Chelsea
As a curvy girl I grew up with low self esteem. I was made fun of all the time at school for being overweight and I let it enter my head that I was not beautiful and no one wanted to see me. So I put on baggy clothes and covered up as much of myself as possible so no one would have to look at me. When I finally got married I thought that I was so lucky to have someone that I looked past any obvious red flags. I would justify his lies because what else would I do? Who else would want me? I did everything including cooking, cleaning, mowing the lawn. And yet I still felt lucky. Shortly after I got a job as a photographer. I became obsessed with wanting to show people the beauty in themselves and when I became a photographer I was so happy that I could capture how they always envisioned themselves and for them to be able to be confident and show everyone. The pure joy on their faces were amazing. I was starting to get some confidence in myself when it came to my photo abilities lol. Then my life was turned upside when I found out my husband had cheated on me and also committed a felony. I was spiraling and overwhelmed and now a new single mom. So when I was asked to do a photo shoot for Bellisimo I was hesitant because I did not want to show people the vision I had of myself. Truth be told I never had one except that it needed to be hidden. However, I am a big supporter in other photographers and wanted to help out a friend. I had noticed that the majority of their portfolio was along the boudoir side of photography so I had asked if that was necessary. I wasn't comfortable showing skin. Jay and Ashley said you can wear whatever you wanted. So I wore a long sleeve maxi dress and a hat. I was so nervous and out of my element being in front of the camera, but Jay made me feel at ease and talked me through and made me laugh. She developed such a rapport with me that I forgot we were doing a photo shoot and made it feel like new friends getting to know each other and goofing off. When it came to the reveal, I'll be honest I didn't have much expectation but I thought at least I helped out another photographer. But then I got my photos. I was in complete awe. There were no words. I could not BELIEVE the person in the photos was me. Whoever the person was, was gorgeous! She was happy and confident! Surely that wasn't me. The next couple of weeks after the reveal was a whirlwind of emotions. I decided throw caution to the wind and bought a sleeveless shirt. It was starting to get really hot out and I was tired of wearing long sleeves and long pants all year round. So I put it on and then I held my breath as I had errands to run and people were going to see me. Much to my surprise and my relief no one cared. No one took a second look. So throwing caution to the wind again I bought some shorts. Yet again no one even blinked. I started to feel good about myself. Shortly after I started getting compliments on my outfits from strangers. Next thing you know I'm a full blown model with a new skimpy wardrobe. Just kidding. But my closet does now have several sleeveless shirts & dresses and quit a few shorts. I was doing my makeup and getting my hair done. I felt beautiful. So when I got a call from Jay and Ashley to do another shoot I was like when do you want me. What do you want me to wear? I bought three beautiful nighties from shein and a strapless bra. Let's just say there wasn't a lot I didn't reveal lol. I was so confident and comfortable in my own skin. Jay and Ashley said they definitely noticed a difference. And boy when I tell you the photos blew me away.. OMG it was like a bomb exploded. They were amazing!! They were exactly how I had started to envision that I wanted to look. I was so proud and I felt so beautiful. My confidence has definitely emerged and made itself known. I am so grateful to Jay and Ashley for opening my eyes and helping me find it. I am literally a different person, and all because of a picture. I love myself and my curves and so should you. If you do not then I highly recommend doing this for you.
