After Working in a Male Dominated Industry, I Had to Find My Femininity Again
If you’re a woman working in a male dominated industry, then don’t be surprised when you find yourself nodding along to what Faye says here.
Faye has worked - and continues to work - incredibly hard. As you’ll go on to read, Faye felt she had to adapt to survive. She was made to feel that appearing feminine, or expressing typically ‘feminine’ traits, at work would be seen as a weakness. She wanted to thrive, and be as successful as she could be, so in order to do that she, as she explains it, “became one of the lads - hair tied back, always in trousers, never showing emotions…”
However, when life changed around her - the death of her Dad and being made redundant - she discovered that she wanted to remember who she was again and, essentially, to unlock the qualities she had suppressed. This is where Divine Divas came in.
The rest is Faye’s stories to tell, so I will leave it there and let her take over…
What is your name and age?
My name is Faye, and I am 44.
When did you come in for your Boudoir Shoot? What made you decide to book?
My first shoot was on 21st Feb, with a second shoot on 20th March, and a third on the 9th April!
I decided to book as I had just been told I was undatable because of my tattoos and my size. I was also told that I should keep certain sides of me quiet, so I thought - I’ll prove you wrong.
I had also had a tough year, where I had lost my Dad (my No.1 Fan) and a brother in the space of a few months. I had also been made redundant and made a move to Devon following a relapse into burnout, with little support and without my No.1 Cheerleader, my Dad.
Alongside all of this, from working in major Construction Projects, I felt I had lost my femininity and I didn’t know how to embrace it again. To survive I became one of the lads - hair tied back, always in trousers, never showing emotions… I was ready to find my femininity again.
I have had other boudoir shoots before at different companies, and every shoot was the same style - Divine Divas allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and into the magic zone.
I know you came in for three experiences, did you feel that you were able to explore and celebrate a different side of yourself with each one?
100% yes. I could express many different sides: the strong, independent woman, the gypsy spirit, the burlesque joy and the soft feminine side.
Obviously, we have quite in depth phone calls with you before your experience! Do you feel that it was an important part of the photography experience? Do you feel it added to the experience?
As I mentioned, I’ve had other Boudoir experiences with different companies but this is the first time I have had calls like this, and it is a very important part of the experience as it allows you to set your intention. Divine Divas is a safe space to be as brave as you want to be. You feel safe enough to challenge yourself to be courageous, and embrace the opportunity.
Having a professional makeup artist work with you on the day, do you think this added to the experience, and what did it do for your confidence coming into the shoot ??
Absolutely - as it allowed me to explore new make-up options and discuss the colours and hair. Though I appreciate my hair, it has a personality of its own (or 12)!
Tell us - what was the moment you saw your photos for the first time like?
It was emotional. It was the first time I have loved myself for me, as I am now. The photos absolutely blew me away. I couldn’t get over how my essence, spirit and soul had been captured. There were personality traits I held dear that were so beautifully expressed, and I hadn’t even brought up the topics in the calls.
Confidence is a big thing - in fact it is everything. How has this boudoir experience elevated who you are in different areas of your life - for example has this confidence affected your relationship or your career?
In so many ways. I have felt able to start dressing for me and embrace my own unique style without fear. I have even went back on dating apps and on some dates… and one of those dates has turned into a relationship! I am even now attracting the right people and have started building an amazing new tribe of fabulous women and men.
If this experience helped you find part of you that you believe you had lost or maybe felt you had to hide away, which part of you do you believe you have been able to rediscover because of your boudoir experience with us?
It has helped me reconnect with my femininity, my vulnerability and the ability to be open. It has helped me see vulnerability as a strength and not a weakness… In the words of Brené Brown
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
What stood out for you about this experience?
How safe and free I was to be me, and how open the team were to putting a slight twist here and there to a theme or incorporating some of my own ideas.
Are you excited about your artwork arriving? Where will it be going?
Super excited, in my bedroom so I see it first thing, when I wake up
So many people have said that this is the best money that they have ever spent on themselves - we know we are not cheap, but some times we just need to know that we are worth spoiling ourselves - do you believe that this was money well spent?
The money has been absolutely well spent. This has removed so many blocks for me, and helped me learn to embraced me for me. It means that, now, other people's opinions are just noise with no power.
What would you say to anyone considering booking a Divas experience? Maybe drawing on your own nerves beforehand!
Your are in safe and experienced hands. I was nervous on my drive down, I had packed too many options, and the team were fantastic, guiding me and facilitating a safe, brave experience. These have been the best Boudoir sessions I have ever had.
Book it and just do it; you may not feel ready but this is the empowerment and confidence boost you need. I am a great believer of facing a fear or a negative opinion head on and not letting it control me!
As Brené Brown says, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
We hope you enjoyed this blog! Everyone books their Boudoir Experience for different reasons. It’s not always about finding confidence, it can be about celebrating yourself after a milestone event, reflecting on and capturing how far you have come, creating a meaningful gift for someone…
Have a look at these blogs to find out more!
Boudoir as a Gift: For YOU or a Loved One!
Goddesses, Nudity and Nature… My Nude Experience Was Raw and Healing.
Celebrate With Birthday Boudoir… (P.S There’s a special offer inside!)