We began this sequence of portraits, all featuring ‘Horizon Athletic’ costumes, during the Covid pandemic. The pandemic had the effect of forcing people to assess their local surroundings and reap the benefits of their direct environment, one phenomenon was how many people turned to cold water swimming as a means to escape, revitalise and meditate. Focusing on one small French community which has a very international community we created this project of personal interviews along with portraits of local women. Each photograph was taken in the exact same location but at different times of the day, ranging from sunrise to sunset, and over a period of a few months; the landscape, quality of light, weather, reflections, water conditions and all of the environmental factors were in a state continual flux and change, creating a differing dynamic with each image regardless of the static location.
Photographs and interviews created by Angela Huntbach-Hertault of AHH Agency. With thanks to all of the wonderful women in the portraits who share their image along with most personal feelings and insights with us. You are our Horizon Heroes…
Horizon Hero Profile
Chantal
30th May 2021
I am passionate about developing human potential starting with young people and that’s what led me to my role as Director of a Montessori school. Alongside this I became a qualified yoga teacher two years ago which is another passion.
My philosophy is to work with young people, especially children that are a-typical. All children are different, and helping them get beyond, self-limiting beliefs, lack of self-confidence, help them bring out that spark by listening to them and helping them to learn how to love themselves and see the best in themselves is very rewarding. I put a mirror to reflect back to them what the person of tomorrow may become, reflecting back their potential.
Since turning 50, my model has been to make space for creativity. To me that means liberating myself from things that have been slowing me down. My idea is to tie everything together to help people reach their best potential. I create workshops for yoga and teaching, parental workshops - to help parents be the best parents they can be, I love to paint...
Fit in my fifties is another goal. To be fit, to me, concerns every level; physical, mental and being aligned as the best version of yourself.
I am originally from Belgium, I lived in Philadelphia from the age of 9 and stayed there for 25 years. I came to France in 2004, studied Finance and Business at University and moved to Paris where I did a Masters in Education.
I have always skied, I was in the high school swim team. In the last five years I started to run and I developed my current yoga addiction. I practice yoga daily alone and teach it twice per week. I initially started yoga because I was having back problems and it was recommended by an osteopath who was treating me at the time. I had a burn out so having started for therapeutic reasons I completely fell in love with yoga, and now I see it as my sanctuary.
