Creating Space for Acceptance in Berks County – An interview with Danielle Laws

Creating Space for Acceptance in Berks County

An interview with Danielle Laws

It all started for Danielle Laws in 2008 when a college professor asked the class, “What would you do if you woke up and were a different gender? Or a different color?” Answers from students soon turned mean as the conversation edged towards race when the professor merely meant the color green, or blue. The professor dismissed class early due to the banter, but Danielle sat in her chair upset and not understanding why things went the way they had. Danielle Laws is the owner of Baronial Designs Photography, a mother of two boys, half Caucasian, half African American, the photographer behind the stunning cover of our magazine, and a woman on a mission to ensure everyone is seen and accepted, no matter their skin shade or color.

Rachael: What was it like growing up being “half and half”?

Danielle: My dad is black and my mom is white but as you can see, my skin is fairly light. Since grade school I have been bullied because I was only 1 of 2 black kids in my class. As I grew up, I realized that I had to live two lives to fit in with different groups of people. I had two different wardrobes and two different hair styles. I had to wear certain clothes and have my hair done a certain way to hang out with my “black friends” to feel accepted and the exact same with my “white friends.” It was my dad who taught me how to be black…but it was the world that taught me how [I was supposed] to be white.

R: That’s such a powerful statement, Danielle, and I’m sorry you went through that growing up. Is that the motivation behind the photo of women with different shades of skin color?

D: Yes, definitely. I wanted to show women of all shades, with all hair textures, and this came out in February 2022 during Black History Month so it was very powerful. Color is a big issue in the black community, and there is prejudice within race [based on your skin tone]. That month after the show I had five more photo shoots with families that wanted to capture their unique differences as well. I am so honored to have this be the cover of the magazine because if you go back five years, you won’t see all skin tones like this anywhere.

A Santa Like Me

In 2021 Danielle began to plan her next venture to ensure that children got to see a Santa the same skin tone as themselves. This stemmed from talking to her friend who was frustrated that she couldn’t find an “Elf on the Shelf” doll that looked like her and her family. In winter 2022 she trademarked A Santa Like Me which offers photo shoots with African American, Caucasian, and Latino Santas. This winter she sold out all timeslots, and ensured that each group came at separate times so as not to diminish each other and what they stood for. “During one of the photo shoots I heard a little boy excitedly say to his mom ‘Look mom, he’s different!’ and I knew that it impacted him.”

R: You’ve done some amazing things over the past two years, but how did you get started?

D: My passion is photography, but I actually have a Bachelors of Science in Biology from East Stroudsburg University and a certification as a cardiac stenographer. During my time at ESU, I took upper level photography classes and my professor gave me different assignments than other students to teach me what I needed [higher level than other students]. In my freshman year I wrote a business plan for a photo studio and crafts/jewelry company because I was making money on the side doing that. When I left college I worked in the corporate world for two years and it was a really toxic environment.

R: That’s the worst but sometimes exactly what is needed to do what you really are passionate about.

D: One weekend I photographed an event and realized that I made a month and a half of my corporate salary in two days. That’s when I decided to leave. It was a leap, but I bet on myself and it was the best decision I could have ever made.

R: So what’s next for Baronial Designs? And what’s next for you?

D: Over the next few years I plan on upgrading my studio and purchasing a larger space where I can do everything I want. And I want A Santa Like Me to grow outside of Pennsylvania. I want people to think of me and what I’m doing and know that is a space and place where everyone is included [and seen]. I have two boys, Brayden (5) and Jaxson (4), who I want to give experiences to so they can learn that they can be great, and the world can’t rip them down. They will be kind and accepting of everyone. 2 By Rachael Romig, Senior Director of Events & Special Programs, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, W2W Magazine Editor-In-Chief

Book with Baronial Designs Photography

Baronial Designs Photography was launched full time in 2016. The studio is located in Reading, PA and offers corporate branding, newborn to family milestones, weddings, and real estate photography. Baronial Designs also specializes in boudoir photography for women’s empowerment. In 2022 the business expanded to include an online retail shop selling candles, essential oils, bath bombs, and personalized crafts.

https://www.baronialdesigns.com (610) 463-4673

SHADES OF COLOR

testimonials

WA Program of theGreater Reading Chamber AllianceMEN2WOMENMEN2 winter2023themagazine

PATRICIA WRIGHT – Reading School Board Director & Airline Flight Attendant

Growing up in a multicultural household, it was easy to feel a little out of place. Being light skinned, I was constantly questioned about my ethnicity. Doing this shoot, being surrounded by other beautiful women, different shades of royal…I belonged. We all belong.

RACINE JOHNS – Logistics, NAVSUP WSS – Vice President, Shar’s Hands, Inc. – Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Danielle’s vision came to life. I am completely honored to be a part of this vision. More importantly, as a woman of color I am honored to be selected as part of this photoshoot. The photo represents women of color from all different backgrounds and careers. Collectively we represent the many faces of powerful, beautiful, and resilient women in our diverse community. Each and every woman in this picture has a story of how Berks County has shaped their lives. Collectively we are stronger and can create an impact in our community.

TRISHA LASHER – Registered Nurse, Encompass Home Health & Hospice

It was an honor to be a part of this project. Danielle creatively portrayed to the world a depiction of beauty and unity within our own culture.

CARISSA JOHNSON – Magisterial Judge, Berks County

When Danielle shared her vision I was honored to be a part of something so powerful. Colorism is real amongst all races and this photograph showcases the beauty in ALL shades of brown. I knew this project would be impactful and it truly has been. I felt proud, I felt empowered, and I felt seen! Black women come in all different shades, shapes, and sizes and this photo captured the versatility that is the Black Woman!

PAMELA HARGIS – Certified Nursing Assistant

The experience that Danielle provided this group of melanated women along with myself was a feeling I’ve never felt before. Being amongst all shades of Brown women within different roles and statuses of life, I wish other women were given this opportunity by this amazing entrepreneur/friend! If I were given this opportunity to do it again I would jump at the chance to be around so many successful African American women and to be able to share stories and backgrounds of our struggles and successes of being a Woman of Color!! Thank you again Danielle you are forever MY SISTER!!

CRYSTAL GILMORE HARRIS – Social Services Administrative Assistant & Cheerleading Coach, Reading School District

It truly was an honor to be a part of a photo that represented all shades of black girl magic. It was nice to be in a room with all shades being represented and just as beautiful as the next. We were just like a melting pot of phenomenal women!! Connecting, showing the world how colorism did NOT EXIST – all that mattered was that we were together having fun and we created a picture that will last for a lifetime. Danielle did an outstanding job placing us in the proper places, showing the world how we all came together to stand against division among our own race. Black Girl Magic with a shot of Black Excellence was represented in this photo. I’m not sure people know the level of powerful women represented…but we do!

Baronial Designs Photography pg. 14 The Vote pg. 26 The Adalyn Rose Foundation pg. 30 Women:Seen, Heard, Leading the Way

Five-Minute ILMFest Five-Minute ILMFest

A ReadingFILM Student Challenge A ReadingFILM Student Challenge

• Submit your film for FREE thru Monday, April 3rd • Live Award Ceremony Thursday, April 27th • Winning films will be screened during the 2023

ReadingFilmFEST, October 19 - 22

A

You must be a student or recent graduate (2022) of a Berks County, PA school to submit A A A

1st prize

$250|gift card 2nd prize 3rd prize

$150|gift card $75|gift card

Plus: Crystal Award, ReadingFilmFEST Filmmaker-T-shirt with Swag Bag A

Plus: Crystal Award Plus: Award Certificate

All participating students receive a free StudentFEST pass for the 2023 ReadingFilmFEST

ReadingFilmFEST Oct 19-22, 2023