đź’ś Women Supporting Women: Reflecting on an Empowering October đź’ś
Empowerment in Action: How Chicago Boudoir Photography Took Action for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
As October comes to a close, I can’t help but feel deeply moved by everything we accomplished together this month. What started as a simple idea — to use our platform for Domestic Violence Awareness Month — turned into something truly powerful: women supporting women, showing up for one another, and proving that empowerment is even stronger when it’s shared.
At Chicago Boudoir Photography, our mission has always been clear: to empower women through beautiful portraits. We help women celebrate their bodies, relationships, and careers — and to feel confident in every area of their lives. But empowerment doesn’t stop at the studio doors. It’s something we live out in our community, too. And this October, you all showed what that mission looks like in action.
đź’ś Together, We Raised $2,079 for WINGS Program, Inc.
This month, through discounted boudoir photography session fees, we raised and donated $2,079 directly to WINGS Program, Inc.
WINGS is the largest and most successful domestic violence intervention organization in Illinois, providing emergency housing, counseling, and long-term support for survivors and their families. Their work changes lives — and every dollar we raised will go toward helping women find safety, hope, and a fresh start.
Every single woman who booked a session, attended an event, or engaged and shared our posts was part of this movement. You helped another woman find safety. You helped her rebuild. You helped her remember her worth.
From the bottom of my heart — thank you. 💜
đź’Ş Empowerment in Action: Beyond the Studio
This October, empowerment took many forms.
Midway through the month, we took empowerment off the camera and into real life with a Women’s Self-Defense Class at Alpha Krav Maga Compound in Northbrook.
Led by the incredible Master George Buruian, this workshop gave women practical tools to feel stronger and safer — both mentally and physically. We laughed, learned, and even discovered muscles we didn’t know we had!
It wasn’t just about fighting back; it was about reclaiming confidence. It was about standing tall. It was about saying, “I am worth protecting.”
The energy in that room was unforgettable — and I left reminded that empowerment is something we build together, one woman at a time.
And while that class was one afternoon, my involvement with WINGS is something I carry throughout the year. I personally volunteer every week at one of the WINGS Resale Shops, sorting donations, helping customers, and supporting the organization’s mission firsthand. It’s a small way to stay connected, but it reminds me that every hour, every effort, and every act of kindness adds up to real change.
🎙️ Raising Our Voices: My Conversation with Tracey Mayer
One of the highlights of this month was my Live with Liz interview with Tracey Mayer, entrepreneur, advocate, and board member of WINGS Program, Inc.
Tracey’s story is one of strength, resilience, and transformation. As a survivor herself, she now helps other women find freedom, confidence, and the courage to rebuild. Our conversation reminded me why this cause matters so deeply — because behind every statistic is a real woman, with a story, a family, and a future worth fighting for.
Tracey reminded us that empowered women do empower women. When one woman rises, she lifts others with her. And that’s exactly what this month was about.
đź’¬ Community and Connection
Inside our VIP Facebook Group for Empowered Women of Chicago, we spent the month talking openly about safety, confidence, and healing. Over 10,000+ local women came together to share support, resources, and encouragement — proof that even hard conversations can create real connection.
Because the truth is, none of us walk this road alone. Whether it’s standing beside a friend in crisis, volunteering your time, or simply showing up for yourself in new ways — you are part of something bigger.
🌟 What October Taught Me
This October wasn’t just about raising funds or hosting events. It was about creating moments where women could feel safe, seen, and strong.
It was about survivors finding hope. It was about community showing up. It was about you — every woman who decided to take action, to speak up, to care.
Together, we made an impact. Together, we reminded each other that our stories matter, our safety matters, and our voices matter.
đź’ś From Awareness to Action
As we wrap up this month, I want to challenge each of us to keep this energy going. Domestic Violence Awareness Month may be over, but our responsibility to support one another isn’t.
Keep having the conversations.
Keep showing up for women in your life.
Keep choosing empowerment — every single day.
My hope is that every woman learns to see what’s always been there—her strength, her beauty, her light.
From the studio to the community — and everywhere in between — thank you for standing with me, for standing with WINGS, and for standing for women.