{Church Farm General Store}

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Church Farm General Store remains one of the most cherished shoots in my memory, marking our inaugural session and setting the tone with effortless grace. Nestled amidst the golden hues of golden hour, the serene ambience of the old church served as the perfect backdrop for our debut. Andrew, a local musician, and his family, the artisans behind Church Farm General Store, exude a rustic charm, offering divine soaps crafted from herbs grown on their Billinudgel farm, alongside their tangy gourmet sauce.

With each shoot, I delve deeper into the essence of souls, uncovering the intricate beauty that defines our humanity. Church Farm marked the inception of my journey to truly see people for who they are, beyond the facade. Beneath the veneer of perfection lies a realm of authenticity—a family living and chasing their dreams, one moment at a time.

The genuine affection shared between Amanda and Andrew left an indelible impression on me, a testament to love's enduring strength and kindness. Amanda, embodying both sweetness and resilience, stood as a pillar of strength, while Andrew's unwavering devotion to his family spoke volumes. Their story, devoid of embellishments, resonated with raw authenticity, a stark reminder that life's beauty lies in its imperfections.

Leaving Church Farm, I carried with me invaluable insights and a newfound appreciation for life's unfiltered essence. Life, I realized, is not about striving for perfection; rather, its true beauty lies in its raw, unvarnished authenticity.

{Celeste Twikler}

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Upon stepping into Celeste's home studio, I was greeted by an ambience of lightness and brightness—a true reflection of her character. I've always been drawn to airy, well-lit spaces, and immediately felt a sense of comfort and familiarity. Celeste's studio was adorned with collections from her travels abroad, intermingled with her own creative designs, infusing the space with warmth and personality. While Celeste's talents span various creative domains—illustration, jewellery making, and design—I find the term "designer" aptly encapsulates her versatile skill set. Like many others, Celeste made her cherished holiday destination her permanent home, adding yet another layer of creative vibrancy to our eclectic community.

In front of the camera, Celeste exuded a bright and bubbly energy, making her a delight to capture. Beyond the surface, our conversation delved into deeper realms—the essence of friendship, the ache of heartbreak, and the nuances of life itself. Celeste's personal motto, "Live by the sea, swear by the moon, love by the stars, care for the earth," resonated deeply with her ethos and spirit. I found it profoundly inspiring when a person's essence harmonizes seamlessly with their beliefs, mannerisms, and attire—a lesson beautifully embodied by Celeste.

compelled to capture....

“This place where you are right now, God circled on the map for you.....our Beloved has bowed there knowing you were coming”

— Hafiz

It has been a period of deceleration, of embracing silence, and of heeding the whispers within. With each passing day, the murmurings of my inner voice grew clearer, its guidance more resounding.

In 2015, I embarked on a journey to South America, a blessing that would prove to be a profound life-altering experience. Initially, I saw myself merely as an observer, tasked with capturing moments through my lens. However, on the second day, amidst the ancient temple of Sacsayhuaman, buried deep beneath the earth's surface, my existence underwent a seismic shift. Emerging from the depths of the temple, tears flowing, body purging, I felt as if I had tapped into something primordial—an awakening of the spirit, a remembrance of ages past. It was a moment of profound spiritual recalibration, a shedding of old layers, a reintegration of forgotten truths. My identity, as I knew it, shattered, leaving behind a vast expanse of space—a glimmer of understanding that all was as it should be, part of a pact made long before.

In the wake of this revelation, I found myself unable to wield my camera unless driven by inspiration, averse to any semblance of rigidity or constraint. I questioned my path, unsure of where it led. I withdrew from photo shoots, grappling with confusion, yet surrendering to the belief that there existed a greater plan, a path awaiting my discovery. I wondered, embracing the slow unfolding of events, grappling with bouts of wavering faith, forgetting the perfection of divine timing—each moment requiring the right conditions, nurtured and cultivated with care.

The inception of Souls of Byron marks a natural progression in my journey—an organic evolution rather than a forced endeavour. It feels like a delicate birthing, unfolding precisely when the time is right. At times, I sense myself as an instrument of the divine, guided along a path of openness and vulnerability, sharing stories that illuminate the interconnectedness and similarity of our human experience.

alchemy

I derive immense joy from creating Souls of Byron Bay, revelling in the exquisite details that render it truly extraordinary. Working alongside my dear sister, Elle, is an experience akin to alchemy—an effortless blending of our energies to conjure magic. Together, whether immersed in a photo shoot, wandering the streets of downtown Byron, or exploring a remote treehouse overseas, we embark on glorious adventures that leave indelible marks on our souls.

The laughter we share is nothing short of divine—an eruption from the depths of our beings, so deep that it borders on ecstatic. Tears of mirth cascade down our cheeks, and in those moments, I am reminded of the sheer beauty of uninhibited joy. I've learned that attempting to contain such laughter only amplifies its infectious delight—a gift meant to be shared, cherished, and celebrated.

Yet, Elle is also the person with whom I can shed tears—the release valve for my emotions, whether borne of happiness or sorrow. In her presence, I feel safe to express my vulnerabilities, knowing that her support is unwavering. Elle embodies abundance in its purest form, recognizing that my triumphs are hers as well—a testament to the depth of our sisterhood.

Our collaboration on Souls of Byron Bay is a testament to the strength and purity of our connection—a bond forged straight from the heart. As we rise together, united in sisterhood, I am reminded of the profound treasure that lies in uplifting and supporting one another. May we all be blessed with such deep and enduring connections in our lives.

dreamy pebbled heart

As we strolled towards the front door, my youngest, a spirited 5-year-old, began bouncing with excitement. "Look, Mama!" she exclaimed, pointing to a remarkable sight on the pathway: a large heart crafted from carefully arranged pebbles. It was a gesture so tender, it touched the depths of our souls.

What made this gift even more enchanting was the mystery surrounding its creator. In a community brimming with kindred spirits, any one of our thoughtful neighbours could have bestowed this delightful surprise upon us. As we marvelled at the intricately arranged stones, we couldn't help but speculate about the secret hands behind this heartfelt offering.

Even now, the memory of that pebbled heart fills me with warmth and joy. To the mystery, your act of kindness remains a divine blessing in our lives.

to heal....

For a Woman to Heal She has to feel Safe
For a Man to Heal He has to feel Heard
For a Child to Heal It has to Feel Loved
For a Couple to Heal They have to feel Connected...
For a Community to Heal It has to feel One
For a Country to Heal It has to feel Honoured
For a Planet to Heal It has to feel Balanced
For a Universe to Heal - All of these things must happen...

~ Anaiya Sophia

all i know....

All I know is to walk……

In this current moment, my path is clear: to walk. To stroll amidst the gentle caress of the warm breeze against my skin, to traverse through the whispers of grass blades and the swirling dance of leaves. All I am certain of is to breathe—steadily, continuously—to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

In fleeting moments, I discover tranquillity, a serene oasis where stillness reigns supreme. Here, all I know is to pause, to immerse myself in the hushed calmness, to simply be. I trust in the harmony of existence, believing that all unfolds precisely as it should.

my offering.............

I offer you a gift of love, as one who seeks and uncovers beauty. In every moment, I present truth through the raw, unfiltered layers of emotion.

I lay bare the inner workings of my being, allowing them to bask in the light of understanding. For too long, I listened to a faint whisper—an inner wisdom beckoning, a yearning for something more profound. I craved the voice of my spirit, hungered for the untamed essence within me. Since embracing my wild nature, it has been guiding me homeward, unveiling a radiant beauty and a newfound freedom in my own skin.

To my tribe, I extend my gratitude. Though our conversations may be sparse, we share a deep understanding, a silent acknowledgment that we are all journeying together through this vast expanse of time and space.

beginnings...........

Souls of Byron Bay emerged as a vision, a sacred canvas upon which to intertwine the diverse textures and narratives that compose our intricately woven town. Here, amidst this magnetic landscape, individuals are drawn together, experiencing a profound remembrance of our divine interconnectedness. It is a land that beckons souls to gather as a tribe, forging bonds of community and fostering personal discovery.

We hold the belief that at the core of humanity lies a profound yearning to express oneself authentically, to be truly seen and understood. Each of us desires a life rich with meaning, a journey uniquely our own. Join us as we delve deeper, sharing stories that plumb the depths of human experience, exploring the tapestry of richness and forging connections that transcend the superficial. In this intimate space, we welcome the sacred, the free-spirited, and the dreamer, inviting all to embrace a life of uninhibited expression where the boundaries between outer and inner worlds blur.