My journey to self-love started a long time ago. Having been in an abusive relationship in which I was not only told I wasn’t good enough or pretty enough. But somewhere along the road, I made the mistake of telling myself that as well.
It’s embedded into our brains through TV and magazines that there’s a specific way a woman should look. This is completely unrealistic and to be blunt bullshit ladies!
Self-love and confidence are like a muscle. The more you use it, the better it gets.
It took me hitting rock bottom, relationship after relationship to realize this.
When I found Kristen’s page, it spoke to me. I knew this was something I needed to do for myself. I have an almost 4-year-old son, and as much as I’ve been working out my body will never be what it once was due to having a baby. I have to remind myself every day to love the body I’m in now. It created the most beautiful baby boy who is my entire world and for that reason, I love my body now.
I was crazy nervous the closer and closer the photo shoot came, but so excited at the same time. Kristen checked up on me periodically to answer any questions or concerns I might have. She helped with outfits and made me feel comfortable with her even before the shoot day.
On the day of the shoot, I was still nervous and even more nervous after my makeup was finished. I never wear a ton of eye makeup and I was scared I didn’t look like myself. But OMG did they ever so know what they were doing! And damn my tats look good in these pics!
Kristen made me feel so comfortable during the shoot it was as if I had known her for years!
When I saw my photos for the first time I was literally speechless! Even though it was a hard step for me to take, I’m so glad I found the courage to do this shoot! It’s something every woman should do at least once just as a reminder of their true inner and outer beauty.
Self-confidence is a superpower. Once you start believing and loving yourself the magic starts happening. I will take this with me and remember it, “ Always”
Hair and makeup by DECLAN + MAE
