My World

It’s Me, Hilary

I’ve always tried to find the magic and beauty in nature, life, and everyday experiences. Going into my thirties, I‘ve developed a profound appreciation for “the little things” — cozy moments, picking out a pumpkin, words of encouragement, giggles — and I’ve realized just how important it is to discover and share joy. That’s why I’m so excited to make Lightheart Lens a reality!

A little bit about my journey: I was born and raised in Memphis, moved more times than I can count, and graduated from East Aurora High School in 2009. I spent most of my twenties in college, desperate to figure out the direction of my life. I studied computer science and engineering for a few years until I decided I was depriving myself of something incredibly important: human interaction. I changed my major to psychology and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2016. Since graduating, I’ve worked for medical and insurance providers, doing my best to reduce stress and make people smile.

In early 2025, I fought for my life and underwent emergency brain surgery — an experience that changed everything. My healing journey was long and challenging, but a true blessing. Through healing, I rediscovered joy and found the courage to realign my path with what truly mattered. In the fall of 2025, I resigned from a team training and leadership role at Independent Health and made the choice to bring my dream, Lightheart Lens, to life.

Between home and work, I’m quite the busy bee. But in my free time, you can find me with my camera, on Photoshop, doodling, digging in my gardens, admiring the night sky, dreaming about Disney, and relaxing with my husband, John, and our three pups — Daisy, Lily, and Arrow.

At the heart of it all, my goal in life is simple: to spread kindness, cherish connections, and protect and preserve the light around us. With Lightheart Lens, I hope to accomplish each of those things and provide you with images you can treasure for a lifetime.

I can’t wait to meet you, hear your story, and help you see life through a lens of warmth, love, and light.

My husband, John

Meet John! My best friend, my other half, and my soul mate. John is a native of Western New York and was born and raised in Elma. He has over fifteen years of experience in the construction and contracting field and has managed a well-known contractor supply warehouse for the past nine years. John is incredibly kind, caring, knowledgeable, and dependable. And our marriage? Sacred. We understand that the grass isn’t greener on the other side — it’s greenest where it’s nurtured and watered. And we take care of our grass! We celebrate our victories and grow from our challenges. We cherish each other and the life we’ve built together. We do what’s right, not what’s easy. We always tell the truth and keep our pinky promises. And we never go to bed without kisses and cuddles. I’m blessed to be able to call this man my husband, and I truly wouldn’t be here without him!

Lily

Lily is an all-white female Siberian husky who’s really just “a human trapped in a dog’s body.” She is incredibly smart, intuitive, and protective of her mama. Now eight years old, Lily enjoys napping, bird-watching, and basking in the sunshine.

Daisy

Daisy, our second husky flower, is our playful baby. Daisy is three years old and keeps everyone on their toes and paw pads! Daisy takes full advantage of our "dog park," and enjoys exploring, playing tag, and pouncing on her brother and sister.

Arrow

Our snugglebug! Arrow is a six-year-old border collie that loves cuddling, learning new tricks and pleasing his family. Unlike the girls, Arrow is fantastic off-leash and enjoys keeping watch and assisting with projects in the yard.