I dug deep into my truth to share this with you <3
Being a woman- is hard.
In a world that constantly bombards us with unrealistic standards and expectations, it's easy for women to lose sight of their own worth. I believe that every woman deserves to be celebrated and cherished just as she is, without the pressure to conform to society's ideals. My personal journey, marked by triumphs and tribulations, has led me to a profound mission - to empower women to embrace their authentic selves through the art of boudoir photography.
From a young age, I was always drawn to social interactions and standing up for those in need. Every report card marked with "talks too much" or "she is great but the socializing needs to be toned down". My parents still joke today about how I need to know every detail in a story and want allll the tea. What can I say? I find people interesting. These qualities shaped the foundation of my identity, fostering a deep empathy for others. I have walls up, but once someone gets through- I love HARD. Little did I know that life's twists and turns would challenge the very essence of who I thought I was.
After experiencing the heartbreak of my first divorce (he's a great guy, just not the guy for me), I found myself in the grips of postpartum depression. Worst part is, I didn't even know it. It was a dark and isolating period, a stark contrast to the strong-willed girl I once knew. My first bouts with anxiety started to control me. To my surprise, I eventually found myself in an abusive relationship - a situation I never imagined I'd face.
Honestly, everyone who knew me was shocked. I was the girl who took no shit, who stood up to the jerks I saw being mean to my friends. It didn't start out that way, and anyone who has ever found themselves in this sort of relationship can tell you that. I tried to hide it, but people could see, even if they didn't say anything. I knew it. My self esteem was non existent. The way I talked to myself... well lets just say if someone talked to my friend that way, we would have a problem. People judge you. I can't tell you how many times I heard "oh that would never happen to me" or "I am too strong to be that girl". That's ok.. I'm glad you never had to find out.. that it is entirely possible for you to be that girl.
After 2 years I freed myself of that relationship. I thought it was going to break me. Reclaiming my identity and self-esteem was no small feat. It took years of introspection, therapy, and unwavering support from loved ones. I was lucky enough to have an unwavering support system in my parents, my sister, my cousin and friends. Slowly but surely, I began to find my voice again, emerging from the shadows stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Amidst the chaos and healing, I discovered a love that was pure, genuine, and accepting. I wasn't looking for it, but it found me. It was a love that embraced me for who I truly was, scars and all. After all the work I had done to love me again, I wasn't accepting anything less. This love became my anchor, providing the safe haven I needed to continue my journey towards self-acceptance. I eventually married him and we began our family. I am forever grateful that this type of love exists and that he showed it to me. I'm not perfect, I still look in the mirror and have "fat days" but then I remind myself.. I'm a fucking warrior.
After a few symbolic miles into my self acceptance journey I did a Boudoir photoshoot with a woman I heard about through my Sister. It changed my life. Those hip dips? They were kinda ...hot. I'm not a model, but when I looked at these pictures.. I saw a woman who went through hell... and came out on the other side. That in itself was beautiful. Someone who I thought I would never know joy again, and she was smiling, TRULY smiling. Through this transformative experience, I uncovered a newfound passion - helping women embrace their own unique beauty and worthiness. We are often our harshest critics, blinded by society's narrow definition of beauty. Through boudoir photography, I strive to show women the breathtaking essence I see when I look at them - raw, unfiltered, and authentically themselves.
Boudoir photography is not about conforming to someone else's vision of beauty; it's about unveiling the innate strength and beauty that already exists within. It's a journey of self-discovery, a visual narrative of self-love, and an affirmation of the strength that comes from embracing one's true self. My journey from adversity to self-discovery has shaped my mission to empower women to love themselves as they are. Through boudoir photography, I offer a glimpse into the radiant strength that lies within each woman, waiting to be acknowledged and celebrated. Together, let us redefine beauty, one photograph at a time, and remind women everywhere that they are worthy of love, acceptance, and celebration.
You my dear, are no different. You are beautiful. Just as you are. Scars and all. I want to show you what I see when I look at you. I am me again, a better version even. I stand up for the underdog, I am your own personal hype squad. I want my message to be clear... don't wait to love yourself until you lose the 30 lbs., until your hair grows back or the newborn stage is over. Boudoir is for everyone. The woman recovering from her mastectomy, the new mother learning to love her postpartum body, the woman who needs to know she is still worthy after she has found herself with an abuser, the single and 40 woman who hasn't found "them" yet. You, are so, so worth it.
With love and admiration always,
Karla
