From Shattered to Shining: Me Ra Koh's Journey of Resilience Through the Lens

Have you ever faced a moment that felt like it shattered your world? A time when grief, trauma, or unexpected change left you feeling lost in the shadows? If so, you're not alone. Me Ra Koh, a nationally recognized photographer, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker, understands this deeply. Her incredible story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative journey of embracing your unique story, even the shadowy parts.

A Vow Made in the Darkest Hour

Me Ra's journey began with profound brokenness. As a young woman, trauma left her feeling shattered. In a locked psychiatric ward, a simple exercise with bags of sand became a turning point, helping her confront long-suppressed anger and begin to heal. It was during this difficult period that she made a powerful vow to God: “If You can put me back together, I’ll spend my life telling people You can do the same for them.” This vow became the foundation of her life's purpose.

Years later, an even deeper grief struck when her baby died. The sorrow was so overwhelming that she became unable to work or even speak. But then, a flicker of light broke through the darkness. One afternoon, she noticed sunlight streaming through French doors and illuminating her 14-month-old daughter, Pascaline. This simple, beautiful sight sparked a realization: “I thought, I need to learn how to capture that light. I want to capture her story.”

What started as a purely therapeutic act to tell Pascaline’s story grew into a profound calling and eventually, a business that would reach millions. Me Ra realized a profound truth: “I realized shadows define the light. Maybe instead of trying to erase the shadows from my life, I could let them shape the story God was telling.”

Seeing Strength Through the Lens

Me Ra Koh and her husband, Brian, have a photography studio, FIORIA, in Frisco, Texas. They have dedicated over 20 years to photography. Since 2020, they felt a calling to help people see their own resilience. How do they do it? It's an incredibly unique and powerful approach. Combining photography with neuroscience, they help bring healing to the brain, rewiring how you see yourself through a full day of healing called the Rising Phoenix Experience. For example, before a rising phoenix comes, Me Ra’s team calls the individual’s loved ones and asks them: “How would you describe this woman’s resilience? What do you see rising from the ashes in her life?”

Then, during the shoot, Me Ra shares those very words with the client. This isn't just flattery; it's a profound act of affirmation designed to capture authentic strength. As she puts it, “It’s not, ‘Look how beautiful I am.’ It’s, ‘Look how strong I am. Look at my joy despite what I’ve been through.’” Seeing these qualities reflected in a large statement piece portrait and revisiting that powerful visual daily begins to rewire the brain, fundamentally changing how a woman starts her day and sees her true self. People fly in from all over the country to have the Rising Phoenix Experience, and they see miracles walk out every week.

Me Ra herself understands the power of this deeply personal transformation. She cherishes a series of portraits her husband took of her over the years, each marking a milestone and triumph over challenges. And she was the first to take this methodology that she and her husband had crafted and see if it would impact her own brain. One particularly striking portrait shows her “swinging a sword — it was my reminder in that season that I am a warrior, not a victim.”

The Contagious Power of Confidence and Persistence

Me Ra believes that women are inherently designed to create, whether it's new life, innovative ideas, or bold dreams. She has seen firsthand how confidence is contagious, spilling from a woman into her home, her children, and her community. Her popular “Confidence Workshops” for women in photography were born from her own journey of overcoming self-doubt. She learned that “The more I stepped into confidence, the more I began to embody it.”

Beyond confidence, Me Ra champions persistence. She recalls calling a mentor for six months before finally connecting and then emailing Oprah's team for two years before being featured on the show. Her advice is clear: “If you feel God nudging you toward someone, keep going. Don’t take it personally if they’re busy. Stay the course.” She encourages everyone to keep practicing their craft, even in small settings, because practicing in the small spaces prepares you for any stage.

Embrace Your Story, Shadows and All

Me Ra Koh’s story is a powerful reminder that our “shadows” – our difficult experiences, traumas and challenges – don't need to be erased. Instead, they can shape the unique story God is telling through us. Her final encouragement is a profound call to action:

“Keep going. God is more out of the box than you think. Show up, say yes, and trust that nothing is wasted. He wants to take you on an adventure (and the bonus is that He’s going to heal you along the way).”

Are you ready to embrace your shadows, step into the light, and see yourself as God sees you?

Me Ra Koh's keynote, She Rises: Owning Your Story, Walking in Power, at the Inspire Her Nexx Chapter Conference on August 29-30, 2025, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, is more than a speech; it's an invitation to embark on this transformative journey. This conference is a beacon for women navigating new seasons, seeking inspiration, challenge, and equipping for what's next. Don't miss the opportunity to be inspired by a woman whose life embodies resilience and transformation.

The Future of Connection for Women

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Shanthi Mariappan

I am Shanthi, and I have been in the IT industry for 18+ years. I was looking for a platform to share my knowledge with other female friends and learn from other girls, then I found Her Nexx Chapter. America is a land of opportunity, even though I had a lot of bumps in my career journey. I’m the Founder of Stayfit4Health platform which constantly motivates and encourages female friends in their workouts and leverages the energy within each one of us. I help to translate your soft skills into leadership skills wearing a leadership lens, and I’m open to conducting mock interviews. My hobbies are cooking, running (half-marathon runner), cycling, swimming, hiking, and reading. I have climbed the Himalayas twice (Bakariya top and Mali pass).