Grace Porter Borowick turns 8!

A few weeks ago, Grace Porter Borowick turned 8, and by one of those wonderful twists of fate, I happened to be in Washington, D.C. on her birthday.

I got to celebrate with my chosen family—my two best friends, Anne and David, and their incredible girls, Grace and Maisey. Some people become family simply because life keeps proving they’re meant to be.

My gift to Grace was photographing her pool party. Watching eight-year-olds completely lost in laughter, sunshine, cannonballs, and cake is a pretty great reminder of what joy looks like.

As soon as the party wrapped up, Eric Dominijanni swooped in to pick me up, and we hit the road for Maine to continue our adventure. One unforgettable day, two completely different stories.

Happy 8th birthday, Grace. You are so deeply loved.

Florida Leather Supply | Mauricio Castillo-Suazo

Two years ago, I was on a Billboard shoot in Little Havana and wandered into the cutest little fabric shop next door — Florida Leather Supply. The owner let me photograph the artist in front of all his gorgeous rolls of fabric, and his shop even made it into the article.

Fast-forward two years… I’m at an AI workshop, minding my business, and the man next to me says he owns a fabric store in Little Havana. I tilt my head, squint my eyes and ask, “Which one?” When he said Florida Leather Supply, I about fell out of my chair. It was HIM. I sent him the photo the minute I got home like the responsible adult I pretend to be.

Later that night, my friend mentions her dad was also at the same workshop, and guess what? Her dad is ALSO the owner — Mauricio Castillo-Suazo. Apparently, Miami is the smallest city on Earth.

I asked Ariel if I could photograph her family in the shop, and she said yes. And here we are. Every time I look at these photos, my heart does a little happy dance.

Pictured | Mauricio Castillo-Suazo, Maia Suazo-Maler & Ariel Suazo-Maler

Florida Leather Supply — opened in 1962, passed from grandfather to father in 1980.

💛✨

Petra Nemcova | People Magazine

Petra Nemcova for People Magazine

📸 | Mary Beth Koeth
Digi Javier | Sanchez
Photo Direction | Sarah Burrows
Hair & Makeup | Lola J Hair