I went down to Rio de Janeiro to document the lives of models living in Jacarezinho – one of Rio's largest and most dangerous favelas. Thanks to a local community leader, I had the ability to get to see a world that would not typically be allowed viewable through the lens of a photographer. We saw a vibrant community of people who help each other and use Macgyverism commonly through a concept called "gambiarra". In Brazil, figures like Gisele Bundchen are idolized – models that are blonde and white in a country that is 53% black. It's important for the youth in Jacaré to develop pride in their upbringing while also pivoting the conversation of national beauty standards. The images aim to be a portrait of Jacarezinho, showing the inherent to both the place and the people while being honest about realities of living in the favela.