Wow! I think miss R's boudoir session really peeled back some layers for the both of us. Going into the session I was excited, I had a few new ideas I wanted to try out, but really I never anticipated what was to come.

First of all, she came all the way to my Columbus boudoir studio from Youngstown for her session, which was super flattering! Secondly she came in and was the nicest, sweetest person I could have hoped would step off the elevator. She took her outfits out one by one so I could see what she would be wearing. She wanted to keep it simple. I love that, because for me, the session is about the woman, not her lingerie. So we go through the poses, changing outfits, changing "sets" and we're of course chatting, laughing and having a good time.

I never really got the inkling that this session was different than any others, and I know how that sounds. Yes, I try to make my clients experiences one of a kind, I'm just saying there wasn't anything too stand out for me. Until two days later... I got this message that literally moved me to tears. In fact, I'm getting a little misty just writing this blog. Here is what she told me.

"I wanted to message you and express how much I appreciated Saturday! It was so much fun and you have no idea how much closure this has brought to me from having a painful past, where being sexual and comfortable has not been easy. I can look myself in the mirror and say "wow!" Your body has done amazing things, been through trials, and has never failed you." I know you don't know my whole story, but I am going to share it with you so you can share it with others who may have faced something similar where that experience has caused them to look at their body and their self image with less than positive thoughts. All of my life, it has been "you have a pretty face. I wish you could lose weight and enhance that prettiness you have inside." Then, in my early teen years, I was sexually abused by a person for close to 2 years. After I went to college, I was raped at 18. Called horrific names and was basically told how no man would ever want me and that he had better show me a good time. These things, have haunted me for years. Doing the shoot with you on Saturday was freeing. I cannot express how freeing it was for me. Thank you a million times over! I cannot fully articulate how much Saturday meant for me. Words cannot describe it. Thank you again!!"

Of course I asked for her permission to share here, and again she said "Use my story however you see fit. I have always used my life for others, hence working with special needs and crisis pregnancy centers. I am perfectly fine with however you want to use my story. I just hope it helps someone else be okay with their past, present, and future. Thank you again!! I really cannot express it correctly how much fun, closure, and confidence I had Saturday. Thank you a million times over!"

THIS

This is why I do what I do.

Reading her story, her past, I could feel her pain, you know? I am so honored that she not only allowed herself to book a session, to bare her insecurities, but to also share her experiences with me. She trusted me to help her feel strong, beautiful and in control of her body and sexuality. I am more flattered than I can even express.

I truly hope that the session has permanently impacted the way she sees herself and increased her confidence levels. She is such a beautiful woman and also, a beautiful soul.