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

A: Maybe two years prior to when I first reached out to book, I had found the RJS page and bookmarked it to revisit when I was ready to commit to a shoot. I was initially drawn to RJS because Rachel’s message of empowerment is at the forefront of her work. I had confidence that her objective was to facilitate a celebration of myself, not visually manipulate my body to fit a culturally narrow definition of “beauty.” I was more drawn to the empowering experience and motivated less by having the photos for a particular occasion.

Q: What was your initial reason for booking?

A: I’ve been working for an entire lifetime on this self confidence of mine… why delay in memorializing it?! I’ve conquered many insecurities gifted to me by toxic ghosts of the past and divorced my weight from my self confidence. I’ve finally embraced my body for the true temple of badass-ery that it is. I decided the shoot would be a way to pay tribute to my personal growth and celebrate the fulfilling life I have built for myself after years of tribulation

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

A: The only expectation I had was that I was going to feel sexy AF, and that expectation was certainly realized! What surprised me was that learning to pose was like learning a language and the dynamic nature of the shooting was like having a conversation. Rachel taught me with poses how to communicate with my body and coached me to interact with the camera with breathing and movement. The shoot was meditative and afterward I felt restored and re-energized.

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

A: The thought that popped into my head after initially seeing my photos was “Hell yeah! That’s me!!” I felt so proud of them and would have readily put up a billboard of one of my photos given the option at that moment. I was so delighted that the image I have of myself in my mind’s eye was being reflected right in front of me. It was a gratifying feeling seeing the fruits of our labor that day, like looking through a collection of gems that I got to choose whichever ones I wanted to take home.

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

A: I originally purchased the Ember Collection with ten photos in an artist portfolio and digital files. I wanted to have matted photos I could frame and rotate out as I please. I also got an 8 x 12 metal wall art piece so that I could put one of my bathtub set photos in my bathroom at home without worrying about moisture damaging a print. I ended up adding an additional ten photos after my shoot because I had too hard of a time deciding which ones would be coming home with me! I’m looking forward to getting access to my mobile app as well, so I’ll get to enjoy and share my photos while my other items are in the lab.

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: I knew from the outset that I would give consent for a full release of any images Rachel wanted to use, but didn’t really intend on sharing them with many of my friends or on my own social media account. After my boudoir experience, I feel such pride that I can’t help but show everyone the results both in my photos and in the way I carry myself. My positive self-image has been fortified and I will continue to manifest that in all areas of my life.

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

A: Absolutely! I spent extra time caring for my body and solidified a good self care routine before the shoot, which will stick with me. The day of the shoot was so exciting and a self-celebration I will never forget. All along the way Cassidy answered my questions, Rachel provided the tools that I needed, and on the day of Kasey did a stellar job getting me made-up and camera ready!

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

A: DO IT! I’m positive that if you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, you will have the most fun and you will not regret it. This experience is all about you and the studio is a safe space, so there’s no reason to be worried about judgement. In addition, the more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it. Follow the prep guide! Set yourself up for success by investing in your skincare routine, drinking extra water, getting a facial, and treating yourself to a mani/pedi. These photos are an investment, why not do everything you can to make the most of it?

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

A: When I told my lady friends or the women who were helping me at the salon that I was doing a boudoir shoot, many of them said “Oh I would be too chicken to do that!” All I could think was “Why?” Women are culturally conditioned to suppress their sexuality unless it’s directly related to the pleasure of a man. Be the exception! You do not need to conform to anyone’s standards. No matter what size or shape you are… you are right. You are sexy and if you believe it to be true, nobody can tell you any differently.