2025 was a big year. There were challenges, fun and difficult discoveries, and hard truths that allowed an amazing path to clarity. I love doing these reflections, and as I look back on this year, I realize I really did A LOT! Looking to give myself grace for all the goals I achieved, and for the ones I have not yet completed.
Winter
The year kicked off with a couple of fun surprises!
First, two of my favorite photographers Aaron Jay Young and Jonny Edwards were hosting a studio workshop in LA. A lot of these workshops pop up within weeks of happening, and I knew I wanted to learn more from them. The workshop was AMAZING!
Pecha Kucha’s 22nd Anniversary
Just a week after my LA adventures, I was invited to speak at Pecha Kucha Tokyo’s 22nd anniversary. The Pecha Kucha presentation method is such a unique approach to presenting and pitching: 20 slides, 20 seconds each. Spending the month curating my images and perfecting my message was such a fun challenge. It reminded me of my presentation at Founder’s Peak two years prior.
February was also Black History Month in the United States, and Lakeland University invited several Black professionals from design to culinary, photography to writing, and beyond to answer questions from curious undergraduates studying in Tokyo! I don’t think it’s hit me yet that I’m at a point where I can inspire or teach another to be creative, but I am grateful that the team at Lakeland University thought so!
Lakeland University
Run for the Cure Pink Ball 2025
I am still pinching myself over this. Sitting at the main table with Run for the Cure Founder Vickie Paradise Green while being featured to almost 300 distinguished guests at the annual Pink Ball Fundraiser. My Kintsugi Reclaimation Portrait Series of my first participants were 6 phenomenal breast cancer survivors. This recognition has encouraged me to invite more people to share their stories of overcoming physical or mental trauma through the traditional Japanese art form of Kintsugi. We’re currently seeking sponsorship to help more people participate freely.
Spring
Remember Obama, Fukui? Going back to photograph the phenomenal Shion Yuasa, the professional ballerina who graciously agreed to travel with me to find wonderful locations to capture her essence, surrounded by nature and soft rain. I am still in awe of the magic we created! I could not have done this shoot without Sean Brecht and the amazing Mikoshiba-san! I hope to return to this wonderful and secluded gem again in the new year.
AARP Wish of A Lifetime-Sherry
Summer
I had been curious about onboarding help and I got my chance with Jenai, TOPTIA’s first intern. I’m naturally an introvert and the idea of working with someone on a daily basis. It was so much fun getting to know Jenai and seeing her excited about adding value to TOPTIA’s day-to-day workflow. It’s gotten me excited for next summer when new interns return to Tokyo for 2026!
Kintsugi Reclaimation 2025
Spending time with some amazing people who were willing to share their stories with us for my Kintsugi Reclaimation portrait series. We’ll be continuing this series to welcome more voices. If you know anyone who wants to share their story and reimagine their body as beautiful and unbroken, please share with them our information and contact details, info@toptia.com.
Headshot Marathon in Tokyo
I’m going to put together the Headshot Marathon Day in Tokyo after my Headshot Marathon Day the previous summer in Charlotte, NC. 6 participants came to our rented studio in Shinjuku! Jenai and Kenny were rock stars throughout the whole day!
I’m currently in talks with a local acting school to host a headshot marathon day for aspiring actors in Tokyo next Spring!
Working with Creatives
This was a fun part of the year. Working with aspiring models, actors, and even established creatives who are looking for more expressive and polished portfolios for their agencies or potential projects.
Fall
I loved seeing my grandparents in Japan, in my neighborhood, my house, seeing how I’ve been living these past 14 years! My grandparents are my true north in many aspects of life. If I can become half as good a person as they are, everything else in life is the cherry on top.
The GaijinPot Expo
I have never participated in an expo. I’ve had mentors encourage me to set up a booth, but I’d always been hesitant. I never thought guests would be interested in engaging with the information presented. Still, a friend of mine who was working for the expo encouraged me to participate. I am so glad I did! It was so much fun! Even with a lost voice, I had so much joy in sharing TOPTIA’s story and encouraging other curious creatives on how I’d gotten to where I am. Excited to participate in another expo!
A Special Thank you to some pretty fabulous TOPTIA cheerleaders!
Catherine O’Connell, Helen Iwata, Jennifer Shinkai, Mari Ono, Sarah Furuya, Blain Armstrong, and Sean Brecht.
This year would not have been as adventurous and so full of growth without the seven of you. Each of you saw this incredible potential in me that I often don’t see in myself. I often reflect on how impactful your trust and friendship with me is, and they are great reminders that my studio and my team are worthy of being here in Tokyo, just like anyone else.
I’m entering the new year ith my head held high was clarity and focus. It’s a long way from where TOPTIA began 10 years ago and I can’t wait to see where TOPTIA goes in the next 10 years.
My Team
I am 100% grateful to the fantastic team members who have helped me create great experiences for the over 130 photo sessions I have photographed this year. A huge thank you to my second shooters, Nick and Greg, who have made multi-day conferences enjoyable experiences for my clients and me.
A warm thank you to Angelina, who has been helping me with my social media this year, as well as Laura, whom many of you might have had the pleasure of speaking to in our emails!
And lastly, to Nobue, Kanako, and Kenny. These stylists have been so much fun to work with. They have kept me sane and in company throughout this very long year. My deepest regret is that I have not gathered these fantastic people who have carried me through fun and dark moments this year to meet one another. Perhaps a 2026 Shinnenkai, or at TOPTIA’s 10th-year celebration?!
2026 Onwards
I won’t lie, 2025 was hard. It was full of interesting challenges, uncomfortable discoveries, and difficult choices. Still, I had such a fantastic experience with the people I’ve had the privilege of photographing. With every person who stands before my camera, I gain more clarity and a stronger resolve to get better and to connect more with those who trust me to tell their story.
