"I thought boudoir wasn't for a girl like me..."

What was your main reason for booking a boudoir shoot?: A gift for my 10-year wedding anniversary. A small part was also because I wanted to do something for me.

What was your biggest fear before or during your boudoir shoot?: Before I came in for my boudoir photos session, these were my feats: Having my pictures being leaked onto the internet; not liking a lot of the pictures. Me being too heavy to pose in sexy ways. The stylist not being able to work with my natural hair. I didn't have any fears during the photoshoot. Liz and team created an environment that was affirming, comfortable and fun, so once there I just trusted the process.

How did the shoot turn out? / Tell us your favorite part about your boudoir shoot experience.: The shoot was amazing!! I am so glad I did it. From start to finish it was a fun, comfortable experience that I would do a million times over. I loved getting my makeup professionally done because I never have--not even on my wedding day! And the makeup was gorgeous! I didn't want to wash my face. I loved how every step of the way is a conversation; Liz and team made sure every decision, every pose, the wardrobe changes were something I was okay with. I love the skill and the knowledge that Liz and team brought to the shoot. I thought maybe boudoir wasn’t for a girl like me. They made a plus sized black girl with natural hair and wavering confidence feel like a strong, sexy magazine model that was excited to see herself in photos that aren't a selfie.

Did you give your boudoir photos as a gift? How have you enjoyed your photos since the shoot?: I have not given them as a gift yet, but I will this fall. For now, the pictures live in my head and heart and encourage/remind me on the hard days to be "that" girl from the picture (confident, assured, sexy, trusting in the process without control) in my everyday life.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?: I am sure that you hear all the time that these sessions change women. This opportunity really did change my life (in how I think about me and my own body, my own thoughts, my own connection to sex). I don't have to hide or be ashamed, or scared/embarrassed to enjoy the body I have. Thank you for creating a space where any woman can come and be beautifully expressive, captured on film, and empowered. I will most definitely be coming back again for time with my new best friend, Liz!