The Nova Project
A sacred portrait and storytelling series and future book for those who have experienced miscarriage or child loss.
One in four.
That’s how many women will experience miscarriage or child loss. But few are given space to speak it. Fewer still are witnessed in it.
This is your moment to be seen. To be held. To be remembered.
Why I Created The Nova Project
On Thursday December 19, 2024 I went in for what should’ve been a joyful confirmation. I was just past nine weeks pregnant at 43, I knew this was likely my last. Despite a recent breakup just weeks before this appointment, I felt rooted in my decision to grow my family.
“I am sorry there is no heartbeat”
Those words came like a fracture.
Everything after felt like slow motion. A blur of decisions, grief, silence.
Soon after, I began sharing my story visually, through portraits, through images that carried emotion when words could not. Women and men began reaching out with their own stories of loss. Quiet stories. Hidden stories. Stories that deserved to be seen.
Months later, scrolling Facebook, my late best friend’s son was expecting a baby. In a dream his partner had, their baby came to her wrapped in purple with writing all over — a nurse whispered… “That’s her name. You chose it.
Nova”
She had no idea it was the same name I’d been carrying in silence. The same week she conceived, my body released the life I’d hoped for and there was a supernova, one of the most powerful, energetic events in the universe. A dying star, bursting with light.
It felt like something had aligned—beyond words, beyond timing.
The name, the light, the loss… and the connection.
And from that, this project was born.
From that, The Nova Project was born, a constellation of remembrance where every portrait becomes a light in the darkness.
What’s Included
Every participant receives a portrait session designed with compassion and care.
Your Nova Project Experience Includes:
Design consultation to discuss your story, vision and what feels right for your session. We also cover how to prepare for your session
Access to a private studio space and curated wardrobe
A transformational portrait session guided gently at your pace
2-3 styled looks, blending natural beauty and storytelling art
1 High Resolution Digital image
Your story and portrait featured in The Nova Project book upon release
A copy of the final published book to honor your journey, alongside others
If you decide you want to purchase more than what's included, your entire session fee will be applied to your purchase so you can walk away with a meaningful heirloom. These optional upgrades are available, allowing you to select additional portraits and artwork for your home. Many families choose to create a remembrance wall portrait, a folio box, or 9-up to hold their story.
To speak what hasn’t been spoken. To honor the pregnancies we carried, the babies we dreamed of, the children gone too soon, the stories that deserve to be seen and heard.
A supernova marks the death of a star, but its also the moment of its greatest brilliance. A cosmic eruption of light, seen across galaxies.
This project is born from that same truth, that even in loss, there is radiance. That what we carried matters. Each participant will be photographed and invited to share their story. These portraits and narratives will be featured in a published coffee table book, an offering of remembrance, connection, and legacy.
Whether your loss happened recently or long ago, whether it’s shaped you in ways you can’t name or stayed tucked away in quiet corners… you are welcome here. Through portraiture and storytelling, The Nova Project becomes a constellation, the lives we created, the identities we’ve held and the stories we still carry.
This isn’t just a project. It’s the light that finds you after the world goes dark.
This is for you. This is for us. This is Nova.
“Let go of trying to get that girl back who you were before. She is not here anymore, but a new one is here that you should spend time getting to know and learn to love.”
— Brittany Facinoli (Out of the Ashes Foundation)
Who is The Nova Project For?
The Nova Project is open to anyone who has experienced:
Miscarriage at any stage
Stillbirth
Neonatal
Recurrent loss or infertility journeys
You are welcome whether your loss was recent or many years ago. Grief has no timeline.
We serve women and families across Charlotte, NC, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Columbia SC, Greenville SC, Asheville, and surrounding areas.
FAQs
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Yes. The heart of The Nova Project is about breaking silence. Miscarriage and child loss are often hidden in whispers, but this project exists to speak it out loud, to create portraits and stories that honor what was carried. Sharing is part of the healing.
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No. Some women choose to share their story through words alone, while others join for portraits, video interviews, or both. Every voice matters.
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Not by default. Some women want to arrive exactly as they are, come as you are. Others want the empowerment of full glamour. Hair and makeup services can be added to your session if you choose.
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The Nova Project is created for women who have experienced miscarriage or child loss. You’re welcome to bring a partner, family member, or close friend if you want them present in your portrait. We may also record “loss adjacent” interviews with partners, siblings, or loved ones who carry the story alongside you.
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You still belong here. Many women carry their loss quietly for decades. The Nova Project offers a chance to finally give voice and visibility to your story, whether it’s recent or long ago.
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Stories and portraits from The Nova Project will become part of a published book and visual movement. You will know in advance how your contribution will be shared, and your level of participation is always your choice.
What’s next?
There are a couple of ways to get involved. Whether you’ve walked this path before, or you know someone who has and want to support our efforts, we have some options for everyone to take part.
Schedule a call below to start the process.
Book a Consultation
After you’ve filled out the form below, I will be in touch within the next business day.
Supporters and Resources
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Out of The Ashes Foundation
Supporter
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Book by Valerie Samuels
Supporter
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Clothing Resources
Supporter