R.D. Foster Photography
Photo Stories
Visual storytelling
LeeSha Tyler, 32, is owner of Grace Styling Studio on Business Loop 70 in Columbia. Fortified by her faith and with the help of her family, she’s been able to achieve her dream of being an independent business owner, help provide for her five children and use her talent to minister to her clients.
Family and friends frequently hang out at the salon on Saturdays. (From left to right, Tyler’s mother, Betty Jones, LeeSha Tyler, Ebony Williams (client in chair), 9, Tyler’s son Justice, 5, her daughter Cheyenne, 13, and her sister Sherron Gibbs, who works at the salon as a part-time. “Saturdays are my unorthodox, ‘roll with it’ days,” Tyler said. “I never know what’s gonna happen. I could have five clients, I could have fifteen.”
LeeSha Tyler picks up her son, Joe, 9, from Benton Elementary School every day. Afterwards, Joe and his younger brother Justice, 5, (not photographed) hang out at the salon until their grandmother picks them up or Tyler had a break and can take them home.
LeeSha Tyler, 32, is owner of Grace Styling Studio on Business Loop 70 in Columbia. Fortified by her faith and with the help of her family, she’s been able to achieve her dream of being an independent business owner, help provide for her five children and use her talent to minister to her clients.
Megan Donohue, 21, is a fourth-year photojournalism student at the University of Missouri. She’s from Indian Hills, Calif., but confesses that she’s “slightly obsessed” with the United Kingdom. Donohue is a self-described nerd who has a love for books, Doctor Who and specialty teas. “I’m kind of an old soul,” Donohue said. “I knit, I drink tea, scrapbook and have regularly scheduled lunches with friends. I’m like a 65 year-old woman trapped in a 21 year old’s body.”
Megan Donohue Skypes twice a week with her friend Palak Bedi who lives in London. The two met while Bedi studied abroad at Mizzou in Spring 2010. “She’s one of those people who you meet and you’re instantly best friends.” Donohue said. She plans to visit London over winter break and encouraged Bedi to sign up for Netflix's 30-day free trial in preparation for their time together. “I want her to catch up on Doctor Who so she can go to Cardiff and do 'The Doctor Who Experience' with me."
Felicia Greiff, left, is one of Megan Donohue’s best friends at the University of Missouri. They met in Lathrop Hall during their freshman year and studied abroad at the University of Westminster in London, England in the fall of 2011. They have lunch together every Monday and Wednesday during the semester. “We like to do random stuff together but sometimes our schedules don’t overlap,” Greiff said. “We do hang out a lot, though.”
Megan Donohue, 21, is a fourth-year photojournalism student at the University of Missouri. She’s from Indian Hills, Calif., but confesses that she’s “slightly obsessed” with the United Kingdom. Donohue is a self-described nerd who has a love for books, Doctor Who and specialty teas. “I’m kind of an old soul,” Donohue said. “I knit, I drink tea, scrapbook and have regularly scheduled lunches with friends. I’m like a 65 year-old woman trapped in a 21 year old’s body.”
Time Equals Relationship
Megan Donohue, 21, is a fourth-year photojournalism student at the University of Missouri. She’s from Indian Hills, Calif. and still has strong ties to the state, but confesses that she’s “slightly obsessed” with the United Kingdom.
Doing what it takes to nurture relationships with those she loves, whether near or far, is the key to the closeness she feels with her inner circle of friends, she said. “Relationships take time and if I maintain it, who’s to say we won’t stay as close?”
© 2012
Natural Hair, Family Style
LeeSha Tyler, 32, is owner of Grace Styling Studio in Columbia, Mo. Fortified by her Christian faith and with the help of her family, she’s been able to achieve her dream of being an independent business owner, help provide for her five children and use her talent to minister to her clients.
Tyler is a proponent of healthy hair and specializes in natural hair, which sets her up for success, given the surge in popularity within the black community for hairstyles that don't require the use of harsh chemicals. It's more than a gimmick, though, since Tyler has been chemical-free for over 15 years. "When it's no longer a fad, I'll still be doing it," Tyler said. "I'll still be braiding, still have locs and still promote healthy hair."
© 2012