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Theresa’s Boudoir Experience
Theresa made the choice to come in for her boudoir experience after years of struggling with body image issues.
“I chose to do this experience to remind myself that while I may not have the body I think I should have, I have this one and it is perfectly fine as is.”
How did you feel during your boudoir experience?
“I was anxious at first. My palms and feet were sweating! But as we kept going and I saw the images along the way, I built confidence in myself. By the end of the experience I felt amazing! “
Why would you suggest every Black womxn do their own boudoir experience?
“…because it feels like liberation! I felt true joy during the session and I am excited for my images, but more importantly to love myself through the images.”
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Soul Remodeling LLC – Guest Blogger
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Mrs. Monique Harris, a Certified Trauma-informed Speaker and Therapeutic Relief Artist of Soul Remodeling who is thriving in life after r@pe. I equip other moms to feel better inside while navigating their healing journey through my 3D jeweled texture Sculptures and “Listening E.A.R.” (Expressive Arts Retreat) Kits.
Why is your work important to the well-being of Black womxn?I am emotionally supporting moms through their process of healing from sexual assault. Their experience with me may be the divine intervention that changes their mind and stops them from giving up.
How would you define your work?Soul Remodeling is interior design in your heart through art. I infuse the transformations and experiences from remodeling my home and my healing journey in life after r@pe- to provide emotional support and hope for moms trying to be strong.
Thus far how do you feel the work you have done in your business impacts the Black womxn in your community? Or how do you feel it will in the future?
Each purchase sponsors a healing service at a local nonprofit for a survivor of rape or gift for her children. In the future, we plan for a portion of Soul Remodeling’s proceeds to benefit our forthcoming Family Justice Center- which provide comprehensive, victim-centered, trauma-informed services in one place for survivors of sexual assault.
What is the overall mission or goal for your business?
For moms who are raising children while navigating their healing to feel better inside, instead of feeling “crazy” or like “damaged goods”.
What is the most important thing people should know about your business, your work, and/or you?
Me – I love Jesus and want to be more like Him every day. Business- I am offering a solution (therapeutic art and experiences) that supports you in healing through your pain in your own way. Together, we will figure out what works for you. Work- I am spreading the good news of Jesus through this healing ministry.
Is there a certain part of your work that only centers Black womxn? If so can you please describe how?
Yes. My artwork features black women of different complexions, highlights our natural beauty, and is soulfully crafted with gems as reminders we are God’s special treasure.
What can a person expect when working with you? Can you describe the process?
A mom who is a survivor first joins our Listening E.A.R. Healing Circle by purchasing a quarterly or monthly Listening E.A.R. Kit. Then, our Healing Circle meets twice a month in our virtual studio for a Live Group Listening E.A.R. where we use our Kits for mini retreats, and/or offer our literal listening ear with your choice of emotional support or personal experience-based advice. Like a sip & paint, but on a deeper level.
Do you have any advice on reclaiming, expanding or exploring their sensual side?
Yes. Because we believe sensuality and skincare can be a coping mechanism or an act of healing sexual trauma, we advocate for Sensual Self-Care by including “Honor Your Body” activities in our Listening E.A.R. Kits.
Why do you believe your business or mission is important to Black womxn?
We are winning this war against sexual assault and abuse so that our daughters and sons don’t have to fight.
What is a phrase or affirmation you live by?
He who began a great work in me, will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.How do you sustain the peace in your life being a Black womxn and a business owner?
I continue to keep my faith and hope in God using my own L.I.S.T.E.N. Framework (Learn, Intentional, Show up, Trust, Encourage, Nourish) which was birthed from deepening my intimacy with Him while healing.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your industry?
Healing and grieving are synonymous; They are both highly-individualized journeys that you navigate in your own way and time.
In the future what do you hope to see happen for your business?
I see Soul Remodeling evolving into a Destination Sanctuary as a guilt-free respite to unburden and reassure moms trying to be strong.
Is there anything else you would like our audience to know about you or your business?
I am looking for opportunities to speak and share my mission and message with moms who are survivors of sexual assault and organizations that support and empower them. If you or someone you know who would be interested as being my first core members, please purchase a Listening E.A.R. Kit on Soulremodelingretreats.com to join us. Thank you!
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4 Things To Share With Me
There are certain things that are helpful and important to help me make your boudoir experience be as comfortable and fun as possible. My client’s pre-experience questionnaire has all these questions and more.
- Do you have any challenges with mobility.
Boudoir photographers want to make sure you are comfortable in the poses we place you in. You may have some discomfort with poses, especially the back bend, but no poses should bring about pain.
- Your pronouns & the name you like to be called.
Celebrating you as you want to be celebrated extends into calling you by your name.
- What music makes you feel empowered and sexy.
Music helps set the mood. Moving to a sensual sound can help you release your inhibitions. Certain lyrics can make you feel empowered.
- Your level of comfort with nudity.
Wearing lingerie in front of a person you barely know can be very unnerving. A photographer’s ultimate goal is to make you feel comfortable, seen and heard. Some people do not mind getting naked in front of others, some are completely opposite. Let your photographer know what feels right for you.
- Do you have any challenges with mobility.
