Celebrating Milestones and Motherhood

Welcome to my first blog post! After living in my mind for months, it's finally here, live on my website. As a mompreneur, I couldn’t think of a better way to kick things off than by celebrating a fellow mom friend who I admire deeply for her courage, resilience, and strength of character.

Dr. Reshma Jeril’s PhD Graduation Day

Dr. Reshma Jeril recently graduated with a PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where her research focused on neuroscience, motor learning, cognition, and motor application. I was thrilled to capture this milestone for her and her family with an extended family photo session! We met in Milwaukee’s vibrant Third Ward neighborhood right after her graduation ceremony. She was accompanied by her husband, parents, brother, and her two energetic kids, and together we created memories to honor this significant day.

Before I tell you about Reshma's inspirational story, let me write about some thoughtful actions Reshma took to ensure our session went smoothly. As you read on, you'll notice that these steps seem small, simple and oh-so-obvious, but they truly can make all the difference in creating a successful photoshoot. *** hint: families with little ones, please take note! ***

1. Feeding the Kids: Reshma made sure her kids were well-fed before the session. Right after the ceremony, they headed to the Third Ward, parked near our meeting spot, and popped into a café to feed the kids. This helped them stay happy and ready to smile for the camera!

2. Staying Connected: A few days before the session, Reshma shared her husband's contact information with me, just in case she was too busy to coordinate on the day. This small detail made communication so easy and stress-free for everyone.

3. Vision with Flexibility: Reshma came to me with a clear vision: she wanted to start with a family shoot in a location that truly represents Milwaukee, followed by solo portraits at UWM, capturing the spaces that had shaped her academic journey. Yet, she was also open to suggestions from both her kids and me, which gave our session such a natural and joyful flow.

And here are some of my favorite shots with her family. (P.S. Keep scrolling to read about Reshma's PhD journey!)

A Journey of a Thousand Steps: Reshma's Path to Success

After our family shoot at the Third Ward, Reshma and I took a ten minute drive together to visit her favorite spots on the UWM campus. During that short ride, I learned so much about her story and her incredible strength. She began her PhD journey while pregnant with her second child, with a three-year-old daughter at home, all while her husband worked and lived in another state.

Reshma vividly recalled the day she interviewed with her doctoral advisor, who, knowing she was pregnant, still offered her a chance to join his lab. He believed in her, supported her when she needed it, and saw potential beyond just finding the "smartest" person for his lab—he truly valued giving opportunities. And as I'd like to think of it, he has the instincts to recognize raw talent and the dedication to nurture it.

When I asked Reshma about the biggest lesson she learned from her journey, she shared, "You don’t have to be aggressive to be successful. You can be kind and succeed together." Despite facing pressure to leave and settle for a Master’s degree multiple times, Reshma trusted her instincts and kept moving forward.

Now, when Reshma looks into her daughter’s eyes, she’s reminded of those early days when they walked this journey together. Her daughter never complained, adapting effortlessly to the demands of Reshma’s schedule. Just one month postpartum with her second baby, Reshma would leave home at 6 a.m., leaving back her newborn son with her mother, who had traveled to stay with them for a few months to help. After dropping her daughter at daycare, she would make it just in time for her 7:30 a.m. class. Of course her achievements today are a testament to her dedication, but they’re also the result of the support she received from her village—her parents, in-laws, and the professors at UWM who stood by her. In the photos below, you’ll see Reshma wearing beautiful pieces of jewelry, each one a meaningful gift from her family to celebrate her on this special day.

And I'll close now with one of my favorite quotes - "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations."