This August, Nyabol Lual joined a Y2K-inspired denim photo shoot for Aura Magazine. The shoot was led by Shaira Gustillo, the 22-year-old CEO of Aura Magazine and a Spokane native, who invited Lual to be part of the project to highlight “beauty, diversity, and real presence.”
The free group shoot went beyond fashion. Each participant reflected on what it means to be a Black woman and shared personal experiences. “It wasn’t just about taking pictures and looking pretty,” Lual explained. “It was also us representing, you know, who we are.”
When asked what beauty diversity means to her, Lual said:
“I feel like beauty diversity can mean a lot of things, but I think is when you can look at so many people who are all different, shade, um, different ethnicity, all the backgrounds, different ages, different color, and still be able to appreciate the beauty in each and every one of us.”
Surrounded by a supportive group of women–many she had just met–Lual described the atmosphere as empowering and uplifting. “I felt awesome. Like I felt empowered. I felt pretty and I felt like there was some great support,” she said. “Everyone got along pretty well. It was a great environment.”
Gustillo continues to spotlight diverse stories and identities through inclusive photo shoots, celebrating the many shades of beauty and strength.