I left the studio feeling the most overwhelming sense of empowerment! I felt STRONG and BEAUTIFUL!

Tell me your story. What do you want people to know about who you are and why you are participating in this project?

I’ve had a really rough 4 years. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was fired from a job I really loved. Then I was involved in a 2-year long lawsuit (that I won!). I was depressed for the last 5 months of my pregnancy and thought that when my daughter was born I’d be fine. However, when she was born I developed severe postpartum depression and went through the toughest 3 years of my life. Since then I’ve struggled to uncover the woman I used to be. I miss her. I miss being carefree, young, and energetic. I miss my old body. I miss my wrinkle-free face and my ass before cellulite. For just one day I want my old self back. Better yet, I want to prove to myself that that young, beautiful, thin, confidant, vivacious woman is still in there somewhere.

Tell me about all of your favourite features and the things you would like to emphasize in your photos! This can include physical body parts or a part of your personality!

One of my favourite body parts is my shoulders. The tattoo on my shoulder is of Forget-Me-Not flowers that are vivid in the front and fade out. To me, this represents my love for my field of work – working with people living with dementia. My work is a huge part of who I am and it always will be. And since I love my shoulders, I decided to get them tattooed there. My other favourite body part is my ass…probably because it’s my husband’s favourite too!

My favourite personality trait is my strength and resilience. I have a tattoo of a feather on my hip which was my very first one. I got it when I was struggling with postpartum depression. It’s a symbol of strength and resilience….to me, it reminds me of how strong I am, no matter how weak I may look. I made it through PPD, so I can make it through anything! You may also see a tattoo on the right foot of my daughter’s name. This one is my constant reminder of why I’m still here and why I fought so hard to overcome my PPD.

Are you nervous about having boudoir portraits done? Tell me about your feelings leading up to your shoot.

I am nervous. I’m worried that I won’t look good in my photos or that I just won’t have that level of sexy that you need to pull off a boudoir shoot. But I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, so let’s do it!

What do you want other women to think and feel when they view your portraits in your featured blog post? Is there anything else you want to share?

I want other women to think to themselves “if she can do it, I can do it!” and “wow! That woman looks strong and confidant”. You may also see a tattoo on the right foot of my daughter’s name. This one is my constant reminder of why I’m still here and why I fought so hard to overcome my PPD. postpartum depression. It’s a symbol of strength and resilience….to me, it reminds me of how strong I am, no matter how weak I may look. I made it through PPD, so I can make it through anything!! My other favourite body part is my ass…probably because it’s my husband’s favourite too!

Tell me something that you learned about yourself from having this experience.

I drove home that day with the biggest smile on my face. I left the studio feeling the most overwhelming sense of empowerment. I felt STRONG, BEAUTIFUL, and SEXY AS HELL! I learned that even though daily my identity is defined as “wife”, “mother”, an “employee”, my old self is still in there. That young, vibrant, carefree woman I used to be is still there waiting to show herself. Christina allowed me to see that woman again…and it felt damn good y’all!

If you were nervous before, tell me when your nervousness disappeared.

When Christina got down on the floor and demonstrated the first sexy pose for me and when she showed me the first photo she took. I was shocked! I had no idea I could look that damn good in a photo. I looked confidant and sexy, and it only made me want to try new poses and have fun with them!

Do you have a final message or take-away from the Body Love Project?

Honestly, every woman should do a boudoir shoot with Christina. Not only is she one of the nicest people you’ll meet and probably the most talented photographer out there, but she knows how to encourage you and make you feel good. Those “Daaaaamn girl” phrases behind the camera were so encouraging and made the experience so much fun. Plus she made me look like a goddess!

When Christina got down on the floor and demonstrated the first sexy pose for me and when she showed me the first photo she took. I was shocked! I had no idea I could look that damn good in a photo. I looked confidant and sexy, and it only made me want to try new poses and have fun with them! e. That young, vibrant, carefree woman I used to be is still there waiting to show herself. Christina allowed me to see that woman again…and it felt damn good y’all!