Honest Beauty - Sonia Vera

Some connections happen naturally. A few years ago, a mutual friend told me about someone new to New York—a model and swimwear brand founder with a remarkable story. She had recently moved to the city and didn’t know many people, so our friend encouraged me to reach out.

We met, talked for hours, and quickly clicked. She shared her story with me—how, one day, she woke up paralyzed. It was a one-in-a-million condition that changed her life overnight. Since then, she has used a wheelchair, but her presence, strength, and beauty have remained just as powerful—if not more so.

After hearing everything she had been through and how much she missed being in front of the camera, I said, Let’s shoot. Let’s make something honest. Something that reflects both the challenges she’s faced and the incredible energy she still carries.

This experience made me reflect on how fragile our lifestyle and health are. In a moment, everything can change. That’s what I saw in her—and through her stories of strength and persistence, I’ve come to admire how she keeps showing up, trying, moving forward. She’s a beautiful soul.

The images we created are more than portraits—they’re a tribute to resilience, to identity, and to the courage it takes to keep going.

This wasn’t just a photoshoot. It was a collaboration rooted in trust and truth. And I’m grateful to have captured a glimpse of the light she carries.