Talking Boudoir, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship on Coffee with Cher

Talking Boudoir & Business on Coffee with Cher

I recently had the joy of being interviewed by Chereese Jervis-Hill on her podcast Coffee with Cher ☕—a space where entrepreneurs share their journeys and the impactful work they’re doing in the world. Our conversation was all about boudoir photography, empowerment, and why I’m so passionate about what I do.

What Boudoir Really Is 💃

Cher and I started by talking about what boudoir actually means. At Chicago Boudoir Photography, I take sexy, sensual photos of women—not just for the sake of beautiful pictures, but to help them feel truly empowered in their own skin.

My own journey began after a boudoir photoshoot that completely boosted my confidence. That experience was so transformative, I knew I wanted to create the same feeling for other women. Today, I’ve been running my safe-space studio for 7 years with an all-female staff, offering women privacy, pampering, and a confidence-boosting experience unlike anything else.

What Women Do with Their Photos 🎁

When women step out of their comfort zones and create gorgeous images, the results are powerful. About half of the women that come through the doors create albums or digital collections as gifts for a partner—celebrating an anniversary, wedding, or special occasion. The other half do it for themselves, whether to mark a happy milestone like a birthday or pregnancy, or to reclaim confidence during tougher times such as divorce or a cancer diagnosis.

Albums and digital images are the most popular keepsakes, giving women a way to relive their confidence and empowerment whenever they need a reminder.

What Sets My Studio Apart ✨

Boudoir is all I do—and that focus makes my studio unique. Every woman who comes through the door is pampered from start to finish: professional hair and makeup, expert posing guidance (I’ll literally tell you where to put your hands, hair, and toes!), and beautifully lit studio images. Plus, women get to view their photos before they even leave the studio.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities 🌟

This year, we faced an unexpected hurdle when a pipe burst in the studio during Chicago’s freezing winter. At first, it felt like a disaster—but it turned into an opportunity. With the rebuild came fresh props, new backgrounds, and a whole new set of creative options for boudoir sessions. It’s a reminder that even tough situations can bring growth and renewal.

My Advice for Entrepreneurs 💼

Cher asked me what advice I’d give someone who is either new in business or facing a rough patch. My honest answer? Start before you’re ready.

When I launched my business, I had no mentors and no idea what I was doing. I made a lot of mistakes along the way. Over time, I found a community of “boss babe” girlfriends who support and inspire me, but in those early days I had to keep moving forward—even when things weren’t perfect.

If you wait until everything is flawless, you’ll never begin. Mistakes are part of the journey, and the only way to grow is to take imperfect action. Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “good.” Move forward, learn as you go, and you’ll make strides you never thought possible.

Why This Conversation Matters 💕

Being able to share my story on Coffee with Cher reminded me why I started this journey in the first place: to help women see their own beauty, strength, and confidence reflected back at them. It was such an honor to sit down with Chereese and talk about entrepreneurship, empowerment, and the impact boudoir photography can have on women’s lives.

🎙️ You can listen to my full interview on Coffee with Cher with the button link below!