Behind the Gloss Interview: My Boudoir Journey, Body Neutrality, and Building a Business That Empowers Women
Empowering Women, One Photo at a Time: An Interview with Liz Hansen of Chicago Boudoir Photography
I recently had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the powerhouse Shakiyah Mone’, host of Behind the Gloss. Let me just say: this was no surface-level interview. We got real. We talked about confidence, nudity, body image, resilience, business ownership, and everything in between. And I left that conversation feeling so re-energized about why I do this work.
So I wanted to bring you behind the scenes a little more—because there’s so much heart behind Chicago Boudoir Photography, and this episode reminded me just how far this journey has taken me.
From Childhood Film Camera to Empowering Women in Front of the Lens
I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. I was the kid with the disposable camera, documenting everything. I started shooting weddings and families, but it wasn’t until I worked at a photo studio in Chicago that I discovered boudoir—and everything changed.
There was something magnetic about it. Watching women walk in nervous, unsure, even apologetic about their bodies... and then leave glowing, confident, and standing taller? I was hooked.
When that studio relocated, I took a huge leap and opened my own space. That was the beginning of Chicago Boudoir Photography—and the start of a mission that has only grown stronger over time: to help women feel powerful, worthy, and beautiful in their own skin.
What Really Happens in a Boudoir Session
So many people ask me, “What actually happens during a boudoir shoot?” And here’s the truth: it’s about you.
We start with a phone consultation—just an easy chat about what’s been holding you back and what you want to feel when you see your photos. I want to understand the why behind your session. Because that’s where the real transformation begins.
On shoot day, you’ll be pampered by my all-female team. Hair, makeup, outfit guidance—we’ve got it all covered. And when it comes to posing? That’s my job. You don’t need to know what to do. I guide every detail so you look and feel incredible.
But the real magic moment? When I show you your raw, unedited images—and you realize just how beautiful you already are. No filters. No pretending. Just you.
Empowerment Is More Than a Buzzword
To me, empowerment isn’t just a tagline—it’s deeply personal. It’s about taking back your power, your story, your voice. That’s exactly what I talked about in my TEDx talk, Nudity Isn’t Naughty.
I also opened up to Shakiyah about what I call the “taboo tax”—the price we pay for choosing bold, unconventional paths. As a woman who photographs women in lingerie and sometimes nude, I’ve faced judgment and criticism. But the reward? Seeing women reclaim their confidence? It’s worth everything.
Starting a Business from Scratch (and Surviving the Storms)
I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. I was a teacher and a stay-at-home mom. When the studio I worked at closed, my husband looked at me and said, “Why don’t you just do this on your own?” And that one question changed my entire life.
The first year and a half? Brutal. I was doing everything myself—marketing, editing, emails—while raising kids and figuring it all out. But little by little, I found my rhythm.
Then came the curveballs. In 2020, the pandemic shut everything down. I used that time to build online resources and nurture my client community. When I reopened, I had a full waitlist.
And just when I thought I was in the clear, 2024 hit—and my studio flooded. I lost everything. It would’ve been easy to quit. But my passion for this work pulled me back in. I rebuilt. And in a lot of ways, that experience gave me even deeper clarity about why this work matters.
Why I Talk About Body Neutrality (Not Just Positivity)
Let’s be honest: some days it’s hard to love your body. And that’s okay. I’m a big believer in body neutrality—learning to respect your body even if you’re not feeling 100% about it every single day.
It’s about gratitude for what your body does, not just how it looks. That shift can be life-changing. And it’s one of the biggest messages I try to share with every woman who walks through my studio doors.
My Advice: Trust the Nudge
If you’re thinking about doing a boudoir shoot, here’s my advice: trust the nudge. You don’t have to be fully confident. You don’t have to “lose the weight.” You just have to show up. And I’ll guide you the rest of the way.
And if you’re a fellow entrepreneur? Don’t just focus on the product. Focus on your people. Make your processes seamless. Get support. Keep learning. And surround yourself with other women who get it.
What’s Next
This journey isn’t over. I’m dreaming of international boudoir retreats, a book that shares some of the stories behind the images, and continuing to expand this mission of helping women fall in love with who they already are.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. And a huge thank you to Shakiyah for having me on Behind the Gloss. These conversations matter. And I’m so grateful to be doing this work—one woman, one session, one bold step at a time.
Want to listen to the full episode? Check it out and then tell me: What does body acceptance mean to you?