They say that in photography, we don’t just capture a moment; we capture the beginning of a legacy. Sometimes, as a photographer, you look back through your archives and realize you were witnessing the "before" of something that was destined to change the world.

Over a decade ago, I had the privilege of driving out to Arlington for a session that has stayed with me ever since. I was hired to photograph two beautiful, tiny children—the "super littles" who were the center of the universe for a woman I had admired for years. That woman was Charla Barrett.

At the time, most people knew Charla as the powerhouse voice on 95.9 The Ranch. She was the singer on the stage, the host with the infectious energy, and the local icon who could command a room with a single "Hello." But that day in Arlington, through my lens, I saw the woman behind the microphone. I saw a mother’s fierce, protective love; a woman of deep, unwavering faith; and a spirit that was clearly destined for a platform even bigger than the airwaves.

A Journey of Constant Evolution

Since those early days of chasing toddlers during our photoshoot, I’ve had a front-row seat to Charla’s evolution, and it has been nothing short of spectacular. I watched as she transitioned from the radio booth into the high-stakes world of business leadership with Rodan + Fields. She didn't just participate in that industry; she conquered it. She showed us all what it looked like to build a massive organization with heart, integrity, and a relentless work ethic that never sacrificed her values.

But what she is doing today? It is a masterclass in purpose.

Watching Charla step into her role as a Bold Brand Strategist and Image Consultant feels like watching a master artist finally find their perfect canvas. She has taken every ounce of her life experience—the stage presence of her singing days, the communication skills from radio, and the strategic grit of her corporate success—and turned it into a lighthouse for other women.

Building Women, Not Just Brands

What inspires me most about Charla’s current chapter isn't just the business success—it’s the restoration she facilitates. Charla’s #IconicEraInbound movement isn't just about logos, fonts, or color palettes. It is about helping women rebuild their confidence from the ground up and guiding them toward a "better place" in their lives and their legacies.

She is helping women business owners stop playing small and start owning their God-given authority. Charla understands a truth that many miss: You cannot build an iconic brand on top of a shaky foundation. She reaches into the lives of these women and helps them heal the parts of their professional identity that have been dimmed by doubt. She teaches them that they are worthy of being seen, worthy of being heard, and fully capable of making a massive difference in their industries.

The Architect of the "Better Place"

Seeing her help women hit their goals isn't just about the financial wins or the fancy titles—it's about the way she helps them carry themselves. She is an architect of presence. She is teaching women how to walk into a room and know—without a shadow of a doubt—that they belong there.

As someone who spends my life helping women see their own power through a camera lens, I recognize a kindred spirit in Charla. While I handle the visual "click" of the shutter, she is doing the deep, internal branding work that allows the "Iconic" version of a woman to finally emerge and stay. She is a mentor who doesn't just give you a map; she walks the path with you.

A Testament to Growth and Grace

Charla, looking back at those photos of your babies and seeing where you are now fills me with so much pride. You have always been iconic, but watching you teach the rest of the world how to find their own "Iconic Era" is a gift to the business community.

You are a testament to the fact that we can evolve. We can pivot. We can go through seasons of struggle and come out the other side not just "better," but completely transformed. You aren't just building businesses; you are rebuilding the women who run them.

I am so honored to have documented a small part of your story 10+ years ago, and I am even more honored to watch you light the path for so many others today.

The Iconic Era isn't just inbound—it’s here, and it’s beautiful.