As 2017 came to an end, I realised that I really wanted to collect an inspirational series of stories to start 2018 off to a positive BANG!
Every week at Johanna Elizabeth, I am touched at the emotional stories…many of which can be seen in my portrait page reviews and our boudoir page reviews!
So, the ‘Love You Challenge’ was created.
I find out why these unique people, applied and how their journey with us…really made a difference.
Only intended to last a few weeks, I got such a phenomenal response… that I am still shooting these amazing men and women!
Pleased to introduce Sharon, who discovered her beauty!
“It was when I was on FB that I found out about Johanna Elizabeth and the opportunity to take part in the ‘Love You’ challenge. I am all for discovering more about yourself and revealing the true beauty that all of us have inside. I initially didn’t read all the information (when it came to having a Boudoir shoot) so I filled in the application form not really thinking that I would be chosen!
For as long as I can remember I have always struggled with the way I think about myself. I’ve had a difficult childhood and upbringing and my self-confidence was at a very low level. I’ve always had issues with food and about my weight and not liking the fact that I am ‘plus-size’. I’ve also been bullied in the past for always being the ‘fat kid’ at school and never feeling confident in wearing nice clothes and caring about my appearance! I’ve never seen myself as pretty and so thought that this would be a good opportunity to see myself in a different light.
When I rang you guys and spoke to the lady she immediately put me at ease and I knew that this was something I really wanted to do. To challenge myself by doing something outside of my comfort zone because I knew that the end result would be nothing like I had seen before! I wanted to see myself in a photo shoot to make me realise that actually, there is a really beautiful person inside of me!
At the consultation all my fears were discussed and I was immediately put at ease. I also got a chance to see other women who had taken part and how beautiful they were. I decided that yes, I would go ahead with the shoot. Now to go and buy some things to wear (as I didn’t at the time own anything like that at all!!)
On the day I was very nervous but very excited. It was lovely to have some me time and to have my hair and make-up done and they did a super job! When it came to the photos being taken I started off nervous but soon started enjoying myself. The photographer was very aware of my dislike of certain areas and always made sure I didn’t feel uncomfortable. by the end I decided to really brave it and did a couple of white sheet photos. Going home I was so proud of myself and excited about the results.
I was so excited on the day of my reveal. My husband and best friend came with me and we were all looking forward to seeing the photos. When I walked into the room I didn’t even realise that they were my photos (I had seen the photos on the wall at my consultation!). They had to nudge me and tell me that they were mine!
The photos are amazing, I can’t believe how I look in them. To see someone confident in their own skin was inspiring, even more so knowing it was me! It was so difficult to choose the photos I wanted as I wanted all of them.
I feel very differently about myself now, like a light bulb has gone on in my head. I now realise that there is a beauty in me that I now want to show. I shall be taking more pride in my appearance and already making steps like wearing a bit more make-up and wearing my hair down.
It was a very liberating experience and one that I would recommend anyone doing. It has made me appreciate me more and love myself more. I am who I am and I am proud of that!
To finish, a massive THANK YOU to all of you for a truly amazing experience. I hope that there will be an opportunity in the future to maybe come and have some more photos done.
Luv, Shaz”
Sharon, we’re honoured and can’t wait to see you again!
Follow me as even more ‘Love You Challenge’ stories unfold here at Johanna Elizabeth…
If you’d like to feel the way that Sharon does now – contact me here and let’s get you on your own journey!
Love Jo
~x~
