We’re excited to unveil the latest addition to our Muses Sessions—a powerful photo series featuring Jo Valor as María Lionza, the revered goddess of nature, love, and peace. This shoot was incredibly special, not only because of the profound message it represents but also due to the personal touches and symbolism woven into every detail.
For this portrait, Jo Valor dons a regal crown that carries a special significance in my heart—it’s the crown for my mother’s 70th birthday. This crown is more than just an accessory; it’s a tribute to the strength, wisdom, and grace passed down through generations, much like the spirit of María Lionza herself. In Venezuelan and Caribbean folklore, María Lionza symbolizes resilience and is revered as the goddess who connects humanity to the natural world. She is both fierce and compassionate, embodying the balance we all seek in these chaotic times.
The blue dress and styling accessories for Jo’s look came from Barret Babes at 970 Barret Ave, a boutique here in Louisville that has become a hub for unique, statement pieces with a soulful touch. With their beautiful, vibrant clothing and accessories, Barret Babes helped bring María Lionza’s essence to life—a look that reflects strength, serenity, and a deep-rooted connection to the Earth.
Finding Peace in Nature and the Spirit of María Lionza
The choice of María Lionza as the muse for this session felt particularly timely. More than anything, this photo is a reminder of our need for peace and reconnection with nature, now more than ever. The world feels heavy, and many of us are searching for something deeper, a return to balance and simplicity in a fast-paced, often disconnected reality. María Lionza, with her open-hearted embrace of the natural world, serves as a beacon of hope, urging us to slow down and remember our roots.
María Lionza isn’t just a figure in folklore; she represents a way of life that many are craving—a life that values nature, harmony, and a reciprocal relationship with the Earth. Her legend tells us to listen to the wisdom of the forest, to seek healing in the mountains, and to find beauty in the simple, cyclical rhythms of nature. With Jo’s portrayal, we wanted to capture the timeless connection between humanity and the environment, an invitation to each of us to reimagine our place within the larger web of life.
The Essence of the Shoot: A Call for Connection
As Jo Valor channels the spirit of María Lionza, she reminds us that peace doesn’t come from withdrawing or isolating ourselves but from embracing all aspects of life—the joyful, the challenging, the beautiful, and the painful. This photo series is a visual call to be more mindful of the world around us and to honor the sacredness of nature.
As part of this special Muses Session, we also introduced a new figure—a Lebanese King, representing the spirit of our ancestors. This model embodies the dignity, resilience, and wisdom passed down through generations, a living testament to the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us. Draped in regal attire a, he stands as a powerful reminder of our lineage and the roots that nourish our present.
This image serves as a tribute to our ancestors, a gesture of profound gratitude for all they endured, built, and achieved so that we could stand here today and experience life in its fullest beauty. Their legacy is our foundation, and it is because of their strength and perseverance that we are able to create, dream, and celebrate our identities. With this Lebanese King, we honor their memories and hold close the deep connection to our cultural heritage that continues to inspire us every day.
When you look at Jo’s expression, draped in that stunning blue dress and crowned in the symbol of resilience, may you be reminded that the path to peace lies in connection. Whether it’s connecting with our own emotions, our loved ones, or the natural world, each small act of reconnection brings us closer to the harmony that María Lionza embodies.
So, let this photo of Jo Valor as María Lionza inspire you to take a moment today—to breathe, to ground yourself, and to remember that we are all connected to something larger than ourselves. May her spirit bring you peace, and may it encourage you to find your own way back to nature, wherever that journey may take you.
Thank you to Barret Babes for helping us bring this vision to life and for the beautiful pieces that made Jo’s and Elias's transformation possible. And thank you, as always, to the incredible Louisville community for supporting Kulli Parfum’s Muses Sessions. We hope that this series touches your heart and reminds you of the strength, beauty, and resilience that resides in each of us.
Location: Barret Babes, 970 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY
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