Behind the lens

Hi, I’m Bella — the creator of Out of the Shadows, a high school student, and an aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling, women’s rights, and creative expression. When I’m not in class or studying, I’m running my small business, Evermore Hues, where I handcraft sustainable candles and donate all proceeds to support women in need around the world.

Balancing schoolwork, entrepreneurship, and creative projects has taught me the value of perseverance, time management, and following through on a vision — lessons I see reflected in the incredible women I interview and photograph for this project.

My own journey as a young business owner has shown me that age is never a barrier to making an impact. Through Out of the Shadows, I want to spotlight women who have stepped into their own light — and inspire other young people, like me, to believe that building something meaningful is possible at any stage of life.

The Story

Out of the Shadows is a storytelling and photography initiative that celebrates the journeys of women pursuing their dreams and building their careers. Through intimate interviews, narrative essays, and striking portraits, this project reveals not only their triumphs but also the obstacles, failures, and moments of resilience that have shaped who they are today.

Each woman featured has her own dedicated space on the site—a blend of words and images that captures her voice, her vision, and the path she has forged. Together, these stories honor women’s contributions while challenging the stereotypes that too often define them.

At its heart, Out of the Shadows is about possibility. It’s about showing young women—especially aspiring entrepreneurs—that their dreams are within reach, even if the journey looks different for everyone. By shining a light on women who have built their own businesses and careers, I aim to inspire others to take their ideas and turn them into something real.

This is more than a gallery. It’s a space for connection, encouragement, and the belief that ambition paired with perseverance can create meaningful change.