This year, I made a resolution: Make my nails so pretty, I won’t want to pick at them.
That might sound simple. But I’ve been destroying my nails (and hiding them as a result) since I was a kid — when I was a thumb-sucker-turned-nail-biter.
The trouble really started when I was 14, on the basketball court in Melcher-Dallas. It was a stressful game. All five starters were in foul trouble, and I was thrown into positions I didn’t know how to play.
I took the stress out on my nails.
I damaged the matrix of my right pointer finger, and the nail has been jacked-up ever since—bumpy, ugly, and a major insecurity.
Then I met Hugo at Nail Art.
I came in for a pedicure and he asked if I wanted a manicure too. I said NO—hard pass. My nails were ragged, picked-at, and that one finger was a mess.
Hugo saw I was nervous.
He looked at my hands and said:
“Everyone’s got something they’re insecure about. I have clients with messed up nails, even one with webbed feet. There's no such thing as normal.”
Just like that, I felt seen.
He did nine nails like normal. For the damaged one, he added an acrylic.
For the first time in 40 years, I wasn't hiding my hands.
And for the FIRST time (after a zillion New Year's resolutions), I've stuck with it for 4 months. I even book ahead to make sure I always get Hugo.
What he did wasn't magic. But it changed how I feel.
There's no such thing as normal.
Here’s what I’ve learned photographing families: There’s no such thing as a “normal” family either.
- If your kids are climbing the walls during a photo session, that’s normal.
- If they’re neurodivergent or shy, that’s normal too.
- If you hate the camera? Still normal.
My friend, I’m your Hugo.
I’ll be the calm in your chaos, the one who makes you—and your entire family—feel okay just as you are.
Don’t skip the photos because you think you're too weird.
Don’t wait for “perfect.” We'll never be perfect.
Whatever your weird is, bring it. That’s the good stuff.
