On June 25, 2021 my self-worth, self-esteem, self-confidence and pride for myself changed forever. I, like many women, have had self-esteem issues in regards to my weight almost my entire life. I have fluctuated so many sizes that I have probably had a dozen different wardrobes over the last 30 years. Leading up to my shoot (for 9 months) I told myself that I was going to get into the best shape ever! Haha…how many times have we told ourselves that!? I did lose a little bit of weight (not much really), but didn’t “tone” like I wanted to. With all of that being said…the number on the scale and the measurements of my body don’t actually measure my self-worth!!! Having this shoot with Jen and Brian showed me what an amazing, sexy and beautiful woman I am regardless of my size.
The days leading up to my shoot I had my outfits and playlist ready and wasn’t nervous, just super excited. Finally Friday arrived and I listened to my playlist the 70 minute drive to the studio. As I walked up the stairs I was giddy with excitement and FINALLY met Jen! We had a good laugh because I couldn’t believe she was actually real and I kept touching her arm to make sure I was really standing there with her!! She made me feel so welcome and at home and it felt like we had been friends forever. Then Brian walked in and continued to make me feel so welcome and at ease with his laid back personality. Then they both helped coordinate my outfits and helped pick what sets would look best. Jen then did her magic with my hair and makeup! Finally it came time for the best part…..feeling like a sexy, desirable QUEEN for hours!!! Jen helped me with my poses and made sure “things” were all in place. It was amazing to see Brian get in all the different positions to get just the right picture every time. I also have to add that even though there wasn’t much left to the imagination as far as wardrobe, he was such a perfect gentleman. I could have done this all day, but it finally came time for me to leave so they could do some light editing before my reveal. This is the point where I got into my head and started overthinking and getting nervous. I had all of those thoughts that I thought I would have had before my shoot…”what if I look stupid, what if my boobs are saggy, what if I look fat and bulgy”….well let me tell you….I was absolutely crazy for having any of those thoughts!!! They sure know what they are doing to make sure none of those worries came through in my pictures. When Jen brought up my pictures on the tv screen I could have cried (but I didn’t want to mess up my makeup because why not plan a night out while looking and feeling your best ever!). I couldn’t believe that was me on the screen because I never thought I was that beautiful and sexy. But you know what…I AM and so are all of you!! I left there feeling like a supermodel and vowed to continue to rise up and challenge myself to remember my self-worth and to always remind others as well.
The day finally came to pick up my products! I could have had them shipped, but what a great excuse to see Jen again (sorry Brian, but you weren’t there!). My album and wall art was even more amazing than I expected! I am even repainting my bedroom to showcase them even better! I still look at my pictures everyday to remind myself how beautiful I am. My husband was amazed at my pictures and even jokes with me saying that a gorgeous woman has sent him a picture and holds it up to show me my picture!
I will leave you all with this….I wish for all of you that haven’t had the opportunity to do this or that haven’t made the leap, that you too will feel this way about yourselves. JUST DO THE SHOOT!! YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!
Xoxo,
Erica
