Ms. J | Rainbow Girl

I was standing outside a CVS in South Beach waiting on my cousin when I heard the most beautiful whistling.

I turned and said, “You don’t hear that anymore.”

We started talking—one of those conversations that just opens.
She told me she used to sing for some of the greats.

I said, “You should come to dinner. One of my best friends used to sing too. You’d love each other.”

She paused, smiled, and said,
“I feel like I just walked into a rainbow.”

I said, “You did. We’re both rainbows.”

Ms. J has a voice that stays with you.
But it’s her spirit that makes you feel at home.

She’s family now.

Paul Offit | Philadelphia Magazine

Shot a story on Dr. Paul Offit — a man who’s been called a lot of things, including “the devil” by RFK Jr.

But here’s what I experienced:

A warm home in Naples. A kind, generous couple. An awesome, really bright wife. A quiet presence. A sense of humor that meets you right where you are.

As I was setting up lights, I said, “Let’s make you look like an angel, not a devil.” We both laughed — and honestly, it didn’t feel like much of a stretch.

It’s always fascinating to witness the space between public narrative and private reality.

Grateful to Claudia Gavin for the trust, the kindness, and for bringing me into this story.

Some assignments stay with you. This was one of them.

Photography by Mary Beth Koeth for Philadelphia Magazine, Assistant | José Arizmendi, Photo Editor Claudia Gavin