I had the privilege to photograph Kyra Faison-Gardner, CEO and co-founder of Business Environments LLC, a commercial interiors business, and founder of Prospect & Refuge Life. She shared a Brendan Burchard quote she loves: “In the absence of a reason, find a purpose.”
“My husband John and I met in the industry 40 years ago. After starting a family, we decided to start a company, 20 years ago. As CEO I’m privileged to lead and influence the culture. I’m a heart-centered leader and an empathetic person naturally, and that is the culture I’ve developed for our company. My husband is the president, and we are a true family business, with three of our children working with us. They are brilliant and talented and make us proud every day.
In contrast to now, early in my career I became less authentic and took on the veil of what was commonly accepted as professionalism then—a little cold, stand-offish. In higher leadership roles, women and marginalized professionals were expected to emulate what people told us a leader looks like. I went with that for a while until I didn’t.
The pandemic was an awful time. I was in the middle of some life transitions. It was almost a guilty blessing to use the pandemic as a sabbatical to focus on meaningful spiritual heart-centered leadership and the power in that way of leading. I went all in and that naturally paved a beautiful path to a Transformational Life coaching certification in heart-centered leadership as well as Life in Retirement.
I now serve in dual capacities seamlessly transitioning between CEO and mentor. Coaching makes me much more engaged as a CEO with teams and clients. I don’t have any plans to step away from our business but add a place of giving through coaching. As a female executive in “middle essence”, I feel a sense of fulfillment that so many people in my position are lacking. I truly believe we can be fully functional as decent humans and as effective leaders.
Although there will always be challenges, I believe that when we allow quiet, things begin to emerge within ourselves. My advice: spend time listening to your higher self, then take inspired action for a more meaningful life.
I never had a professional headshot done before. But I was finally feeling confident enough in my position in life to present myself that way. After our first conversation, I knew I was going to work with Alissa. She listened so closely and deeply that she talked me through the whole process. I had to be intentional. She was beautiful and kind and the pictures were everything. So happy that my headshots picked up my essence. It was magical!”
About Alissa
Alissa Randall is a portrait photographer based in New Jersey and New York City, known for creating images that feel both elevated and deeply personal. While professional headshots remain a cornerstone of her work, her photography has grown to include personal branding, women’s empowerment, family connection sessions, and expressive portraits of dogs and the people who love them.
Her approach blends editorial artistry with empathy and guidance, helping people feel comfortable enough to be fully seen in front of the camera. Whether photographing an executive, an entrepreneur, a family, or a beloved dog, Alissa creates photographs that reflect more than appearance. They reflect presence, personality, connection, and story.
Alissa photographs in NJ, NYC, and on location beyond the tri-state area. Explore more of her work on the homepage and discover stories behind the images on the blog.