Real Women of Rochester | Ilana Griffo
Ilana Griffo | Age: 29 | Illustrator & Designer
Q: Tell us about your journey through womanhood.
A: What a wonderful, exhilarating journey it's been! I was the tallest girl in the 5th grade, but my peers quickly caught up (and surpassed me) the following years. That feeling of being uncomfortable and self-conscious stuck with me for a long time. As a new mom, I can honestly say I am starting to know myself in such a different way, and feeling more comfortable in my skin than ever before. Even though I can still point out my flaws and imperfections, it finally feels like my body is my home.
Q: What would you say to another woman who may be going through something you've been through?
A: Most of what I'm about to say sounds cliche, and I'm okay with that. You are NOT alone. You are capable. It's okay to not be okay. When I talk with a friend, I consider how they need to be spoken to, what's going to lift them up? What can I say that they need to hear? That's different for every woman, and every scenario, but if I can be present, and show up for them, whatever that means, that's gold.
Q: What surprised you most about your photography experience?
A: I was surprised by the level of comfort I was able to feel in front of a camera. I feel pretty awkward most of the time, but Natalie metaphorically held my hand through the whole process, giving me the tools to rock out a pose, or find my best angles. Natalie flatters you about a thousand times throughout the time you spend in front of her lens, making you feel beautiful inside and out. Natalie's gift is finding the best in people, and making it come through in a photo.
Q: How do you feel when you look at your favorite photo of yourself from your shoot?
A: I'm reminded of a fun time, a great memory, an exciting time, a funny joke, and good company.
Q: What would you share with a woman who doesn't think she is beautiful enough to be photographed?
A: Every. Body. Is. Beautiful.
Q: What message would you like to share with other women?
A: Through my work, I feel best when I'm encouraging others. That may be to stand up for themselves, or to carve their own path, either way, I want them to feel strong to make the best choices for themselves.
Q: What are your thoughts on beauty?
A: Beauty looks different for everyone, but it always starts on the inside.
Q: What are your hopes for the next generation of women? What advice would you give to them?
A: YOU DO YOU, GIRL!! I hope the next generation of women follow their own path, wear sunscreen, let their phones die, and feel confident standing up for themselves, their passions, and their rights.
Q: What would you say to your sixteen year old self?
A: Embrace your weird! Over the years I've lost some of my love for creating or exploring without purpose, but how fun would it be to just play? Just try something, just experiment, without feeling any pressure to share it on social media, or worry about what other people are thinking?!
Q: What empowering message would you like to share with young women today?
A: Whenever I'm asked about "one piece of advice" I feel overwhelmed with the possibilities. I think each person deserves to be heard, and the message I'd give to each person after hearing their story is different. What I know to be true is that love is powerful, gratitude is great, and that each one of us is capable of so many incredible things!
Q: What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome career-wise as a woman?
A: Every hurdle has turned into an opportunity to learn, grow or pivot. I love what makes me unique, even though it may mean it's not right for someone else (client, employer, peer, etc).
Q: What's the most empowering experience you've had as a woman?
A: Becoming a mother. Whoa. It's like my heart is now crawling around outside my body in the form of a tiny human. Becoming a mother... I had no idea such love could exist! It brought more love for my family (which I already loved to the moon and back), more love for my wonderful husband, more love for my body, and of course, so much love for my son.
Q: When do you feel the most beautiful?
A: I feel beautiful when I'm comfortable, both in my skin, and in my clothes.
Q: What do you love about being a woman?
A: What's not to love?!
Check out the rest of her badass work on her website and her Instagram @ilanagriffo