Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Ella Abney

8/26/2021

Ella Abney – Louisiana
Nomination & Photography by Jennifer Abney Photography
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Ella is a 3rd year senior at Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She is excited to move back on to campus this year and live in the new dorms and be reunited with her friends and family (faculty) away from home. Like most, this past year doing school virtually has been tough, but she made the most of it and I would even say she thrived. While away at school you will find her in the dance studio, playing volleyball or with her friends studying. She is not only smart and talented, but her beauty resonates deeply within her soul. She is authentically unashamed and on fire for Christ. Ella is wise beyond her years and has always been referred to as an old soul. While home this past year she gave her heart to Christ, and it has awakened a spirit in her like never before. After graduation, Ella plans to go to attend LEAD College and pursue a degree from Oral Roberts University. Watch out for this one, she will do great things!
I am honored to nominate Ella as an Inspiring Teen not only as her photographer but as her mom. She inspires me every day with her unbounding love, perseverance, and drive. The road has not been easy but her newfound purpose on life is changing lives all around. She has made such a huge impact already.

Photography by Church of the King

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would love to be interviewed about my walk with Christ. Since I have committed my life to Him, I have experienced nothing but joy and peace and His absolute faithfulness and grace. I spend almost every day at my church, working and serving and I am never more excited than when I get to share His love and tell others about all He has done in my life.

Photography by Jennifer Abney Photography

Was there anything good for you that came out of the pandemic?
Yes! It really put things into perspective and made me look at what’s important in my life. After months of feeling lonely and trying to fill that void with worldly things I gave my heart to Christ on November 18, 2020. I will forever be thankful for the time I was gifted being forced to be home. We are not promised a tomorrow. My family and I grew closer than ever, I grew to know myself more, both in my own mind and in who Christ says I am, and I made lifelong friends who have shown nothing but love and support in every aspect of my life. I have learned to be thankful and praise the Lord in the midst of heartache and pain. I am reminded of the story in 2 Chronicles 20:21-25, where the city of Jerusalem is under attack from all of the surrounding villages and tribes. Instead of sending out their strongest, toughest warriors to fight the enemies, they sent out the singers. They walked towards the enemy with their hands raised, praising the Lord and thanking Him. In that moment, the Lord took over the battle and fought it for them. In life, the Lord reminds me to walk through everything with my hands raised, praising Him because these battles weren’t meant to be fought alone.

Photography by Jennifer Abney Photography

What would you say is the most profound impact you've had since committing to Him?
A few months ago, my friend and I were in a terrible car accident on I-49 driving home after graduation. My friend was severely injured in the accident and while we both survived, I walked away with far less injuries. Overcoming the fear of being in a car let alone driving was a daily struggle and one I could not do on my own. The Lord spoke to me and told me, “Ella, I have saved your life in two accidents, I am not done with you yet. I will not allow anything to happen to you.” At that moment I realized that I was going to be okay, just as it says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
When Jesus defeated death, He empowered us with the strength and power to laugh in the face of the enemy when he tries to attack us. Through the accident and all of its aftermath, I am continually reminded that the Lord was triumphant in the war against evil and every battle we face from the enemy is an opportunity for us to prove that we are triumphant in Christ and that the devil has no power over us.
Unable to get I-49 out of my head the Lord clearly spoke to me and said to go read Isaiah 49. In Isaiah 49, the Lord’s people are returned to Him, but not without a fight. The Lord showed me that I am not fighting battles for myself to defeat the enemy, but I am fighting for the restoration of His kingdom. Every battle I fight is not for myself, but for those who do not yet know the Lord and His goodness. In everything I do, I remember that I am fighting for the kingdom and in the end, it has been and will always be in the Lord's hands.

Photography by Jennifer Abney Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I serve on the photography team at my church where I am able to capture amazing pictures of people loving and worshipping the Lord. It is so amazing to see through a lens but also in real time the joy painted on people's faces when they are doing the Lord's work and serving others. I actually want to pursue digital media, photography, and videography after high school. I have always been so inspired by other's amazing work and would love to create my own and continue to capture all that the Lord is doing so that others have the opportunity to experience it. I plan on going to LEAD College and pursue my communications degree at Oral Roberts University. I am super excited to stay in the Northshore area for a few more years. I can see God moving in this area already and I am so eager to see all the amazing lives that will be changed and am so honored to be a part of it all.

Tell us the story behind a favorite image you've taken.
My favorite picture I have ever taken is of a little boy at VBS, on his knees with his hands raised worshipping the Lord. I was fighting back tears of joy taking the picture because I was just so overwhelmed with seeing this little
boy's love for Christ. It truly encouraged me to be even more unashamed of my love for Him.

Photography by Ella Abney

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would love to share my testimony. My life is a testament to the Lord's mercy and faithfulness. I think our generation is struggling in a lot of different ways and unfortunately most try to suppress the pain with temporary fillers. Even those who seem to have the perfect life often find themselves still missing a part of themselves. But the Lord created that hole in our hearts so that only He could fill it. Just as there are many different keys that can fit in the same door, there is only one key, made specifically for that door, that is able to unlock it. There are many things that we can do to try to fill that void, but they are all very temporary, whereas the peace and love of the Holy Spirit is forever.

Look for Ella in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 49

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Faithanna Olsson

8/4/2021

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Faithanna Olsson - Oklahoma
Nomination by Emma Schweitzer
Photography by Faithanna Olsson
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Faithanna Olsson is an inspiring person because she has started a photography business from the ground up all while balancing family & friends, high school, & staying involved in serving at church & being a light & encouragement to other people.

Photography by Faithanna Olsson

How did you get your photography business started?
I started asking friends if they would go places with me that I thought would make good photo backgrounds, just having fun (which I still do!) But people started really liking my photos, so I made a photography Instagram account and one day realized it was something I could use to make money. After that I made some business cards and started getting paid clients.

What was the biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was becoming confident in my new title. People would either look to me for instruction or undermine my skill set. I had to learn how to be confident with both reactions and learn how to not only snap a photo but direct people.

What do you love most about photography?
I’d say I have two favorite things in photography. I like showing people how beautiful they are the way that God made them. I also love capturing memories that people can look back on and show their kids one day. If you’re in Oklahoma, I’d love to do a shoot with you. You can find me on Instagram @folssonphotography. I have the lowest rates you’ll find and the most personal experience.

What do you love most about running your own business?
I like the independence.

Image by a friend

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My educational journey in its specifics, I'm doing 18 hours of college classes this fall. Also that I am a writer and want to get published soon in a magazine, and publish a book before college graduation.

That's awesome you are so far ahead of the game with school. Has covid helped or hindered that? How?
As far as the school experience goes, covid has hindered. My first day of school last year was hectic, I showed up to class, but no one told me the class was online. I ran to the library to watch it on livestream, but I couldn’t hear anything. The online quality got better, but I prefer in-person learning. I am more focused that way. However, as much as I have a distaste for online school, I didn’t let it stop me from being one of the top three students in my university Comp 1 class at only sixteen.

What do you love to write most?
My favorite thing to write is fiction writing, specifically the genre I write most is considered to be “romantic suspense”. I am currently co-authoring a book with one of my closest friends which I hope to publish before my college graduation. I have recently dabbled in devotional writing to hopefully be published by Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Image by a friend named Abi

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I am very passionate about my faith, I am a Bible believing Christian. My faith ties into not only my name, but everything that I do. In speech class last year each speech I gave implemented the love of Christ in some way. I am working on writing devotional posts to hopefully be published with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In my photography I do not edit photos very much because I want my clients to find confidence in the way that God made them not a perfected computerized version.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
This will only resonate with people who have had my English teacher, but in my freshman year I was the only student in the entire school to get a perfect score on her test essay. How I accomplished it can be broken into three easy steps, letting the Holy Spirit guide me, reading a ton of Sparknotes and using big words.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I’d say you need a lot of initiative and time management skills. Most importantly though trust God, I would have never seen myself here but thankfully I listened.

Image by a friend named Taylor

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I’d say I would be a graduate from Oklahoma Christian University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Creative Writing. Hopefully one published book, maybe a husband and maybe I’ll be doing an internship at The Daily Wire. That said I’m open to wherever the Lord leads me.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Going to church and trying new ice cream places are two of my other favorite things.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can tell you if a relationship will last or not, I have yet to be wrong in a prediction.

3 Things on your bucket list
I would love to study abroad, I want to scuba dive; and this one is really shooting for the stars but it would be the coolest thing ever if a book I wrote got turned into a movie.

Look for Faithanna in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Brianna Jones

7/19/2021

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Brianna Jones - Texas
Nomination by Angie Read Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brianna lives life to the fullest. One of her favorite quotes is, “You have one chance, one life. And what you do with it is up to you” (One Tree Hill). She loves photography and capturing memories as the editor-in-chief of her high school yearbook, an assistant wedding photographer, and has started her own business taking individual, family, and senior portraits. Her other passion is her love of animals, especially dogs. She works at a doggie daycare and boarding resort and comes home covered in pawprints with stories of the furry friends she cared for. She makes every moment count!

Nomination by Angie Read Photography

What should we definitely know about you?
I have a HUGE love for dogs! I currently work at a pet resort/doggie daycare and every day I am surrounded by the cutest pups. That is the fun part, but I have also learned about working really hard. I scrub down floors and walls, clean up after dogs who get sick, and get soaked bathing dogs that don’t like water! Regardless of the hard work, all the dogs make it so worth it! I have been an avid animal lover since I was a young girl and someday wish to foster and adopt many dogs!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One area I aspire to educate myself more in is psychology. After taking and falling in love with the class, I became interested in studying teen mental health and behavior. Also, I’ve seen how teens struggle with things like anxiety, eating disorders, and self-image, and am considering a career as a child and teenage mental health therapist.

What would you say is the hardest thing about being a teen today coming out of a pandemic? What encouraging words or advice do you have for teens going through this?
I think one of the hardest things about being a teenager in this pandemic has been being comfortable with being alone. Growing up I loved to go out and constantly be surrounded by people, and never spent too much time by myself. When the pandemic was at its peak and it became hard to go out and see friends as much, I learned the value in spending time with myself and finding things that made me happy. Whether it be self-care or picking up new creative hobbies, I learned how to not completely depend on other people to be happy! My advice to other teenagers would be to spend some time with yourself every now and then and learn what makes YOU happy.

Nomination by Angie Read Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I could go on about photography for ages! I enjoy setting a scene and capturing a raw moment in time. Then, editing the image can take a photo to the next level! I love maximizing the impact and artistry of a photo, and many of my friends send me photos to edit for them. I have put together several before/after examples of editing and share on social media to help people learn how to make their photos pop! I love seeing how happy people are when they see an amazing photo and remember the moment it captures!

What does your job as editor-in-chief of your high school yearbook entail?
As editor-in-chief of my high school yearbook, I oversee helping the production of the yearbook stay consistent! I get to go out and photograph school-related activities, whether it be sporting games, academic events, club practices or even just group photos! I help to get these pictures into a spread, along with formatting it and turning it into a finished yearbook spread! This job comes with a lot of responsibility, which I personally love as I am a very organization-oriented person! I also get to interview and talk to people about their passions and their school involvements, which has also led me to make some new friendships as well!

How did you get the job and what do you love most about it?
My family has been taking my dog to the doggie boarding resort for about 10 years now, and from my very first visit I fell in love with all the dogs there! Every time we would take her, I would insist on tagging along just to see all the puppies she would be staying with. Over time, I got to know the owner and in my early elementary days, I was talking about this being my dream job when I became a teen! I have now been there for a little over a year and still love every single day of it! Seeing cute puppy faces every day is my absolute favorite part of each week!

Photography by a friend

Sounds like you have quite the business going with both assisting and running the show. What do you love taking pictures of the most?
In photography, my favorite subject would have to be people (as in portrait photography). I have made a big effort to become more creative with my pictures, and have recently been very interested in editorial-styled pictures. I love the look of photos with what might be an unconventional background, a unique style of clothes, and I especially love pictures that carry a theme! Although I love portrait photography the most, I think two of my favorite pictures would have to be ones that don’t even feature people!

Photography by Brianna Jones

What is the hardest thing about having your own photography business and how are you getting past it?
Although running a photography business is a dream come true, there are most certainly hardships I have faced that have come with the job. I think one of my biggest struggles has been getting word out to people. A couple years ago, I created a very informal website to display my work and give people an outlet to sign up for a photoshoot. I found it hard to continue to keep the website up to date, so I began to advocate on social media and ask my friends to spread the word as well! I found that word-by-mouth brought in more business, as friends of my friends began to reach out and I began to establish more connections! Although I am still working on efficient ways to get my name out more, I still am continuing to get great business!

Tell us about your experience with Angie Read Photography. What do you love most about your photoshoots and being on her team?
It has been such a joy to be on Angie’s rep team in these past few months. Angie has provided a group of girls an outlet to express ourselves creatively, to feel comfortable in who we are as young women, and through her I have made new friendships with other amazing girls my age! Angie’s team is centered around more than just a camera: it’s focused on woman empowerment and feeling strong in who you are! I’ve grown so much in these past few months, and I give my Power Team so much credit for that!

Look for Brianna in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Madden Diamond

11/20/2020

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Madden Diamond - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Caroline Diamond
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: My daughter is not a cheerleader; she doesn’t play soccer and you won’t find her on a field carrying a lacrosse stick. She is as tough as any of those players and then some. She has had speech difficulties her throughout her life. She began high school last year and if high school isn’t hard enough, she developed a stutter her 9th grade year. She attended a high school where she was bullied constantly and got up every morning and never complained. She got the best grades of her life. Even through all these hardships she is kind and prides herself on treating people the way you would like to be treated. My daughter has taught me not to allow those who are cruel and mean, to make you hard and mean yourself. Madden inspires me every day not to give up, not to allow a society who is judgmental to affect your path. I couldn't be prouder of the young lady Madden has become.

Image by Madden Diamond

If you get the opportunity to be interviewed, what would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would like to be interviewed about how important it is not worry so much about what others think. To follow your gut and believe in yourself.

Why do you feel like it's important to care more about what you think than about what others think?
It is important to love yourself flaws and all. Others don’t always have my best interest at heart. I feel this is the only way to truly be confident.
If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
It would be not to judge a book by its cover. I have/had a stutter and it’s important not judge others by their differences. I wish others would look at a difference as interesting and not just different.

Image by Madden Diamond

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am not sure when I decided to make some changes, but I have made it a point to try new things. Since making this decision I have participated in farming and Marley games at the high school I attended last year. This year I made photographer on my school newspaper. I am also now part of project beauty and am a Model Ambassador for Erica Land a photographer. All of these activities I would have been scared to try in the past. I am so proud that I have not allowed my fears to stop me.

How have you participated in farming and what do you like most about it? At my high school last year we planted crops and picked peppers. My group was outdoors working in the fields from 4:00-6:00 three days a week. I had never done anything like this before and enjoyed going out of my comfort zone.

Congratulations on making photographer for your school newspaper! What is one thing you've learned so far? Since Covid I am virtual so taking pictures for the paper have been put on hold a bit. I switched high schools this year and was thrilled to have been included in the paper. I am excited to get back to school and start shooting.

Look for Madden in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Madison Bauman

7/5/2020

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Madison Bauman - Pennsylvania
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Brandon Bauman
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Photography by Madison Bauman,
Koda Barrett (top) & Emily Riano (bottom)

The Nomination: Madison Bauman is very inspiring. Not only to me but to many teens out there. Not only is she a dancer but she is also a photographer. Madison sets goals and achieves them. She is a very determined woman. I as her older brother am so proud to be watching her grow before my very own eyes and succeed. She also sets trends and never follows them. She’s a leader not a follower. I’m thankful to be her brother.

Photography by Madison Bauman

How did you get started dancing? What do you like so much about it?
My mom took me for my first ballet class when I was only 3 years old at Showbiz Kidz and I loved it. Being that I was super young, I never took my dancing serious until I was 12 years old.
I joined my first competition team and I loved it!
I experienced many new forms of dancing and a new environment. Continuing with my passion I decided to take a break from my competition team and take my ballet lessons to the next level.
I enrolled at the Mill Ballet School in New Jersey and took my very first Pointe class and fell in love.
After that I wanted to become a professional ballerina.
Sadly The Mill Ballet School was a far commute, so I switched over to The Ballet Guild of Lehigh Valley for 2 years.
For my senior year in high school, I decided that I wanted to continue my dance career back at Showbiz Kidz on their competition team.
Sadly I never had the opportunity to perform any of my competition dances or my solo because of Covid-19.
In August of 2020 I will be furthering my dance career at Indiana University Of Pennsylvania. Where I will be majoring in dance.
What I love about dancing is the way it makes me feel.
When I’m sad, I will go into my basement and improve dances until I feel better.
If I’m angry, I’ll take my anger out through dance.
When I’m excited, I’ll put my excitement through dance.
Dance is my stress reliever.
It makes me feel special and meaningful.

Photography by Madison Bauman

What specifically does working with the Flu Crew entail? How did you find out about this?
The Flu Crew happens every year in November! What I do specifically is I hand out paperwork to all the “customers” who are getting their flu shot done. Then they are directed to a specific location to get their shot done!
I make sure to greet them with humor and a big smile to make sure they feel comfortable!
My step father,Robert Hockenbury, works for the Lehigh Valley Health Network and would sign us up each year for the Flu Crew. It is a family tradition with me, my brother, my mother, and my step dad!

Photography by Madison Bauman

What are some of your favorite things to take pictures of? How did you find your passion for photography?
One of my favorite objects to shoot are cars. When my dad took me to my first car show in Connecticut 8 years ago, my dad gave me one of his old cameras and I went around taking pictures of as many cars as I can. Ever since then I have expressed an interest in photography.
The picture attached below is my friend, “Tyler Weaver’s” car that I recently captured back in April 2020.
This picture is my favorite photo because it captures the greatest moment in my life. Being around my friends and family, and capturing them doing what they love and what I love, makes me feel warm and happy inside.

Photography by Madison Bauman

What do you love so much about going to car shows! What is your favorite car! Why?
When I was only 10 years old, my father took me all the way to Connecticut for my first car show. It was the first time I saw my dad very passionate about something he loves! It was a cold, chilly day so my dad and I were suited up and walking around looking at cars. It didn’t really spark an interest in me until I saw a pink 1956 Chevy bel-air. One of my dream cars! All I did was walk around with my father and take pictures of all the old cars that caught my eye! My dad and I bonded over cars and got really close! So after that day all I wanted to do was go to every car event with my father! It was our thing ;)
For me it is so hard to pick only one car that is my favorite, so here are my top two.
2017 Subaru BRZ
1956 Chevy Bel-Air

Photography by Emily Riano

How do you balance everything that you have on your plate as you are involved in so many things!
Time Management!
I am very serious about time management!
I make sure before I go to bed, I know what I am doing the next day, what time I’m waking up, what time I’m leaving, or what I have planned for the day.
If I didn’t have anything planned, I would go insane and become very stressed.
For me I would go to school 5 days a week and have dance everyday after school. The weekends are reserved for my car events and photography!

Madison will be featured in issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 35

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Ella Abney

Ella Abney – Louisiana
Nomination & Photography by Jennifer Abney Photography
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Faithanna Olsson

Faithanna Olsson - Oklahoma
Nomination by Emma Schweitzer
Photography by Faithanna Olsson
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Jones

Brianna Jones - Texas
Nomination by Angie Read Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madden Diamond

Madden Diamond - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Caroline Diamond
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madison Bauman

Madison Bauman - Pennsylvania
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Brandon Bauman
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Photography by Madison Bauman,
Koda Barrett (top) & Emily Riano (bottom)

Featured

Archives

Categories

Ella Abney

Ella Abney – LouisianaNomination & Photography by Jennifer Abney PhotographyIssue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Faithanna Olsson

Faithanna Olsson - OklahomaNomination by Emma SchweitzerPhotography by Faithanna OlssonIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Jones

Brianna Jones - TexasNomination by Angie Read PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Madden Diamond

Madden Diamond - MarylandInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Caroline DiamondPhotography by Erica Land PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Madison Bauman

Madison Bauman - PennsylvaniaInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Brandon Bauman​Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens MagazinePhotography by Madison Bauman,​Koda Barrett (top) & Emily Riano (bottom)​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Ella Abney – Louisiana
Nomination & Photography by Jennifer Abney Photography
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Faithanna Olsson - Oklahoma
Nomination by Emma Schweitzer
Photography by Faithanna Olsson
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Jones - Texas
Nomination by Angie Read Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madden Diamond - Maryland
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Caroline Diamond
Photography by Erica Land Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madison Bauman - Pennsylvania
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Brandon Bauman
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Photography by Madison Bauman,
Koda Barrett (top) & Emily Riano (bottom)