Lady B’s boudoir shoot became a powerful journey of self-discovery. What started as a gift for her husband transformed into a celebration of her beauty and confidence. She encourages us to embrace self-love, proving that true empowerment comes from within.
What was your experience like from start to end?
I found Ashley by just doing a google search. She came up first and I loved her website and how professional and classy her business seemed. I was a little nervous to start off. I did not know what to expect. I have had serious body image issues all my life. Her space in Sanford is beautiful and comfortable. Her hair and makeup partner is wonderful and just as professional as Ashley. From the shoot to the ordering appointment I was extremely impressed. I became so comfortable during the shoot and then fell in love with my photos.
What was the purpose of your session? Was it a gift for yourself? Your partner?
The purpose of my session was a gift to my husband. He has always loved how I look but I have not. So in doing this, it ended up being a gift for me too. I found confidence I never had before. I found self love. My husband loved them and we had one enlarged and it hangs in our bedroom. He shows all of them to anyone and everyone.
How did you feel during your photoshoot?
I felt super comfortable after I got over my initial jitters. Ashley sees you in very vulnerable states and she makes you feel beautiful from her first shot to the last.
What was your favorite part of your session?
My favorite part was seeing just how beautiful I could look in a little bit of makeup and having my hair done.
How has your boudoir experience affected you or changed you?
My boudoir experience has absolutely changed me for the better. I am so proud of how I look and how beautiful I feel. It really is an amazing feeling.
I wrote a version of this on my social media page when Ashley posted one of my photos on her page with the following quote:
“‘The strongest actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself, and shine amongst those who never believed she could.’ -Unknown
Ironically when I came to her to do this boudoir shoot, it wasn’t for me. It was for my husband. It was going to be a surprise for our anniversary. When I got them done I didn’t want to show anyone but him. I worried what people would think; how I would be judged. But as the weeks and months went by, my mindset changed; done a complete 180. I picked photos for an album and I ended up falling in love with them. I’d never known I could be beautiful.
Sure, people that love you tell you that you’re beautiful and pretty, when they like you. But until you actually think it yourself you never think they’re being truthful. I just turned 45 in April. I had never loved myself, truly loved myself, until those last few months right before my birthday and after my shoot with Ashley. Read that again.
I wasn’t the popular kid. I didn’t do the things that make you popular. I spent a lot of my childhood with minimal friends. I had kids early and grew up fast. I’ve always been a mom. I’ve had two failed marriages with two husbands that made me feel like I wasn’t good enough; wasn’t pretty enough. Their actions showed me I was never beautiful enough, and sometimes their words said the same…or worse.
But that’s changed. I see these photos, and feel this new confidence, and I see a different person. I see someone who is worthy of love and should love herself. Women are constantly held to a higher standard. We hit one and there’s another one we should be at. It’s hard to see yourself as the amazing person you are, inside and out.
For me, this photo session ended up making me see just how amazing I am on the outside. Ashley’s website and other women who’ve had this experience, talk about having it turn into this amazing thing that makes you feel so much better about yourself. And I didn’t believe it…until it happened.
I think this is an amazing art that Ashley does with photography and for this experience I was the subject, the model.
Celebrate the women in your life. Encourage them to love themselves.”
There have been some people to criticize what I did and the fact that I posted one of the photos on my personal social media; (one of the ones with more material than some of my bathing suits, mind you) but I do not care. People want you to have confidence only when it works for them. But I now have it no matter what. I learned how to have my own self confidence and don’t care about anyone else’s opinion.
The change for me has been priceless and I can’t wait for my next boudoir experience.
How would you rate your boudoir experience on a scale of 1-10?
25!!! I’ve already referred a few of my friends and I’m booking another shoot for myself!
What advice would you give someone who was nervous about or hesitant to book their own boudoir experience with me?
Ashley is an amazing human being. She may be doing this for a job, but that job is to make YOU feel good about yourself. I truly believe that. Do it! You will not regret it!
Book your boudoir session here!
Hair and Makeup: Karmel Design Team