Rediscovering YOU: My Podcast Conversation with Laura Flowers
Boudoir Photography: A Journey Back to Yourself
I recently had the honor of joining Laura Flowers on the Rediscovering YOU Podcast for a deep conversation about boudoir photography, self-worth, and why celebrating ourselves is anything but frivolous.
Boudoir photography often gets misunderstood. Some hear the word and immediately think “taboo” or “only for young, thin women.” But the truth is, boudoir is about so much more than lingerie or nudity. It’s about creating a safe space for women to step out of their comfort zones, embrace their bodies, and reconnect with their confidence.
How It All Began
Like many women that walk into the Chicago Boudoir studio, I was once in their shoes. Over a decade ago, I booked my own boudoir session—nervous, curious, and not sure what to expect. What happened was nothing short of transformative. I walked out of that studio feeling bolder, braver, and ready to show up differently in my life. That single experience planted the seed for what would become Chicago Boudoir Photography.
I didn’t have a business background. I was a former ESL teacher and a stay-at-home mom. Taking out a business loan to open my studio felt terrifying and risky. My parents were skeptical, some friends didn’t get it, and I had plenty of doubts myself. But I also knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want to get to the end of my life and regret not trying.
Why Women Step Into the Studio
Every woman comes to me with her own story. Some arrive celebrating a joyful milestone—an engagement, a birthday, a new chapter of life. Others come during difficult times—recovering from illness, healing after loss, or reclaiming themselves after trauma.
And every reason is valid. Because boudoir isn’t just about the pictures—it’s about the transformation. Women walk into my studio nervous and unsure, but they leave standing taller, feeling worthy, and carrying a spark that often ripples into every other part of their lives.
“Sexy Is Not a Size”
One of the biggest myths I work to dismantle is that boudoir is only for women who look a certain way. Let’s be clear: sexy is not a size. Sexy is a vibe. It’s confidence, openness, playfulness, and owning who you are—whether you’re 25 or 65, size 2 or size 22.
Stretch marks, scars, age lines—all of it tells the story of your life. And every chapter is worth celebrating. My job is to create images that help you see the beauty you already carry.
The Experience
For anyone thinking, “I could never do that,” here’s what actually happens:
We start with a phone call to learn your vision and comfort level.
On the day of your shoot, you’re pampered by a professional beauty team with hair and makeup.
We do a wardrobe consult (you can bring outfits or use the studio collection).
During the session, I guide you every step of the way—with music, laughter, and a lot of encouragement.
Before you leave, you see your images unretouched, just as you are—because I want you to love yourself in this moment, not some photoshopped version.
Women often tell me that while they came in thinking the photos were for their partner, they left realizing the gift was really for themselves.
Why It Matters
We live in a culture that tells women their value comes from external things: being a good mom, a good partner, a productive worker, or fitting into beauty standards. But all of those things can change. Kids grow up, jobs end, relationships shift, bodies age.
True confidence comes from knowing you are valuable simply because you exist. Boudoir is a reminder of that truth—a celebration that you don’t need to earn your worth.
As I shared on the podcast, “Peace in the world starts with peace in your own heart. And when you love yourself, you show up differently in every part of your life.”
💖 If you’d like to hear the full conversation, you can watch my episode on the Rediscovering YOU Podcast with Laura Flowers below: