Amidst harrowing refugee camps, the indefinite waiting process, agonizing boredom, uncertainty, heartaches, the trauma of war, lack of independence and constant reliance on aid, hope is easy to fade. Peace in Exile, a creative workshop for young refugee women and girls, provided a sanctuary for self-expression.

In makeshift paradises within trailers and classrooms, using donated fashion by designers across Europe in Lebanon and revitalize recycled clothing in Greece, the young women embraced diverse roles as designers, makeup artists, and models. Their creative journey involved crafting mood boards, exploring imaginative makeup, and stepping in front of the camera.

The photos serve as a final product. Yet, collectively, these visuals redefine the term "refugee." Each photo portrays young women and girls who have braved more than human endurance should demand, emanating a resilience beyond compare. The chance to embrace their femininity granted them solace from adversity, nurturing a semblance of normalcy, compassion, and a hopeful outlook on the horizon.

Peace in Exile has been facilitated in refugee camps in Lebanon, Greece, and twice in Estonia, where it supports those integrating into new lives. These workshops span 1 to 3 months.

As someone who grew up in the violence of post-Soviet Estonia, I empathize with the girls I’ve taught. Childhood circumstances are rarely questioned; it's all we know. My journey in seeking solace and purpose through creativity empowered me to take control of my destiny, refusing to succumb to the shadows of my environment. Hope is easy to fade. Without it, it is impossible to survive.

Over the years, some of the girls and I have kept in touch. They've shared poems and stories to accompany their pictures, forming a future book awaiting publication.