Manifestation of Resilience and Hope After Abuse with Loyna – Dallas Frisco Family Photographer – Me Ra Koh

We are honored to introduce you to one of the most hope-inspiring Rising Phoenixes we know…meet the lovely, STRONG Loyna Howard.

WHAT WILL NOT KILL YOU, WILL MAKE YOU STRONGER

We hear far too many stories of women trapped in unhealthy, destructive relationships involving abuse. Loyna Howard knows that pattern all too well as she was the victim of domestic violence for over two decades. Incredibly, Loyna made the brave decision to stand up for herself the minute her ex-husband’s mental and emotional abuse turned physical; a decision that has changed the course of life for her and her children, for the better.

After 23 years, Loyna’s marriage came to an end the day the abuse escalated to a point of ‘no return’. Not only did she stick up for herself and her children by saying, ‘enough is enough’, she fought back! That fateful afternoon, Loyna found herself pinned to the floor by her ex-husband. Having chosen his addiction over his family, he was beyond reasoning the second he put his hands on her. Loyna managed to fight back and made it to her neighbor’s house where they called the police. She filed for divorce shortly after and has since started her life over – with more peace and joy than she’s known in a long time.

Loyna’s story is one of HOPE, of unthinkable strength and of resilience. She watched her ex-husband arrested and had to pick her daughter up from school with bruises on her face. She and her precious daughter hugged and cried that day. And as one might feel completely devastated and frozen in the unknown, Loyna’s spirit felt stronger than she’d ever known. Wiser than her years, her daughter said to her, “What will not kill you, will make you stronger.”

Oof.. that phrase alone brought tears to our eyes. As we spent time with Loyna, getting to know her and captured her portraits, we knew this Rising Phoenix story would touch and inspire so many lives through her tale of triumph and hope. She has felt God’s hand and calming spirit throughout this entire journey, and we have to say, we felt it too just being around her. Loyna’s darkest day manifested a resilience she didn’t know was possible. What a powerful testimony!

RESILIENCE, HOPEFUL, FAITHFUL

With the stress-filled year of 2022 behind her, Loyna embraced her first year of freedom with open arms. She dubbed 2023 ‘the year of resilience’ for her and her family. When we asked her what she thought her top 3 attributes are, it’s no surprise that RESILIENCE topped the list! She also described herself as hopeful and faithful. “You cannot break me down. I have covering, a shield in me that no matter what you throw at me, you cannot break me down. I’m going to overcome!”

WHAT MIKAYLA LOVES ABOUT HER MOM

We asked Mikayla what she loves about her mom. She told us that she LOVES her mom’s strength, her courage and her kindness. Mikayla said sometimes they practice Tae Kwan Do, and she’s always in awe of her mother’s (physical) strength but she wants her mom to know that she sees her mental strength as well. “When she’s working, sometimes mom doesn’t feel like she got much done, but I want her to know I see how hard she works.”

WHAT IS MOM’S SUPERPOWER?

According to her daughter, it’s her sense of humor! Mikayla says whether she is singing a simple song or dancing around, she’s impressed that even with all she’s been through, mom still sings and dances. And she has a good singing voice!

WHAT HAS MOM TAUGHT YOU?

When we asked Mikayla this question, she gave us two answers that we absolutely love. First, she says her mom has taught her about generosity. She’s always humble and very forgiving. Mikayla loves giving gifts to people and being in others’ company. She gets this from her mom. Second, she says she’s learned to be understanding. “When I’m sharing with her, she understands me on a level that is just awesome.”

WHAT ELIJAH LOVES ABOUT HIS MOM

Elijah describes his mom very similarly to the way his sister describes her. He says she is caring, nurturing, strong and kind. “It’s not just my mom going through a divorce…we’re all going through it right now. But my mom never stops caring for us. Even through all of it, she still took care of us. She hasn’t let anything stop her.”

Elijah says his mom works hard to make money so they can finish school. He has the maturity to recognize that not everyone is capable of going through what Loyna has gone through and continue to work as hard as she does. She does what she has to do, for which he is so grateful.

“We were in the car talking about everything that went down and I remember my mom saying to me, ‘Life does not stop. Do not worry about anything; nothing is going to change. Just keep on moving forward. Don’t let this affect how you think and what you do. Just keep on moving, Elijah.”

I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE HER

We asked Elijah what his mom has helped cultivate in him: “My kindness…when I was growing up, the way mom treated me and other people was impactful. I wanted to be just like her. Around other people, my mom is always laughing. She’s always smiling. And she’s always there when we need her.” We don’t think anyone could ask for a better, more loving mom!

WHAT GRACE LOVES ABOUT LOYNA

We had the privilege of speaking with one of Loyna’s dearest friends, Grace Hopkins. Grace describes Loyna as an incredibly strong woman who stays positive and has an immense amount of determination and goals for herself and her kids.

Grace shares with us how brave Loyna was after her altercation with her ex-husband last year, upon return from a work trip to Barcelona with her daughter. She remembers afterward being a dark time for Loyna but she stayed strong and positive and didn’t cry. “When I talked to her, I said, ‘I can’t imagine how you’re dealing with everything.’ and I was the one crying! I just kept saying, ‘Wow, you are so strong! If you need me, I’m here for you,’ but Loyna said, ‘I can deal with this. God is with me! I’m not scared at all. I know He will protect us.'”

Grace says, “Every time I need someone to talk to, she’s always been there for me. From the beginning until now. I have lots of friends but Loyna is the one I truly treasure and trust.”

We also asked Grace what she thought Loyna’s superpower is. Of course she said Loyna is a GREAT mom, a hardworking person and an amazing multi-tasked! She says she works full time and is always busy but never too busy to make time for her kids. She’s a great cook and she’s very neat (Grace says the most neat person she knows) and she has perfect organizational skills! Ok, we’re a little jealous about that one!

WHAT EVERYONE HOPES LOYNA SEES

We asked Loyna’s children and her friend what they hope Loyna sees when she looks at her Rising Phoenix portraits. We always love asking this to those who are closest, as they truly know the heart and soul of their person.

Mikayla hopes these portraits remind her mom how beautiful she is. Elijah hopes they remind her of everything she’s gone through and that she’s risen above it all and that nothing can keep her down. Grace wants Loyna to be reminded that though life is full of challenges and trials, she is a STRONG WOMAN! She says, “I want Loyna to be reminded of how strong she is; to keep moving forward, for herself and her kids. God is with you. Stay strong, be positive, be determined. You will be okay. Everything will be alright with God’s help and guidance.”

Loyna is celebrating her 50th this month! And we got to be a part of it with a special unveiling of her Rising Phoenix with all her friends!

It was so much FUN! If there is anyone that deserves to be CELEBRATED, it’s this powerful woman!

SEE HER RISING PHOENIX ARTWORK!

We asked Loyna how it impacts her to see every day!

“It keep me going every day! Like an inspiration…reminding me that I am not going to give up! I hope it reminds my kids of this too.. to be an example of what it’s like to never give up.”

These are above her desk so she can look up from work and be reminded of who she is! We definitely think these beautiful portraits do just that!

This beautiful collection is in her bedroom! The first thing Loyna sees every morning and the last reminder of who she is every night.

SHE CAME BACK WITH HER KIDS!

Once her artwork was installed, it has had such a powerful impact on her that she wants her kids to experience it too! So they all got to come back recently! Wait till you meet her AWE-some kids!

What a powerful story and testimony you have, Loyna. These are a milestone, a new beginning, to the greatest chapter of your life!! The time of immense warmth and sunshine after the darkness of the storm.

MANIFESTING RESILIENCE AND HOPE

Her fight is not over. But she has both a fierceness and a peace about her that is steadfast. Her story is the manifestation of resilience and hope. Loyna exudes fortitude and grace, even when weathering such a storm as this. It is truly inspiring and we know her story is just beginning and that her next chapter will be one of moving mountains!

Thank you, Loyna, for allowing us to share in your strength and capture a lasting piece of art to remind you always of just how strong you are. YOU are a true Rising Phoenix!

ARE YOU READY TO RISE LIKE A PHOENIX?

8 out of 10 clients are SELF-CONSCIOUS about APPEARING conceited or vain.

To have a big portrait of themselves in their home office, their bedroom, even their front entry, they don’t want people to get the wrong idea.

Cherie came from TN. We interviewed her friends and family. They all said she is STRONG! Every single one of them used that specific word to describe her resilience, what has risen from the ashes.

But she said, “I feel like if I put photos of myself on the wall, people will think I’m conceited.

I know people say I’m strong, I guess I just don’t see myself that way.”

The Difference Between Knowing the Truth about You and OWNING It

But Cherie’s friends and family want her to do EVERYTHING it takes to be reminded of it. They actually said, “When Cherie sees these photos on the wall of herself, we hope it makes her FEEL strong.”

That she OWNS it.

When you know it, you need to be reminded of the truth.

When you OWN it, you have an ENDLESS WELL to lend.

YOU GIVE TO EVERYONE

You’ve most likely given to everyone else. The time has come to give something transformational and lasting to you. Just read the following stories.

Have you achieved a weight goal? Read Jamie’s inspiring story of never going back after significant weight loss.

Maybe you need deeper healing from childhood trauma. You’ve done the counseling but still struggle to see the truth about who you are. You may relate to Tiffany’s story.

Jajuan flew from Seattle for his Rising Phoenix Experience! He wanted his daughters to see not only who dad is but where he’s come from. Sony spotlighted Jajuan’s Rising Phoenix story as one of the Best Of portraits in 2022! See Jajuan’s powerful story.

Or maybe you’re turning 40, 50, 60 or 70+ and want to reflect and celebrate who you are and the possibilities of what this next season of life holds? 

The first step is to fill out our Rising Phoenix inquiry; CLICK HERE.

MICHELLE FOUND COURAGE TO STEP BEYOND GRIEF

Meet Michelle. She is definitely someone who has known great courage. At one time, she was an interrogator for the US military in the Middle East. This 5’4 woman knows confidence. But the loss of her mom swallowed that confidence.

There are some seasons in life when we feel unshakeable courage and other seasons that leave us feeling lost. After great loss, it takes great courage to step forward. Maybe you relate to Michelle’s story.

MEET OUR OLDEST RISING PHOENIX

She was in her 80s and never had her makeup and hair done. I’ll never forget the giggles we had over watching Oma that day in the studio. This beautiful 4’9 woman came to the United States with Opa when she was only 23 yrs old and pregnant with her first baby. All they had was $50. Leaving behind family and all that was familiar in the Netherlands, they boarded a cargo boat and set out to make a new life.

Krista, Oma’s granddaughter, had a FIORIA family experience with us last year. When she saw us launch the Rising Phoenix Experience, she thought of her grandma. Oma is the heart of their family and lived eighty plus years as a rising phoenix.

Click Here to meet Oma, our oldest Rising Phoenix!

CRYSTAL DROVE TO US FROM LAS VEGAS.

A single woman who has always been known for being responsible and quiet, yet there is another side of her that wants to come out. A side that is brave and takes risks—that believes she is worthy of doing something special not just for others but for herself too. A year after her Rising Phoenix Experience, she sent us photos of her traveling solo in Europe! She told us how much her life has changed from seeing who she is every day when she looks at her Phoenix portraits!

What truth do you need to be reminded of daily to unleash your purpose and potential?

MEET OUR YOUNGEST RISING PHOENIX, A MIRACLE PHOTO SHOOT!

CLICK HERE to see the most miraculous Rising Phoenix portraits!

This is the first time Isabella has ever looked at the camera and smiled. This was a miracle photo shoot.

I’ll never forget my first Discovery Call with Isabella’s mom. She wasn’t sure this was a good idea because Isabella is very sensory sensitive. Photo shoots have never gone well in the past. She felt very hesitant to believe this photo shoot could be a success.

I felt her words on such a deep level. I didn’t want to set them up for disappointment either. But I just knew that there was something so special about this whole thing. I told her, “There are many doubts and fears I can struggle with, but this is something I am confident I can do.” She borrowed that confidence, and we witnessed a miracle photo shoot.

ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON, THEY WERE READY TO …

Rise above the ashes of what other people have said
Rising above their fear and doubts
Own their Rising Phoenix within.

Through our Rising Phoenix Experience, they not only did something special for themselves but also experienced transformation.

We invite you to experience the transformation too!

YOUR RISING PHOENIX EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Signature Phone Calls with You and Loved Ones (collection of words that give you life)
• Professional Hair & Makeup
• Wardrobe Consultation & Vision
• Rising Phoenix Photo Shoot with Me Ra Koh (Sony Artisan, Disney Host, and Live with Kelly & Ryan Guest Expert—You’re in good hands. I will pose you, and Brian will drop shadows and light on you in the most flattering way that radiates your Rising Phoenix.)
• Same Day Cinematic Reveal & Custom Design Session with our In-House Design Specialist
• Beautiful Artwork of Your Rising Phoenix, Custom Designed for the Best Place where it will Speak Truth to You Every Day.

CLICK HERE to fill out the inquiry and begin your Rising Phoenix Experience!

I can’t wait to speak soon! Still we rise!
Me Ra

GEAR USED

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