A million “thank you’s” to Paige for the many images that make me feel beautiful and sexy… even at 35 and after 3 kids- I still got it, I just needed some help to see it! I can’t wait to give my husband his anniversary gift!
-Miss M
How did you feel leading up to your shoot?
I had three months from booking to the actual shoot… 3 MONTHS of nerves and going back and forth between being so excited and scared shitless! I even thought about cancelling a few times because I just didn’t think I could follow through. Being a part of the Facebook group and seeing encouraging posts everyday really helped me feel like I not only deserved to do this for myself, but confident that Paige was going to help me look and feel just as beautiful as all of the other women she’s photographed.
Did you enjoy your experience with hair and makeup?
I absolutely enjoyed my makeup experience with Lo Marie! She and I talked about it, but I’ll share with all of you: I love having my hair and face touched! I didn’t get my hair done because I have dreads, but I do ask my husband to help me separate and palm roll them all the time! As a hairdresser and makeup artist myself, it’s rare that anyone else ever does those things for me. It’s nice to be pampered every once in awhile! I always go for the same look because it’s what I know so I really enjoyed seeing what someone else thought would bring out my features and make me look sexy.
How did you feel during your shoot?
I was a hot mess before my shoot. All the way there I was panicking about being late, forgetting something, etc. But, as soon as Paige opened the door and I stepped in, I relaxed. The space is beautiful. All of the details, impeccable. She took my bags, showed me to the hair and makeup room and Lo immediately got me talking and put me at ease.
What was your reason for booking a boudoir shoot?
It’s always been on my “bucket list”. I just started ticking things off this list in the last 6 or so years. Learn to ride a motorcycle, check. Buy a Harley, check. Shave my head, check. Grow out my hair and start dreadlocks, check. Accept and appreciate this body that has carried and birthed three beautiful boys, check. Have boudoir photos taken of said body, CHECK! I’m currently on this journey to find myself, I’m turning 35 in August and I’ve become so comfortable in the role of wife and mom that I’ve completely overlooked myself. Booking the shoot was empowering. Losing the 22 pounds leading up to the shoot made me happier and healthier. Actually stripping down in front of a complete stranger completely trusting her to help me love my body again is something every woman should do at least once!
What advice do you have for other women considering a boudoir shoot?
Don’t hesitate! You are worth every penny of this experience! I went back and forth on the expense for a while until I decided that I couldn’t put a price on my self confidence! As women, we are constantly comparing ourselves (even subconsciously) to what we see in the media, or at school drop off, or even in our circle of friends. It isn’t always enough for our partner or kids or family and friends to tell us we are beautiful. Sometimes it really is seeing it firsthand, whether it’s taking sexy selfies or locking down a shoot with Paige and PROVING it to yourself. Yes, I AM just as damn sexy as that model or the mom who always looks perfect at drop off or that friend who lost the baby weight right away.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
Being in the company of women, with their own real insecurities, who assured me that even though I have never done anything like this, that I would be coached every step of the way and leave feeling amazing. I told Paige right away what I didn’t like about my body and she helped me pick the best outfits, she not only explained the poses but she got down and did them herself! She made me laugh and made me feel like a professional model. After 2 hours she just felt like an old friend.
What made you choose the Fearlessly You Boudoir team?
I think I was added to the group by someone I worked with and it was during the glitter shoots. I just remember thinking that was bad ass and I wished I had the guts to do that. I was in the group for a few years before I started seeing more and more in my newsfeed and the images were just amazing. I just had another baby though so I still wasn’t thinking it was something I could do. Then something inside of me just snapped back in February and I thought to myself “why the hell not!?” I knew from seeing her work that I wouldn’t have any regrets…she’s an artist!
Do you have anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
I cannot thank you enough for this experience. How we feel about our bodies can really take us to some dark places. This was one stop on a journey to make peace with myself both mentally and physically. I hope that I’ll be back as I progress down this path.
