Multi-layered. That’s just one of the many adjectives to describe the type of person Hira is. I’m honored to have her as the first feature on this collaboration series — a woman whose artistry is nothing short of organic and vibrant. She is beyond talented, a radiant soul with eclectic style who embodies a fearless persona and kind heart.

I found Hira’s art before I met the woman herself. One day I stumbled across 4Four and easily fell in love with her collection of “How I See Color” studies. It is because of Hira that I stepped out of my comfort zone of neutrals and warm tones. The way she combines shades of blues, greens, and oranges quickly drew me in. Since then, I haven’t looked at the world the same.

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HYPHN is the link in connecting artists from various mediums together. For this feature, it was important that I worked with a woman of color because of the lack of representation in the arts. Throughout my childhood, women were being marketed to become housewives, nurses, teachers, caregivers — and there is nothing wrong with that, but women are more than just nurturers — we are something tenfold.

She tastes of sweet nectar and drips of sea salt derived from the abyss of the pacific. A juxtaposition between cascading viridescent Ko’olau mountains and the cerulean gradient of the ocean. She knows you never have to choose to be merely one but all. So as February comes donning every shade of red, she will rise like Pele with vermillion in her veins. Unforgiving for who she is. Watch her layers change as a hibiscus would from scarlet to crimson. When the day rests in blood orange, she will ascend like a Phoenix in the horizon.