13 Jun Client Feature Friday: Born for Greatness
Jezebel VonZephyr loves to shine a spotlight on womxn of every age and size. We live to connect with each client; and we pride ourselves on holding space for each of them so we can hear their stories and capture their unique spirit. We believe that every session is special in its own way, and we want to share that magic with the world. On Fridays we shine a spotlight on a client so they can share a part of their story.
In this week’s Client Feature Friday, we spotlight a remarkable woman whose journey from hardship to empowerment exemplifies the transformative power of self-love and body positivity. Originally from the West Coast, our featured Belle is a fan of the empowering music of Halestorm and Papa Roach. Her decision to embark on a boudoir session with Jezebel was a bold step toward embracing her body and celebrating her strength ♥
Where are you from? Where do you live now? What’s your favorite thing about where you live?
I am from the west coast, as a military brat, spouse and sailor. Now I live in the small town of North Plains, OR. As a kid I had been homeless and now I own my own house with a farm behind it so I feel at peace when the sun sets.
What are some of your favorite songs/artists? Do you have a theme song–if so, what is it and why does that song(s) resonate with you?
I love music, without it my life would be dull. I listen to all kinds of music but my go to songs to lift me up are “Unstoppable” by The Score; “Raise Your Horns” & “Freak Like Me” by Halestorm; “Too Much” by Dove Cameron and “Born for Greatness” by Papa Roach.
They remind me that it doesn’t matter what other people think, I am unstoppable. The only one who can hold me back or slow me down is me. That I should celebrate the differences in myself and others.
What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?
Resilient, Tenacious, and Passionate
Is this your first Jezebel session? If not, how many have you had and in either instance, what was your favorite part?
It was my first session. My favorite part was getting to feel empowered and perfect in my body.
What made you want to have a boudoir session and what made you choose Jezebel as your studio?
I have wanted to do a boudoir shoot since I was a teen. However, after 2 kids, marriage and gaining weight I never felt beautiful enough for one. I looked at many places and it never felt right. When I met Jezebel at a convention they not only embraced bodies of all types and sizes but they celebrated them. I felt at once that if anyone could understand and not judge my body it would be them. Little did I know they would help me on my journey to body positivity. I have never felt this sexy, beautiful and strong as I did seeing my pictures.
What were your expectations going into the session and was the experience different or as you expected and how?
Going into it I was hoping to get a couple cute pictures for my husband’s 45th birthday. We have been together for 26 years so he has seen me grow and watched my body change. While he always says how beautiful and sexy I am to him I never saw it. What I got from the session is realizing I am really beautiful. I had a blast during the session and left feeling on top the world. I still wasn’t sure what the pictures would be like and thought if we got just a couple good ones it was worth it. We got WAY more than a couple! I had a hard time just picking my favorite 30 pictures for his gift.
Tell me about your session–your favorite set? outfit? prop? moment? favorite studio piece you used/wore? What stood out the most?
I wanted to incorporate things that have reminded me of our relationship for the past 26 years. Football is a huge part of our lives and wearing his jersey with a bedroom setting was perfect. I got to have fun and be playful and it showed in the pictures. In one photo I was thinking about all the times he deployed and how I would wear his shirt when I missed him.
How did you feel about the guidance you received during the session?
Awesome, so many pictures I can see where the direction helped to make the shot.
Tell us about your hair styling/makeup application? How was your time in the chair? What did you really love?
She did amazing! I am a pretty low maintenance makeup person and she added a natural beauty with the red lip I really wanted. The way she did it makes me look youthful and not like I was someone else or in a costume.
How do you feel JVZ managed your privacy and confidentiality, both of your images and of you during your time with us?
Perfectly!
How were you feeling leaving the studio and leading up to your photo reveal appointment?
I felt great after the shoot, walking around with a great makeup look and just being comfortable. In my mind I felt pretty but still didn’t know what the photos would look like and if I would like the way I looked.
How was your reveal appointment? What did you like the most about it? What did you take home with you?
I cried, the photos brought out happy tears and pure joy. I love the fact you give us color and black and white. Several pictures show different emotions depending on if it has color or not. I took home a better appreciation of myself and knowing that I would need to really think on what pictures to pick for the 30 image album.
Have you had any lasting impact/perspective shifts since your appointment? If so, please share as much as you’re comfortable with.
My perspective of myself has changed. I no longer look in the mirror and see a worn out, over-worked mom and wife. Now I see the beauty in who I am, not just on the inside but knowing that it is visible on the outside too. I plan on having a couple of the pictures in my master bedroom and bathroom for me to remind myself that beauty is in the lens of the beholder.
Other than “just do it”, what advice would you offer a friend interested in a session to book with Jezebel? What tips might you give? What were the best tips you received either from us or from others?
Allow them to do your hair and make up! It is worth it and you start the shoot feeling pampered and also allows you to relax and get to know the photographer.
Bring things that mean something to you as props. Don’t be stuck on this is what I must wear but instead be open to trying new things with what you brought. If there is a story share it with your photographer. It will help them with staging and planning. For those who have control issues: Even if you don’t know why you are doing something follow the instructions. You will be amazed at how it turns out.
Anything else you’d like to share?
This was so much fun to do and what I got from it is priceless. I feel like I can wear anything I want or don’t want and I know my body is sexy. I am holding my head higher and strutting my stuff even if it is only to check the mail.
This client’s story really shows how transformative a boudoir photoshoot can be in discovering and embracing our power. Her story is a testament to the importance of self-celebration and the impact of feeling seen and valued. At Jezebel, we are honored to help all womxn discover their inner strength and beauty through our lens of unconditional love.
Were you inspired by this clients session? Are you looking to celebrate an exciting event? A birthday? A professional milestone? Maybe you just want a little getaway for Summer? A boudoir session may be the answer! Check out our availability here and give yourself a little treat – you deserve it ♥