Wisconsin Branding Photography | Sarwat

This shoot is part of a project I embarked on with Sarwat Najib in 2023.  It presents Afghan fashion designs in a rural Wisconsin setting.

Origin. I met Sarwat at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP) in May of 2023 while I was working on The Weight of Being Seen - my UW-Stevens Point MBA Impact Fellowship. My fellowship project explored art and leadership in the lives of six different women and was showcased in a pop-up art show in August 2023 in Stevens Point. My heart has always been to empower women through conversation and photography.  Upon meeting Sarwat, I was moved by her story and knew immediately I wanted to create a show around her entrepreneurial leadership. It can be hard starting a new business, getting your name out there, and getting unique designs into smaller communities.  

Process. Over the span of 7 months, 10 photo shoots were curated.  I wanted to help cast a vision of Sarwat's designs in action on women in Wisconsin. Being on a tight budget, we utilized local events like Stevens Point's farmer's market, Levitt Amp music festival, and Wausau's air balloon festival. We also chose iconic "everyday" locations specific to Stevens Point and Madison. Eleven different women (most without "modeling" experience) agreed to show up at a set time and location without knowing all the beautiful colors and mix of Sarwat's traditional and modern Afghan fashion collections they'd be wearing.  It was a delight to see the women experience the designs firsthand and embody something they never had before.  I was continually moved by the women and their generosity as we rallied together to elevate Sarwat Najib, fashion, photography, and entrepreneurial women across the world.