Confidence Behind the Camera: My Interview on Mom Means Business with Jessica Lorello
Redefining Beauty and Confidence: My Conversation on the Mom Means Business Podcast
I recently had the joy of sitting down with Jessica Lorello for an honest and heart-filled conversation on her Mom Means Business podcast. If you haven’t tuned in yet, Mom Means Business is a space where motherhood and entrepreneurship collide—with a healthy dose of self-discovery, real talk, and celebration of the many hats women wear. Needless to say, I felt right at home.
In our episode, we talked about so much more than photography.
Yes, I shared how I started Chicago Boudoir Photography and how the studio that opened its doors in 2018 has now helped over 2,000 women see themselves through a new lens. My bold vision wasn't just about beautiful photos; it was about creating an unparalleled experience where every woman feels like the queen of the day. That's why we book only one client per day, offering a completely personalized session from professional hair and makeup to guiding every pose.
But even more than the story of how I built my business, we talked about why I do what I do: because I believe every woman—especially moms—deserves to feel beautiful, worthy, and powerful in her own skin. I witnessed this transformation firsthand when I worked at another studio for three years before opening my own. As I told Jessica, "women would walk into the studio so nervous, so unsure, and then I'd see them walking out and they were confident and radiant. I was like, this thing is really interesting and fun."
We talked about confidence. Body image. What it means to be seen—not through someone else's expectations, but on your own terms. I opened up about my journey from the art and education world to entrepreneurship, and how becoming a mother myself deepened my passion for helping women feel unapologetically radiant and real. Our chat quickly expanded beyond business, delving into the universal experiences of motherhood, growth, and navigating life's many seasons, from college applications to finding your own way.
Let’s be honest—motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also messy. It stretches us in every way. And sometimes, in the middle of giving everything to our kids, our partners, our work, we forget who we are. This episode is a love letter to every woman who’s ever felt like she had to shrink herself, wait her turn, or put herself last.
You don’t need anyone’s permission to feel beautiful. You already are. You don’t have to “earn” confidence. It’s your birthright. And taking up space? That’s not selfish. It’s powerful.
Whether you’re a mom, an entrepreneur, or just a woman figuring things out—this conversation is for you. And if you've been putting off something like a boudoir session, thinking you need to be a certain age or 'ready,' as Jessica pointed out, my advice is always: Don't wait! It's your time now!
🎧 Watch below to hear about:
How I turned a bold vision and a camera into a mission-driven business focused on creating a "queen of the day" experience.
The deep connection between confidence, visibility, and identity.
Why boudoir is so much more than sexy photos (though yes, it’s that too!)
Why the same-day photo reveal is a game-changer – seeing yourself without filters or Photoshop and realizing how truly gorgeous you are.
What I’ve learned from photographing thousands of women.
How life as a mom has shaped the way I show up—for others and for myself, including lessons learned from navigating different "seasons of life" with my daughters.
Thank you again to Jessica for having me on and holding space for these important conversations. It’s always an honor to speak about this work—and the amazing women who inspire it every single day.