We recently had the chance to connect with Christopher Montano and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building—though it’s not always visible on the surface—is the resilience to keep moving forward through my current condition. Living with aphasia, recovering from brain surgery, and navigating epilepsy has tested me in ways I never could have imagined. Yet, through it all, I’ve held onto my dreams and continued creating.
I’m building a new photography and lifestyle clothing company, launching HVMMINGBYRD as a way to turn survival into art and empowerment. I’ve also started a brand-new podcast channel, where I share my healing journey and invite others to share their stories too.
These are more than projects to me—they’re proof that even in silence, struggle, and uncertainty, I can still create, connect, and dream forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Chris Montano. I’m a destination wedding photographer turned storyteller and founder of HVMMINGBYRD—a photography, lifestyle and clothing brand born out of my healing journey after brain surgery and living with aphasia and epilepsy.
Through my photography, I capture untamed love and real moments. With HVMMINGBYRD, I’m creating pieces that blend empowerment, healing, and everyday wear, since I can’t really travel anywhere for now it’s almost as if my HVMMINGBYRDS have a piece of me—reminders that we can survive hard seasons and still shine.
I’ve also recently launched a podcast where I share my recovery journey and invite others to tell their stories of resilience. What makes my work unique is that it’s fueled by both vulnerability and strength—everything I build comes from a place of turning survival into art, style, and connection.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Because of my condition, I don’t remember much of my earliest memories. But the most powerful I’ve ever felt was walking out of the hospital after being there for almost two months. In that moment, I knew my journey had just begun. It wasn’t just about surviving—it was about stepping into a new chapter of resilience, creativity, and purpose.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there was a time I almost gave up. Living with my current condition, being diagnosed with so many things, and suddenly not recognizing even my closest friends and family—it broke me in ways I can’t fully explain. Not being able to speak, or even call 911 when I nearly had a stroke, was the most traumatic experience of my life.
I’m still fighting through the aftermath, living with PTSI, but I also know deep in my heart that I have a bigger story to tell. That belief—that my survival and healing can spark something meaningful for others—is what keeps me here, creating, and moving forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me—because my journey has been shared through some of my lowest points. At one point, I had to step back and detach from social media. It was adding to my depression and confusion about how the world was moving around me. But in that space, I also allowed myself to share my most vulnerable self.
So while my real self is out there, I’m also embracing the dark times as part of the light I carry now. Surviving the removal of my brain abscess felt like being born again—disconnecting from the things and people that no longer served me, and stepping into a true fresh start. It’s not about hiding; it’s about shining brighter than ever before.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would keep living exactly the way I am today—pursuing my dreams, creating through my photography, clothing brand, and podcast, and embracing every moment of this healing journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hvmmingbyrd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvmmingbyrd/
Image Credits
HVMMINGBYRD
