Q: How did you first hear of Rachel Jasmine Studio and what made you want to book with us?

A: I first stumbled upon Rachel because one of my team members had done a photoshoot with her; a few days later, I realized a friend from high school had done hers with Rachel as well. That was two friends in one week and I had to know more about RJS because these girls looked INCREDIBLE. Once I was in her Facebook group, I realized that her mission was just more than pretty pictures: it was one of body positivity and self love and acceptance through art. I knew I had to be apart of that.

Q: What was your initial reason for booking?

A: In 2018, I went on a weight loss journey. In nine months, I dropped forty pounds of post pregnancy weight from my two gorgeous girls and my self esteem skyrocketed. I was ready to celebrate how great I felt inside and out with a boudoir session. Flash forward to 2020, and the weight stayed off (yay!), but here we are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. This year I’ve worn more hats than I ever thought I would: mom, wife, business owner, general education teacher, baker, companion, speech pathologist, and physical therapist. I am so thankful for the extra time with my family, but 2020 has been an unexpected time of worry, anxiety, and stress. When the Black Friday sale hit, I knew I wanted to end this crazy year doing something good for myself.

Q: Did you have any expectations going into the shoot? What were they?

A: I knew it was completely normal to feel nervous, but oh gosh! I was shaking life a leaf. I was terrified my mom pouch would show, and I didn’t know what to do with my constant RBF. I was scared out of my mind that Rachel would kick me out of her studio for being uncooperative. Once I arrived, Rachel and her team excitedly welcomed me and helped me calm down by meticulously walking me through the day. Rachel went through how we’d tackle facial expressions, and then even modeled the poses I would be doing. I felt instantly that I was in capable hands and let the worry fade away as excitement took over.

Q: What was it like seeing your images for the first time?

A: My first session took place when Rachel would do the reveal appointment a few weeks after the initial session, and I will never forget that she emailed me a photo of this GORGEOUS model. I said to my husband, “Oh my god, that girl is hot but I don’t know why Rachel sent me her picture.” After squinting at the photo, I saw her rib tattoo and realized it was MY rib tattoo. Shock, happiness, and awe were just a few of the emotions that rolled through me; I had no idea I could look that amazing.

This year, I think I was even more nervous to see my pictures immediately after my session than having to wait. I was scared they wouldn’t be as great as the first time, or that I didn’t follow Rachel’s instructions and it would show. Crazy talk, of course, because as soon as she opened up her computer, Rachel started screaming and being my hype girl as every picture came across the screen. It felt amazing.

Q: What products did you purchase, and why do you think other women might love the same pieces?

A: Wall art! Some women are so nervous to see themselves hanging on the wall, but it’s such an uplifting feeling. When I wake up in the morning and when I go to bed at night, I see that confident, gorgeous version of myself starting back at me and even if I’m having a bad day, I feel so much better.
And an album! The cover itself is a work of art and looks like it belongs on a coffee table or in a museum. Then my pictures are inside and I feel like I’m opening up a treasure or present every time.

Q: Has anything changed for you since your boudoir experience and seeing your gallery? How has boudoir impacted your body image as a woman?

A: Quarantine and COVID did a number on my self esteem this year because I had so much extra time to overthink and criticize my body. After my session with Rachel, I feel so much more confident about my body. I used to avoid looking in the mirror when I’d get changed, or cringe when I noticed my stretch marks. We, as women, are so harsh when we talk to ourselves. After my session, I realized that I lift up so many of the women in the RJS Facebook group, but I don’t do that for myself. Now when I look in the mirror, I notice all the things I love about myself first, and I give myself grace.

Q: Would you recommend Rachel Jasmine Studio for the luxury boudoir experience to others?

A: ABSOLUTELY! It’s such a fun experience, and you’ll leave feeling like the confident and self assured bad ass you truly are.

Q: What advice would you give to another woman considering the boudoir experience with Rachel Jasmine Studio?

A: If you’re able to do this for yourself, please do. It can be scary and nerve wracking to allow yourself to be vulnerable and exposed, but you’re in great hands. Trust yourself and trust Rachel, because you won’t regret it.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add to your interview?

A: If you already saw Rachel once, go see her again! You’ve grown and changed as a woman, and she’ll be the first to help you express it in your pictures. Rachel knew I wanted a darker, moodier vibe as compared to my light and airy first session with her. One of my favorite things about Rachel is her ability to challenge you to get the greatest picture she can. “Push that booty up like your life depends on it!” “One more time, girlfriend! You got this!” “Hey. Do you want to go topless?” She’ll have you laughing and smiling, but also working parts of your body you never knew you could.