Her Session: Asbury Park, NJ

I am so inspired by this girl right here! She reached out to me asking for a portrait session to share more about her day to day life with type 1 diabetes. Lissie has been super active in sharing about her life, advice, and educational content for people with diabetes through her social media platform Needles and Spoons. I am beyond impressed with how willing she is to share her story and impact so many lives and show people that you can live a normal life and not have to shy away from ANYTHING. Seriously, this girl does it all. Also, she designed this Chronic AF shirt herself, how cool?!

We went to her Crossfit gym and the beach in Asbury Park to share her passion for fitness, health, and just being herself. I loved that this shoot was neither meant to completely hide or blatantly highlight her insulin pump and glucose monitor patches, they were just there in the same way that her other features are. It was so special to see Lissie showing up exactly as she is and confidently rocking her session. Inspired is truly an understatement.

We chatted all about her big plans with her business and I couldn’t help but get crazy excited to see her take her educational resources to the next level and continue to change so many lives. Check out all that she does on the ‘gram and her blog!

Her Story:

Lissie is 24 years old and is currently working for an IT company while getting certified as a health coach! She is Type One Diabetic and is using her business to help other Diabetics looking to create healthy lifestyle changes for long term sustainability! She said, “With chronic illnesses like these, it’s normal for people to feel weak and defeated. I want to help others feel strong and empowered through their circumstances. Other than that, I’m a crossfitter and a dog mom to two big ol’ puppies.” She lives her life in line with the Spoon Theory, which you can read more about on her website!

When I asked her what she wanted this shoot to be, she told me: “As a diabetic, I wear two medical devices – an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. I typically wear these on my arms, stomach, or legs. I’d really like to capture and highlight these devices in the pictures as a way to normalize them and connect deeper with my audience. (So many diabetics are ashamed of their devices, and I want to highlight the beauty in them and the freedom they allow us to have). I want this shoot to capture the beauty and strength in chronic illnesses – this is what I use my account for. This shoot would help me capture my mission and brand my business from the very beginning.”

To Lissie,

You truly have such a passion for helping others live their best lives and I’m all about that. I’m so glad I was able to be a part of your journey and help her kick off this next phase in her business with these photos! I love seeing how confident you felt during the shoot and how much you truly embraced who you are and what you’re capable of. So lucky to call you a friend and watch you grow! <3