Meet Austin “Ace On Earth” Pereira, 27-year-old artist, DJ, and meditation teacher. Austin always gravitated toward the arts growing up. Around the time he was graduating from high school and going to college, heavily influenced by the music he was listening to and the books he was reading, he decided to focus on being a positive force in the world.

This would come to life when he would start the brand Elevated Euphoria with his friend’s Justin and Ian, after being tasked to putting a business plan together for his small business management class. The name is based on his philosophy, to raise awareness about a society where people can appreciate everyone’s experience, even if they may not agree or want to live like them. He’s used all sorts of mediums of art over the last six years to do so, including hip-hop, clothing, meditation classes, and visual arts.

Beyond his time at UMass Dartmouth, Austin balances his full-time job in finance while also trying to bring his positive light to the world. Austin has worked with several local initiatives, offering his DJ services for the local community events such as Third Eye Open and AHA.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

Meet Michael “Early Adopted” Dunphy, 31-year-old Musician and Videographer. Music had always been an outlet for Michael, whether a way to ease his frustrations as a kid or an escape from reality. A close childhood friend of his, Sam, would introduce him to all sort of music, as his family was comprised of artists and musicians, heavily influencing Michael and sparking his interest in music.

In high school, him and Sam started their first band and released a small album of music. This was the start of a very long journey for Michael. He would soon move off for college and using money from his student loans, he put together his first solo project, a rap album. He had created his own style of emo rap and that propelled him into countless local and regional shows over the next years.

It wasn’t until 2014 though, that Michael would see his first break. After consistently putting out a new album every year, Michael took his act on the national road, setting up tours, learning from his mistakes, and improving his act. This opened to the door for him to begin touring with large acts such as Ceshi, Sapient, Onry Ozzborn, and Merkules. Mike is also currently planning a benefit show for his best friend, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at the Met in October.

Michael honed his skills with audio engineering and video production over the years, as he did all of these things himself. This landed him a position at Sound and Vision Media, after his last touring. There he works with the crew in commercial and corporate video production, ranging from the audio mixing to filming.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

<a href="

Meet Kenzi Farland, 21-year-old Student, Legal Intern, and owner of Princesses of New Bedford. From an early age, Kenzi had been involved in singing and dancing. In high school she took these talents seriously, involving herself heavily in the theater program. Her love for theater inspired her to start her own birthday entertainment business, where her and her friends could act as their favorite princesses for children’s events.

At only 15-years-old Kenzi had started her own business and Princesses of New Bedford was born. The company instantly grew in size, taking on multiple aspiring singers and actresses, building Kenzi a solid team of performings. Not only did Kenzi grow a successful business with PoNB, but she also gave back to the community. In her time running the company, she and her staff have volunteered for organizations such as Friends of Jack Foundation, Neediest Families, United New Bedford, and the New Bedford Public Schools. She would balance this business, her theater practices, and a busy school schedule until she graduated from New Bedford High School in June of 2016.

Kenzi went on to UMass Boston, where she studied for a year and a half before transferring to UMass Dartmouth, to be closer to home and be able to continue to run her business. Kenzi is on track to graduate this spring with her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with the hopes of going on to pursue her degree in law. She intends to specialize in divorce law, as it can be a harsh and tough journey and wants to be able to provide service to her clients that go beyond just legal representation, but someone who can help and encourage them as they enter their next chapter in life.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

<a href="

Meet Michael Miesak, 28-year-old Carpenter and owner of New Brother Builders. Michael was born to two immigrant parents and was left to be raised by his mother alone in the projects of New Bedford. This always gave Michael a desire to work harder, knowing he didn’t have the same opportunities his friends did.

Michael studied carpentry at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech and instantly fell in love. Early on he knew that he wanted to own his own company one day but continued to just learn and grow in the field.

Everything changed for Micheal when he received a facebook message from a strange girl in Israel, claiming to be his sister. After research, he was able to confirm and meet his biological father and sisters, giving him a huge drive and desire in life.

Having the opportunity to meet his father and gain closure on a relationship he never had, Mike took the leap into something he knew he always wanted to do. He and his business partner, Nelson Robles, opened New Brother Builders, which is a full service contracting business that focusing on frame-to-finish work. His hope is to use his business as an opportunity to continue to help in the development of New Bedford.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

<a href="

Meet Jan Macgregor, 19-year-old Realtor and student. Jan grew up with her single mom, so when she was old enough to work, she started working part-time jobs to help her mom out around the house. During her senior year of high school, she pulled away from her involvement in sports to focus on her future beyond high school. She enrolled in the internship program and was selected to work with Howe Allen Realty, who took a chance on hiring her when they could have hired someone with experience.

During her internship, she learned a lot about the real estate industry and knew it was something she wanted to pursue a career in. The summer before her first year at UMass Dartmouth, she continued working for the agency, assisting them in managing their rental properties. At the end of her summer, she was promised the position of manager next summer, as long as she became a licensed Realtor before then.

Determined, she balanced a full course-load in Umass Dartmouth’s Marketing program while working three jobs and taking an online real estate course. In February of 2019, she successfully passed her test and became a licensed Realtor, at just the age of 18. She specializes in leasing apartments/houses and has even worked with her own buyer clients.

Her hope is to continue helping to bring new families into the area and see all of the beautiful things the South Coast has to offer. She’d also like to work towards creating programs in local high schools, focused on mentoring other students who are interested in pursuing their careers before they graduate and head off to college.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

<a href="

Over the last few years, this project has given me so much joy and life. Meeting so many interesting people and hearing so many touching stories. My hope is that I can use my medium to tell those stories and spread nothing but hope, love, and appreciation for all of those in the community who work to make our life a better one. Each life is unique, given its own chance at this world, we are tossed into. Every one of us collaborates on a daily basis, creating this greater narrative we call life. My vision is to continue to push forward and show the potential that each one of us possesses.

This week’s face is special because now I get to share each one of your stories with her, helping her grow and learn throughout life.

Thank you to everyone who’s taken part in this project and to everyone who looks out to read them each week. What started as a thought in my photography class has become something much larger than I could have ever imagined and I am so excited for what is ahead. You make this place special. You are the life to this little corner of the Earth we inhabit. You are the Face of New Bedford.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

Meet Stephany Silveira, 28-year-old Hairstylist and Co-Owner of Roots + Daises Beauty Parlor. Stephany started doing hair in high school, as s student at Great New Bedford Voc-Tech.

After high school, she got her license and began working in Boston. Although business was great, the long commute and time away from family became draining. She relocated to local salons, only to find herself looking for new positions as both salons closed down.

Tired of relying on others, she and her friend Nikki Avila decided to open their own salon. Bringing their vision to life, Roots + Daises Beauty Parloris a reflection of their desire to treat their clients with the best possible treatment. Not only do they offer normal hair and makeup services, but spa and massage services as well.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

Meet Jarred Varao, 27-year-old school adjustment counselor for New Bedford Public Schools. Growing up, Jarred was exposed to more than most kids, living in a family that was constantly moving and facing many hardships. Very quickly he knew that he didn’t want to continue his life this way, with the encouragement from school counselors and teachers, he pushed to do his best in school.

In high school, he focused his studies on culinary arts but during his senior year in high school, he knew he wanted to go back and help make a difference in the lives of children just like him. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Umass Dartmouth, where he also continued on to receive his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. He also graduated Summa Cum Laude and the Pallatroni Award for Outstanding Clinical Potential.

While he was taking classes at UMD, he got started as an adjustment counselor, interning at Roosevelt. It was during this time that he learned a lot and prepared himself for his full-time position at DeValles school, where he is the adjustment counselor. His work is so fulfilling to him because he knows that he once was in those kids positions and has the chance to be the counselors that helped him, to them.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

Meet James Carpenter, 25-year-old designer, and photographer.

James was drawn to the arts at an early age, whether it was drawing or using his parent’s film cameras. In high school, it was through the inspiration of a teacher, that he realized he wanted to pursue a creative career.

Not sure of what direction he was headed in, he enrolled at BCC after graduating with a general art degree. He was shooting photos all the time and getting involved in the small photography community on Instagram at the time. He was soon featured by Instagram and grew his following by tens of thousands overnight. This allowed him to photograph the beauty of the Southcoast and share it on an international scale.

This opportunity opened a lot of doors for James, putting him in partnership deals with major companies, all while studying at Umass for his bachelors in Graphic Design and photography. Knowing that this wouldn’t last forever, he focused on his schooling and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in graphic design and photography.

Since graduating, he’s had the opportunity to work for Arnold, one of the largest ad agencies in the country, and now work’s for Compass in their in-house studio, designing collateral for high-end real estate clients. His hope is to
continue to grow as an artist and reflect the beauty of New Bedford with his photography.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

Meet Michael Galarza, 29-year-old Master Barber and owner of Galarza’s Barbershop. Growing up, Mike didn’t see himself being a barber as an adult. Although his mother worked at a salon and he would spend time there as a kid, he went on to study to become an electrician at New Bedford Voc-Tech.

It was after graduation, where he began to entertain the idea of going to barber school. Without looking back he enrolled and after becoming licensed, began working at Major League Barbershop in Fairhaven. Mike learned a lot while working there but after a disagreement, he found himself without a job. With a child on the way, he turned to God, hoping for a way through the uncertain situation he was in.

Shortly after, a small salon became available and with his newly attained Master’s license, he was eligible to take it over and opened Galarza’s Barbershop in 2011. His goal in business is to bless people with good service, providing great haircuts while also providing great conversation and an ear to listen. Although some days can be long and repetitive, when a client who had a rough day can leave with a smile, he’s reminded why God put him in the position he is in.

_________________________________________________________

Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com. Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.