When photographer Wendy Horton brought Sienna Vratimos to the Attention of Lauri Levenfeld the founder of The Project For Girls, Lauri was taken back by the presence, the strength and the love of this little girl.
At five years old, Sienna’s non-verbal autism has challenged her life in many ways, yet has never defined her. Karyn’s photo booth has given Sienna a celebratory platform to connect and communicate with others while giving its readership the opportunity to witness the incredible internal light radiating from one deeply determined and passionate child. For Karyn and her daughter Sienna, this is a journey of love, two best friends, and a community learning to see life a little differently and taking a cue from a new Superhero on how to live life to the fullest.
The Project for Girls is an incredibly unique, rare corner of the Internet. It shares original interviews and stories with girls from all walks of life – written for young women, by young women, about real challenges they face, as well as their creative dreams, big wins, and lessons they’ve learned.
TPFG community is powered by positivity, passion, and electric idea sharing. The end game is a safe space for inspiration, dialogue, and mentoring.
Sienna loves fashion as a way of expressing herself and you can tell this in the wonderful captures photographer Wendy Horton has taken off the five-year-old when you scroll down.
Q & A with Sienna and Mom Karyn by Lauri Levenfeld
1.Who are you? What are you like as a child?
My name is Sienna. I am five years old. I am very special. I am loving and want to be loved. I want to see new things and go places. I want to keep learning. I want to keep trying until I can do it all by myself. I want to be understood. I am strong, I am a fighter, I can do anything.
2.What are your passions, your loves, the things that make you happy?
I love horseback riding. I like to go fast! I love my family. My mommy is my best friend, but I love daddy snuggles. My brother helps take care of me. I love when he brings me a lollipop just because he gets one. I love to be tickled and giggle. To play games like hide and seek, and I love music and dancing. I love to go on trips. I want to see the world, it’s so big! I love bright city lights. I love the beach and swimming, I think I am a mermaid. I love my best friend Ashalina, she understands me. I love to make new friends, even though sometimes it is hard for me. I like taking pictures with mommy and dressing up like a princess.
Click HERE to read the Full Q & A on The Project For Girls Website.
Story by @laurilevenfeld
Photography by @wendyhortonphotography for The Project For Girls click here to visit their website.
Sienna – @Karynsphotobooth
Retail by @lolkidsarmonk and @airfish (red bow dress)
Images 1, 2 & 3 – Sienna wears Hugo Loves Tiki Dress.
Images 4, 5, 6 & 7 – Sienna wears Airfish Red Bow dress and Ma Belle Mademoiselle Hat, Modern Queen Cuffs, Monnalissa Red Shoes.
Images 8, 9, 10, 11 – Sienna wears Raspberry Plum Dress.
Image 12, 13, 14, 15 – Nikolia Dress, Sons and Daughters Sunglasses.
Photography by @wendyhortonphotography – All rights reserved.
All posts copyright @laurilevenfeld
Please do not reproduce without permission.
View more of Wendy Horton’s work here.