone who has been there and loved me with all my imperfections and through some really dark times. I know that no matter what, she will be by my side! I am forever grateful for her friendship and love!!!” shared Heidi. The words “Let Them” are inspired by the poem at the end of this post.

From Struggles to Strength

Carrie describes Heidi as compassionate, determined, very loving and STRONG. “Heidi would give anyone the shirt off her back and she’s always put others first before herself, even in her hardest times. Her inner-strength and ability to raise two kids in a truly abusive situation is so admirable. She worked night shift as a nurse and came home to stay up all night and take care of little kids. She had to continue to do that and it was an enormous sacrifice that she made for her own health and well-being. But she did it. She’s that strong.”

Carrie recalls witnessing Heidi’s strength firsthand. “I went to visit her in Louisville, and we were at one of her kids’ birthday parties. And I remember her saying to me, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I think the kids are old enough, and we’ll be okay.’ I told her in that moment, ‘You’ve got this, girl.’ I remember thinking, ‘Wow, she’s done so much for those kids, and she’s finally at the point where she can leave.’ I was so impressed with how strong she is and how much she loves her people.”

Heidi lights up when she talks about her best friend. “Carrie is so empathetic, kind, and extremely resilient. She has amazing love for her children—they are the center of her universe. And next summer, we will have been friends for 40 years!”

What Your Best Friend Wants You to See in Yourself

When asked what she hopes these portraits will reflect, Heidi’s answer is so heartfelt. “I hope they show Carrie how beautiful she is—from the inside out. She is an amazing, beautiful woman. I just love and adore her, and I cannot imagine my life without her.”

Carrie hopes these portraits remind Heidi of just how far she’s come and how strong she is. Even through all the hardships, she’s incredibly funny and incredibly loving. She never lost sight of giving to others. “I would want her to see the true meaning of our lifelong best friendship. For us to do this Rising Phoenix Experience together is incredible meaningful. We’ve gone through a lot the same things, so I would want her to look at her pictures and say, ‘Oh my gosh, that weekend with Carrie was just for US!'”

These are words only spoken when best friends celebrate strength in each other.

What’s Your Bestie’s Superpower?

We asked Carrie what she thinks Heidi’s superpower is and she said, “She’s very thoughtful, compassionate and loves to give others surprise experiences. She’d go the extra mile to make you feel extra special. Heidi surprised me for my birthday with a day with her, my daughter Caroline and we had pedicures and dinner and she planned a Rage Room experience. We broke a TV and mason jars with sledgehammers and it was SO much fun! She’s always hated her birthdays as they were always overshadowed. But she’s just now starting to like birthdays. I want to make her feel as special as she makes everyone else feel.”

What would you say your bestie’s superpower is?

A Weekend Designed for Besties

“To see these of Heidi and I every day…wow, just wow. It’s an incredible thing to see love, friendship, and deep connection we share. It’s an indescribable feeling to look at these photos and know without out a shadow of a doubt that Heidi will always be there for me and would never hurt me in any way.” shared Carrie. “We will be friends until we are no longer on earth and then we will be ghost friends!

I also see in our eyes that we share an understanding of what we both have been through with our exes. Parallel lives yet still some differences. To be able to share the Rising Phoenix Experience with her has been amazing. To picking out our outfits, listening to the kind, meaningful words your team obtained from our loved ones…I see it all in those photos. To have the weekend away together, just us, was also very special.

I feel like this experience has even strengthened our friendship and bond if that was even possible! I would do anything for her, and I know she would do anything for me. To see that every day in my home is incredible! I also say at least a few times a week “and DAMN, we don’t look 51!” 🙂

In every chapter of their lives, Heidi and Carrie prove what it means when best friends celebrate strength. Through every challenge and triumph, they’ve been there for each other, showing that even in life’s darkest moments, a true friend can help you rise.

One more thing about superpowers that we must share… 🙂

Little Surprise for Carrie and Heidi!

“Hands down, Carrie’s sense of humor and her smile are her superpower! I hope these portraits will show her how beautiful she is, from the inside-out. Everything about her is beautiful,” said Heidi. “She is an Amazing. Beautiful. Woman. Every time we’re together, we have a good time. We ALWAYS have fun. Carrie always makes me laugh. I just love and adore her and I cannot imagine my life without her.”

Carrie travels everywhere with her unicorn costume! Like all over the world! LOL

They Didn’t Just Rise above Pain…

Heidi and Carrie didn’t just rise—they soared, bringing their signature joy and humor into every moment. They even arrived for their photoshoot dressed as unicorns, filling the day with belly laughs and a contagious energy reminding us of the power of laughter in the midst of transformation.

I wish I could see their faces as they get to this part of the blog post! They didn’t know we had these unicorn photos made!!! I can’t help but laugh just remembering this part of the experience!

Seriously, is anything cuter than unicorn butts?!

Back to those dance moves! LOL

That laughter wasn’t just fun; it was healing. As they shed their unicorn costumes and stood in the light—both literally and figuratively—they opened themselves to a breakthrough moment of vulnerability and self-love. In that space, they celebrated not only their resilience but the beauty of a friendship that had carried them through the hardest chapters of their lives.

Heidi and Carrie didn’t just create portraits that day; they created memories, joy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be seen. The fireworks of that day weren’t in the sky, but in their radiant smiles, shared laughter, and the unshakable bond they’ve nurtured for nearly 40 years.

This Rising Phoenix experience was a reminder that true friendship is a powerful kind of love—the kind that lifts you up, makes you laugh, and proves, time and again, that you are never alone.

Are You Ready to Celebrate Your Friendship and Resilience?

There’s nothing more powerful than best friends celebrating strength—the resilience, laughter, and love that have carried you through life’s challenges. The Rising Phoenix Experience gives you the opportunity to create unforgettable memories, capture the beauty of your friendship, and honor just how far you’ve come—together.

Because best friends don’t just rise; they soar.

Like Carrie and Heidi, who found joy and healing together, you and your bestie will create memories and portraits that reflect the truth of your friendship every day. It’s not about vanity—it’s about celebrating your bond and the strength that has carried you both above the ashes.

What’s Included in Your Bestie Rising Phoenix Experience:

• Personalized Consultation: Signature calls with you and your loved ones to capture the words that reflect your connection and journey.
• Professional Styling: Hair, makeup, and wardrobe consultation to showcase your unique styles.
• Favorite Things: French Press Coffee, Tea, Mimosas to Start the Day Off Right with More Surprises to Come!
• THREE Guided Photo Shoots: One of you, one of your bestie, and one together! Cheer your bestie on as she steps in front of the camera to shine in her best light! Then jump in with her! A transformative Rising Phoenix Experience, where every detail—from lighting to posing—captures the beauty of you AND your friendship.
• Cinematic Reveal: The next day, come back together to see all the Best Of, help each other pick your faves, and custom design artwork that celebrates your bond every day!

Are you ready to rise together? Take the first step.

CLICK HERE to inquire about your own Rising Phoenix Experience Weekend for best friends.

To see Carrie’s Rising Phoenix Experience, CLICK HERE

To see Heidi’s Rising Phoenix Experience, CLICK HERE