Dec 179 min read

CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS : The Best Present is You

The holiday season is often a time for giving and receiving, for the excitement of exchanging presents, and for the warmth of togetherness. But what happens when the most meaningful gift isn’t wrapped in shiny paper or tucked inside a glittering box? What if the best present is the gift of friendship, support, and the unshakable bond of a sisterhood that reminds you to love yourself for exactly who you are?

This holiday season, we had the privilege of celebrating that priceless gift during a magical Christmas Ball photoshoot with an extraordinary group of young women.

The Best Present Is You

The concept was simple, yet transformative: The Best Present Is You. This wasn’t just about stunning dresses or capturing beautiful images (although we got a lot of them). It was about creating a space where each girl could feel seen, valued, and celebrated—not just for what she wore, but for who she is. The photoshoot became a moment to reflect on the real magic of friendships that empower and inspire.

In a world where girls are often made to feel like they have to compete or compare, these young women chose something radically different: they chose to lift each other up. Every laugh, every cheer from behind the camera, every small gesture of kindness reminded us that the bonds we form with the people who truly see and celebrate us are the ones that make us shine the brightest.

A Different Kind of “Girl World”

Too often, “girl world” is associated with drama, competition, and tearing each other down. But what if we could change that? What if we redefined “girl world” as a place where every girl feels empowered to love herself and feels supported to chase her dreams? That’s exactly what we’re working to create.

Imagine a world where every girl is reminded that her worth doesn’t depend on her appearance, popularity, or achievements but on the kindness, love, and authenticity she brings to the table. Imagine being surrounded by friends who don’t just tell you to “believe in yourself” but also show you how much they believe in you. That’s what this team is all about—proving that when girls stand together, there’s nothing we can’t change.

A Gift That Lasts Forever

Through this shoot, we witnessed moments that melted hearts: girls complimenting each other’s beauty, offering encouraging words during poses, and making sure everyone felt included. These weren’t just fleeting acts of kindness; they were affirmations that left a lasting impression. Because here’s the truth: the words you say to someone today can echo in their hearts forever.

In the circle of connection formed during this shoot, the girls weren’t just teammates—they were reminders to one another that they are enough, just as they are. They taught us that the most incredible gift we can give is making someone else feel loved, cherished, and seen.

A Message for Every Girl Reading This

Surround yourself with friends who remind you of your worth, who celebrate your successes, and who stand by your side on tough days. Be the friend who tells another girl she’s extraordinary, who notices when she needs a kind word, and who proves that girl world can be filled with love and acceptance.

This holiday season, remember that you are a gift to the people around you. And when you show kindness, give encouragement, or simply show up for someone, you become the present that changes their world.

Because the best present isn’t found under a tree. It’s found in the moments you make someone else feel truly loved.

The best present is—and always will be—you.

The Gift of Friendship

We decided to end this blog with a special gift for all the girls—because sometimes, it’s nice to know that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. It’s easy to forget (or not even realize) how much your words, kindness, and actions mean to those around you. That’s why we asked each girl on the Teen Team to reflect on someone who has made a meaningful impression on them or someone who has touched their heart.

As you read their thoughtful messages, let it be a reminder of the power of connection and how lifting someone else up can leave an everlasting impact. These words of gratitude and admiration are proof that when we focus on building each other up, we create a world where every girl feels valued, loved, and seen.

Here’s what they had to say about the incredible gift of friendships they’ve found within the team:

Sadie said, "I would say that someone who has really stood out to me on the Teen Team is Mia! We actually met through the Teen Team and we have been talking and snapping all the time! She is very funny and I love how she's always keeping it real."

Addy revealed, "I have loved getting to know Emma! She is so sweet and nice! And we have great conversations. She is also one of the first friends I made on the Teen Team! I just love her!"

Addy added that, "I also think Mady is a sweetheart, she is so nice and she's also very pretty!"

Mack told us that she just loves Morgan and Rylee. They both have such good hearts and are always there for me no matter what. They're also very strong and mature people that are so easy to talk to about anything. Mack said, "We are all cousins, and I love being on the Teen Team with them because it's another way for us to bond and we get such good photos together."

Jessica shared, "The people who have made the biggest impression on me on the team are Kailie and Summer T. I love these two so much and I'm so happy that we got to spend more time with each other doing the Teen Team."

Jenna K. told us, “Everyone on the Teen Team is so sweet and amazing. Everyone is super supportive during shoots, and they don't judge anyone. I also have an incredible photographer, Davinda, and her assistant, Lily. I really appreciate them for the fantastic pictures and wonderful memories I’m making with them and all the other girls. But if I had to tell you one person who really stands out to me it would have to be Kailie. She is super sweet and very photogenic. When we had our first photo shoot, I was really nervous to meet everyone, and Kailie helped me feel at ease.”

Mia added, "Two girls who have made a big impact on me are Sadie and Keegan! I met Sadie through the Teen Team and we just clicked right away and bonded really well. Keegan and I already knew each other, but we have gotten so much closer because of the Teen Team!"

Laila D'Amato shared that two girls she truly loves on the Teen Team are Jenna C. and Keegan, "Keegan and I had a bond the second we met! She's so positive and kind; I just love her energy! And then Jenna is someone I can always go to if I have questions and always makes me smile!"

Kailie revealed that Liz, Jenna K, Kelsey, Jessica, and Keegan are girls who have had a really big impact on her. "Kelsey is so inspiring and she makes everything so fun! Liz is so fun to be around and can make everyone around her smile and laugh. She is so positive and is so caring to everyone she meets. Jenna and I met in 2nd grade but because of Teen Team we're now best friends! She never lets anyone get to her and she always makes sure that everyone is okay and feels included. Then there’s my Jessica. She is so so amazing and inspiring! She is always there for anyone when you need her, and she never fails to make people smile. Keegan and I met this year on the Teen Team, and we just clicked. She is so sweet and makes sure everyone is having fun and feels included. She is such a fun person to be around and always makes people smile."

Elizabeth Adkins replied with, "Kailie! She's always positive and is kind no matter what!" They've known each other since the 6th grade and love documenting their friendship with pictures together on Teen Team.

This girl came to mind for many of the girls on the Teen Team. Paisley is a sport photographer who travels to many different schools and at each school she seeks out the other girls from the Teen Team to say hello, cheer them on, and take a special picture with them.

Siena shared with us that Jenna C, Kristen, and Ellie have all been special people to her on the teen team, "I knew Jenna a little bit, but I didn't know Kristen or Ellie at all before the Teen Team, so all 3 of our connections have grown through the Teen Team! Since my school is so small, meeting friends close to me through other ways is the best thing ever! All 3 of them just matched my energy and we instantly clicked!"

Ellie Snyder replied with, "someone who really stands out to me on Teen Team would have to be Olivia Bragg, she's so sweet and so radiant. I met her through the Teen Team, and we just clicked instantly! She's so fun to be around and so welcoming." Ellie also added that Summer H. is another girl on the Teen Team who has made a lasting impression on her, "Her personality brightens a room, and she was so nice to me. She was the first person to come up to me, as a new girl, and talked to me like she had known me for years. Now, I have long lasting female bonds that I can cherish forever!"

Summer Hlavaty told us that she has made special connections with Ellie and Harlie. "From the second I met them, they instantly made me feel welcomed and included and are so energetic in the best way! We got along so fast and have so much in common!"

Olivia Bragg said, "Ava, Summer H, Ellie, and I have gotten so much closer because of the Teen Team. Me and Ellie, at the last shoot, just clicked and have been talking a lot ever since. I even set her up with a guy at my school!

Then there is Sadie, who is the sweetest person in the world. Any time Davinda gives us the option of extra pictures at the end, she will be the girl I get a picture with! I love her so much!"

Chloe said, "My favorite person is definitely Addy! I've known Addy my whole life and she has been my best friend forever!" In return, Addy equally adores Chloe and loves that they get to spend time together modeling and being baddies together. Addy also mentioned how the Teen Team has brought her closer to other girls at her school like Summer T. and Allison. “We had a birthday shoot together and had so much fun that we couldn’t stop laughing.”

Kelsey wanted to shoutout Emma, "I just want to say that Emma is the sweetest girl I've met while on the Teen Team. She's always been so kind and so fun to talk to and even though we don't get to see each other often or talk a whole bunch, she's definitely one of my favorites!"

Keegan told us, "The girls who have really stood out to me on the Teen Team have been Laila, Mia, and Kelsey! These girls have always been someone I've been able to easily connect with since Day 1. I currently go to school with Mia, and she has become a very close friend. I've known Kelsey for a while, but have grown so much closer. And lastly Laila, I met her for the first time during a shoot and grew very close to her very quickly. We bonded over our passion for cheerleading! All of these girls have become some of my best friends so quickly and I'm so grateful for them!"

Kristen shared, "Jenna and Siena! I was already close with Jenna, but Siena is really funny and nice!"

Jenna C told us, "The people who I've gotten closer with and met through the Teen Team is Laila, Siena, Sadie, and Mia. They're all really sweet and fun girls and I'm so happy that I had this opportunity to meet new people!" She added, "I love to hang out with them at shoots because they have so much in common with me and they always find a way to make me laugh. All of them are girls who hold themselves to high standards and are the kind of people I want to surround myself with."

Morgan told us about Madyson, "She's really nice to everyone she meets and talks to, I love her personality! She's just a really nice person and I love seeing her at Davinda's shoots!"

Morgan added, "Having Mack and Rylee on the team is really fun! I enjoy all of the pictures I get with them! It's just nice having them on the team because we can all hang out together outside of our family!"

Riley Kirk admitted, "One person I've become a lot closer to through the Teen Team is Mady Cross. We go to school together and we've had classes together, but having this as a mutual thing to talk about brought us a lot closer. I really love being able to have photos with her because we've become much better friends over the last few months!"

Mady Cross replied, "There are so many different girls that stand out to me on the Teen Team. I know for sure Kailie is one girl who does, she is one the sweetest people I've ever met! Kailie will always make sure everyone is being included, and no one is ever left out. Kailie's personality is so bright, she always lights up any room she walks into. Riley is another girl who stands out to me. Riley is super friendly and welcoming to EVERYONE!!" Well, Mady you're not the only one to notice that about Riley. We had several girls tell us how much they adore her and love that she is always the first person to reach out to welcome someone or tell them just how extraordinary they are. Mady added, “All of the girls on the Teen Team stand out in different ways!"