Xiao Ma

At dusk on the riverbank, Xiao Ma brews coffee from a bicycle turned café, choosing the fragile beauty of independence. This series traces the light of a woman who insists on living on her own terms.

One evening, I meet young barista Xiao Ma in front of my hostel. During the day, she works in a café, and in the evenings she sells coffee on the riverbank with the help of a converted bicycle.

As I photograph her, she tells me about her boyfriend, a successful advertising executive who cares about her and offers her financial support, but independence and authenticity are important to her, which is why she repeatedly refuses.

Xiao Ma's stories reveal a strong, independent woman who reflects on her decisions and takes responsibility for her life. This series accompanies this unusual encounter, which goes far beyond mere photographic documentation.