From Shadows to Light: Svetlana's Journey of Resilience and Rediscovery

I bet you enjoyed the beautiful model shots scattered around this website. What if I told you that these pictures were taken by a photographer with no formal training in photography? Read on to discover a touching story of dreams, courage, and an inner guiding light.

October 2019, Florida

It was an eventful fall afternoon that changed everything for Svetlana. Rushing to the property site, her heart pounding and her breath heavy, she knew something was wrong. In fourteen years of marriage, Pavel had never failed to return her call like he did today. Her sixth sense told her something was amiss.

A huge crowd was gathered around the property. From a distance, she saw the yellow police tape. She didn't want to go further, didn't want to find out what had happened. Her heart was racing. As she approached the site, a police officer stopped her. She inquired what was happening and wasn’t ready for the news. Her heart stopped, her face froze, and she collapsed.As she sat in the car while the police officer questioned her, she felt numb and couldn’t grasp what had happened;it felt like she was recounting someone else’s story instead of her own.

Svetlana’s husband, Pavel, had died in an accident, leaving her and their two little girls all alone in a foreign land among foreign people.

Svetlana and Pavel had moved to Florida fourteen years ago from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. This was the only place Svetlana had called home since then. She grew up in a small, loving family in a conservative community where decisions were made by the men of the house. Her fate was decided from birth: obedient childhood, good education, a job in a bank, and a stable marriage to a good husband.

As a kid, Svetlana was always attracted to art and creativity, but pursuing it as a career was never an option in her community, nor something her father would approve of. She had made peace with her reality.

She knew her parents wanted the best for her, and without question, she followed the path her dad had laid out, even if it meant silencing her own voice. Svetlana excelled in her studies and was accepted into the accounting college where her father taught. At the college she met Pavel and immediately fell in love with him. The young love bloomed, and they soon tied the knot.

After their wedding, Pavel received an offer to move to Florida, USA, and start a new life. It was a big opportunity, so they decided to move miles away from their home. Svetlana was excited to explore this new place and start an adventure with Pavel. She also hoped to visit a renowned art institute in Florida once they settled.

"I still remember the day I stepped foot into the college. It felt like I was home, like I belonged there, resonating with the energy."

She expressed her interest in pursuing art to her husband, but Pavel dismissed it as a hobby and suggested she pursue accounting to help stabilize their new beginning. Although not happy with this decision, Svetlana believed Pavel had her best interests at heart. She took a job as an accountant with a Russian group while Pavel worked for a high-end management company. Life was smooth, and they had two beautiful daughters.

2020

Now all alone, Svetlana faced the world without the men who had guided her

decisions. To make things worse, COVID-19 struck, leaving her cut off from the world, taking care of her daughters alone. Despite the hardships, this time became a blessing for Svetlana. She was forced to connect with herself, listen to her own voice, and rediscover herself.

At the beginning of 2021, she visited a friend in Austin, Texas. The artistic Austin, with its small city charm and multicultural warmth, made her feel at home. She felt ready to start anew, guided by her own light. She moved to Austin with her daughters and started exploring the art scene.

Drawn to photography, she began doing photo sessions with friends and family, seizing every learning opportunity. Every shot became a teacher, and she meticulously critiqued her work. One day, she discovered an online course with a renowned Russian photographer and signed up immediately, eager to learn.

Each project made her better. Her photos evolved into masterpieces, capturing emotions and life, not just images. In the process, her soul began to heal, one photograph at a time.

PRESENT

Svetlana is now a highly sought-after photographer in Texas and nationally. Her journey of love, loss, and self-discovery has brought her home.

"Every shadow, every highlight tells a story of its own." - Svetlana

 

 

Q&A with Svetlana

What are some of the ways you use to connect with your inner voice?

I love early mornings. Just spending some time with myself when my kids are still sleeping, listening to music, meditating. I also enjoy long drives on Texas Highways. It helps me take my mind off the world and connect with myself. 

Interestingly I also enjoy the zen that I achieve from editing my pictures. I can do it for hours if not interrupted.

What is your mantra when you encounter a tough situationI always remind myself “What can it teach me?”

Do you feel fulfilled? Is there a calling?I feel happy where I am and that I am pursuing my passion. I however feel a pull to do something bigger, to help communities, to serve with my art and talent. Currently I am meditating on it. I know it’ll come to me soon :)

What do you love about Paisley Affair pieces

 I appreciate that every item is crafted with care. It’s not just clothing; it’s infused with passion and love, designed to celebrate strong women who are ready to embrace their stories. Each piece is made with soul. 

Our Pink floral print is named after Svetlana. Check out the Svetlana collection here!