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Available for Corporate Speaking!

Uncategorized
March 2, 2016/by
My first love is to be behind the camera and under water.  But some may not know that I also love to share my story and survivors’ stories in person. Two of my three most favorite 2015 moments were speaking engagements and I very much am excited to see where 2016 takes me with public speaking.  I love talking to small groups, large events and everything in between.  Whether it be an Apple Store presentation, speaking at a university or corporate function, I am enthusiastic and open to speaking at your event! I offer a unique, uplifting and empowering story that motivates employees to follow their passions and make a difference in the world.  I help others find their inner inspiration which encourages ambition.  Motivated employees are more satisfied with their jobs, are an integral part in your company’s productivity, work harder and are more satisfied - which leads to a higher retention rate and less employee turnover. Employees are unique individuals with unique ideas and values - they are looking for a unique corporate learning experience that leads to personal growth. If this interests you, I encourage you to contact me! I’m more than happy to share previous experiences at corporate events (such as Genentech) and how I can be of service to your organization.  Please check out my featurette and my press page for a sneak peek to the stories I love to share with others. My work has been featured by Buzzfeed, CBS News, USA Today, The Huffington Post,...
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San Diego Update: Cancer Survivor + Maternity Shoot!

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
February 24, 2016/by
As you read last week, I am headed to San Diego March 12 - 14 for two transformational underwater shoots. I’m excited to announce a third portrait session has been scheduled, a first for me - a lovely couple who is expecting their first child and the father-to-be is a two-time Testicular Cancer survivor! Scott and Mandy are thrilled for their upcoming photo session.  Scott, who beat Stage 4 Testicular Cancer in 1999 and Stage 2 in 2004, and Mandy, who is expecting May 15th, have many reasons to celebrate and participate in my Underwater Healer project.  They were told they had less than 1% chance to conceive.  But thanks to hope, good energy, doctors and the modern practice of IVF, Mandy is now pregnant!  A very expensive undertaking, a GoFundMe page was created and successful helped fund the expensive procedure. Mandy and Scott have expressed how excited they are for their upcoming photo shoot and what they are looking forward to the most.  Scott says: “One way I can explain the feeling of cancer was the feeling of being trapped, secluded, and confined.  I was in the hospital for weeks at a time and sometimes so confined that I couldn't get out of bed.  Only immediate family members could come in the room after they were gowned up and cleaned; much like quarantine.  The freedom, calm, and limitless possibility of movement being underwater brings me happiness and takes me so far away from the confines of cancer and those dark memories.” They both...
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Headed to San Diego!

Travel
February 18, 2016/by
I’m thrilled to announce I’m headed to San Diego!  From March 12th - 14th I’ll be in sunny SoCal to shoot two tattooed mastectomy survivors in collaboration with Shane Wallin, founder of Mastectomy Tattoo!  Shane leads a tattoo studio built for breast cancer survivors to reclaim what cancer has taken from them. He does an amazing job and I am so excited to work with him and two of his tattoo recipients. The first mastectomy tattoo survivor is Juanita, a San Diego native. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 in 1987 when she discovered a lump on her left breast while pregnant with her third child.  In 2010, Stage 2 breast cancer struck again, this time on her right breast.  She first saw mastectomy tattoos on Pink Ink Fund.  She was so happy to see pictures of tattoos covering the scars of surgery she cried.  She was joyful to know there is beauty after breast cancer. Juanita wants to participate in an underwater portrait shoot to help her mentally and physically cleanse her soul. She now knows there is beauty after breast cancer and wants to let women, men and children of all nationalities know there is hope and peace within. She dedicates her shoot to all woman who have battled breast cancer, especially those who died fighting.  She says, “Cancer breaks you down in all kinds of ways, but if you are strong we can conquer anything” and I agree!  I can’t wait to meet...
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Love Is In the Water

Uncategorized
February 11, 2016/by
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!  While I believe you should show your loved one affection 365 days a year, I still love Valentine’s Day and the romantic sentiment behind it.  I’ve been very lucky to shoot some beautiful, caring couples over the years and wanted to share a recent underwater portrait shoot experience with my speaking coach, Travia and her husband. If you attended the San Francisco Apple Store event in October 2015, you saw her speak on her experience briefly.  She and her spouse are so lovely that I wanted to share her story further, and what better excuse that Valentine’s Day to do so! “When I first met Erena, I thought her photos and personality was amazing. It's rare to meet someone with such authenticity, passion and humility. Since she did couples, I knew it would be a perfect experience for my husband and I. We started off with a consultation, then did the shoot a few weeks later. When we arrived to the pool, she greeted us, did all of my makeup for me and assisted with my jewelry. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to hold my breath, however, she coached us through the process and by the end, I felt like a pro. I had a greater level of confidence and sense of peace. My husband and I have never experienced such an amazing activity together as this and will cherish this forever.” If you are interested in having your own couples experience or buying...
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How We Can Heal Maui Yoga Retreat 2016 Recap

Travel
January 27, 2016/by
I can’t believe the How We Can Heal Maui Yoga Retreat has come and gone!  I had an amazing time of relaxation and meditation with a wonderful group of people.  We laughed so much this past week - we all have amazing memories that we have taken home.  In fact, we had so much fun we forgot to take yoga pictures!  But have no fear, we did take underwater portraits!  You saw a few sneak peeks earlier this week on Facebook (see below!), stay tuned for more! I wanted to share feedback I received from two of the retreat participants.  It warms my heart to hear I have made a difference in someone’s life and also confirms I am on the right path with my work.  Feedback is critical and I am so thankful for their kind words! First is Participant A, who had a strong fear of water. Notice, I said had! :) “I was very apprehensive about the underwater photography session because I've always had a very strong fear of having my head under water. Erena has a wonderful gentle, beautiful spirit that touched me and helped me want to try to face and overcome my fear. I've come back to the yoga retreat for 3 years--and getting to work with Erena to face my fear was a major part of why I wanted to keep coming to Lumeria.  I Just finished my third year and I had so much fun in the water-- and more importantly, I feel so...
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Sardines

about
January 7, 2016/by
You may find it hard to believe, but I’m an introvert. When I made my 2016 resolution to speak more and do a TED talk one day, it shows how far I’ve come speaking to others and how much further I want to take myself. When I moved to the U.S. from Japan in 1989, the language barrier created enormous anxiety.  Words frightened me.  I excelled at sports and math (except word problems!) but English classes instilled so much fear in me that I started talking less and less.  Eventually I turned into a shy child, unlike my former self in Japan. But, at age 40, I decided it was time to turn that around.  While I am comfortable behind the camera and interacting with clients one on one, I decided to transform that shy child into a bonafide public speaker.  Thanks to Underwater Transformation, I’ve been lucky to have been interviewed by many media outlets all over the world.  Trust me, it’s isn’t easy.  Every time I speak, my stomach feels like I have those little sardines you see swimming in swarms at the aquarium in it (you may call them butterflies, but as a child of water they are fish to me!).  Just last month I was interviewed by Helpsy, and even with all the interviews I have done, I still got nervous. I sometimes find myself asking the interviewers to send their questions via email.  It not only gives me more time to answer the questions, but it helps...
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Underwater Healer Now Listed on Helpsy!

Uncategorized
December 30, 2015/by
Over the past three years, I’ve been blessed to have been able to influence so many cancer survivors’ lives. I am thankful that my talents are used to help others transform from pain to joy. Because of this, I am excited to say that I have a new outlet to reach cancer survivors and help make a difference!   Introducing Helpsy - a solution for cancer patients to assist them in finding the best solution for their health needs. Still in beta mode, Helpsy is part of UCSF’s Lean Launchpad program and Stanford’s Entrepreneurship Program. Patients use their online service to help determine the most effective therapies, then help guide them through all health systems and care options in their area. They not only connect patients with care providers, but also with other patients to help them build additional supportive relationships. I’m happy to announce that I am one of their first therapy practitioners! As a visual therapist on Helpsy, I am able to share my Underwater Healer project with a very large network of patients in need in the Bay Area. As you can see in my provider profile, it shares my background and experience, education, and lets patients book a session with me online. Convenient and informational all in one. It’s very exciting to be part of a new project that was founded to make a profound difference in people’s lives and wellbeing. I encourage all of you to check out Helpsy, especially if you have health needs and are...
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Looking to 2016

Underwater Healer About Face
December 23, 2015/by
It’s unbelievable to think that 2016 is less than 10 days away!  Last week I looked back at 2015 and some of my most dear moments.  This week, I want to look forward to 2016 and what I aim to accomplish. I’m setting a personal goal to speak more in 2016.  Two of my three most favorite 2015 moments were speaking engagements and I want to continue to grow myself as a public speaker.  Not only do I want to reach people at the far corners of the world - inspire them with stories of courage, strength and beauty - but I also want to challenge myself.  I want to grow as an orator.  I have met with a speaking coach and am excited to push myself to overcome any nerves and polish my presentation style.  I love talking to groups and want to speak to even larger audiences.  Whether it be an Apple Store presentation, speaking at a university or organization, I am enthusiastic to see what keynote opportunities arise and seek them out even more in 2016. My biggest goal that I am working towards is to present a TED talk.  It’s not an easy feat, only 50 speakers are chosen each year at the conference, but I believe in myself.  I know that with practice and preparation I can share my story of Underwater Healer and the transformation of the survivors to a global audience.  I’m optimistic that in 2016 I will present a local TEDx talk, a...
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2015 in Review

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December 16, 2015/by
I can’t believe 2015 is almost over!  This year was full of amazing events, strong survivors, and beautiful clients.  And while each one is special to me, I wanted to remember three especially poignant moments from the last twelve months. First, I receive so much joy when I think back to my trip to Boston.  Not only did I have four underwater shoots with four lovely women (one of whom is now a beautiful mommy and one of my biggest supporters!), but I also gave a presentation at the Apple Store on Bolyston Street.  The turnout was incredible and you could feel the emotions as I spoke.  The crowd was so enthusiastic about my project and spoke with such excitement - my heart was, and still is, full of happiness from it all. Second, the San Francisco Apple Store event in October was truly unbelievable.  So many friends, supporters and About Face cancer survivors came out to support my presentation.  It was awe inspiring to have so many survivors share their testimony unasked and unexpectedly.  It was by far my most emotional event to date.  It meant so much to me to not only hear your kinds words of how much your life has been positively impacted by the Underwater Healer project, but to also share them to a crowd.  Thank you with all my heart. Last, but certainly not least, would be my supporters over the year who have booked maternity, engagement, or just fun underwater portrait sessions.  Every single one...
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Last Call for How We Can Heal Yoga Retreat in Maui!

Travel
December 2, 2015/by
It’s hard to believe December is here!  As this year comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking of what next year will bring.  I encourage you to enter 2016 with a healing start and sign up to join me in Maui for the How We Can Heal Yoga Retreat before it sells out! Held January 18-22, this year marks the fifth anniversary of the annual yoga retreat with Lisa Danylchuk, a Psychotherapist, yogini and educator who works as a trauma therapist in The San Francisco Bay Area.  Hosted at the Lumeria Retreat Center, you will spend 5 days focusing on finding rest and relaxation to form a greater connection with yourself.  Registration covers all classes, 3 daily meals and double accommodations. Everyday begins with energizing vinyasa yoga practice and in the evening we end with yin, a restorative practice and meditation lead by Lisa.  Each day focuses on a different series of poses, natural element, psycho-spiritual theme and includes a sprinkle of Hawaiian dance and language.  Her wonderful classes help mitigate the impact of extreme stress we face in our daily lives.  The time in between classes is yours to enjoy as you wish.  Lumeria offers beautiful contemplative spaces, salt water pools, hot tubs and farm to table dining.  Hiking, swimming, surfing and more are all just steps away.  The retreat focuses on filling your soul with healing and joyful experiences.  Everyone brings some of the island peace home. There is a special added bonus for attending - I will...
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