PHOTO STORY: New Times, New Minds

Here’s what Louisville’s youth achieved during the pandemic.

2020 has been one heck of a maze (I’m sure that’s the understatement of the year). Through the various ups and downs, highs and lows, peaks and valleys, this year has been bustling and hustling with its own trajectory in mind. Although many activities have been suspended this year, many Louisville youth have discovered their own strategies to bridge their ideas and creativity to bring them to life. Three girls specifically have achieved this and found their way out of 2020’s maze.

Despite 2020 dropping obstacle after obstacle, Maren (left) and Brynna (right) both overcame this year by creating their own clothing line. What started off as a whimsical idea being playfully tossed around turned into a full-on professional small business where they personally sew every piece of clothing. Here, they stand in front of the Big Four Bridge posing back to back.

Managing the Maze – Maren (left) and Brynna (right) stand in front of the Big Four Bridge back to back on Nov. 18, 2020. Even with last year’s challenges, they were determined to create their own small business back in June. (Photos by Whitney Nguyen)
Decked in Bottoms – The Waterfront Park, a non-profit, public park that showcases the Ohio River and the Big Four Bridge, lies in the background as Maren and Brynna pose in bottoms from their clothing line on Nov. 18, 2020. (Photos by Whitney Nguyen)

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Similarly, Ashley Phan has also discovered a creative outlet during quarantine and transformed it into her own crocheting small business. Here, she poses on the steps next to the Waterfront Park with her yarn.

Yes to the Yarn – 16-year-old Ashley Phan poses on the steps in front of the Ohio River on Nov. 18, 2020 with some of the yarn she utilizes for her small business. (Photos by Whitney Nguyen)

Ashley spent months and months preparing for this business. Seeing my best friend of over 12 years accomplish this strenuous, yet well-thought out business, has been one of the biggest joys of my life.

Success – Ashley poses with her cheek resting on her hand on Nov. 18, 2020. (Photos by Whitney Nguyen)

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This year began with many dead ends, leaving many of us feeling hopeless and disconnected. But it doesn’t have to end with us staying lost. The youth of Louisville are talented and versatile individuals. No matter the size of the obstacle, there’ll always be another way around it.