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Why my studio closed in 2023
On July 9, 2023, I closed the doors of my Maryland studio. I did this for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is I want to help guide more Black womxn in centering themselves, loving their bodies as they are now, and recognizing pleasure is our birthright. When I am not capturing Black womxn in my studio I have been educating boudoir photographers on capturing us and leading workshops on reinvention and boundaries in tropical locations around the world.
I quit my job almost 2 years ago and the journey has been incredible, frustrating, expensive, and liberating. I have been able to do things I would not have dreamed of doing. Things I would not have been able to do if, I didn’t just say let me enjoy life. Let me do what I really want and if it doesn’t work out it’s okay. At least I got to say I did it and have no regrets.
I want to be a woman that reinvents herself often (I am on my 5th reinvention thus far). Not because I have to but because this new version of me requires something different. My needs are different and I deserve to exist in a space where all my needs are met.
My motto is you are your longest and most expensive relationship. No one should treat you betta than you treat yourself. You should love yourself to distraction and the people in your life should treat you with honor and respect. Especially in this world where you are always weighed against others and found lacking.
Closing my boudoir studio is an act of liberation and radical self-care. I will be traveling from August – November to Africa, Spain, and South East Asia, January is Kentucky and February is back to South East Asia. This will allow me time to learn more about myself, my next steps, and how I can fully embody being the favorite version of myself! I have no idea what will await me in these locations but I trust myself enough to know that this feels good and I am always right where I need to be. Plus my daddy aint raise no full, cause sis is street and book smart.
If you want to start your reinvention start here and use discount code AUG38 for $10 off.
If you are ready to join us in Cartagena for some real work, find out more information here.
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Womxn of Color in Boudoir – Part 2
How might boudoir photography sessions be tailored to cater specifically to the needs and experiences of women of color?
Boudoir photography is dominated by White cisgender women. These women need to understand the differences in WOC. We are not all the same and all of our stories matter. They need to have a makeup artist and hair stylist that can work with all textures and complexions. They need to leave their bias at the door and meet these womxn exactly where they are as clients and people. They need to understand our history and have an understanding of how white supremacy creates beauty standards that a majority of WOC cannot meet.
Are there any cultural considerations that boudoir photographers should be mindful of when working with women of color?
A big cultural consideration I have witnessed as a boudoir educator, particularly with white photographers, is changing their speech when photographing Black clients. Some will take on a “Blackcent” and it is not needed. Also working with clients that bring in costumes that are a part of the heritage and legacy of another culture.
How might boudoir photography contribute to an overall improved sexual health experience for women of color?
Boudoir photography is about acceptance. You are accepting your body as it is now. You are given permission to love your body as it is now. You get to be in control of your boudoir experience and make decisions on what is comfortable or not based on your needs and wants. The boudoir experience is just a day, but for some people, it is a major moment of courage. That same courage that can allow you to speak up in the bedroom when something does not give you pleasure. Or as I call it the orgasmic yes!
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Womxn of Color in Boudoir – Part 1
How can boudoir photography be a tool for promoting body positivity and self-love among women of color?
Boudoir photography can be a tool for promoting body positivity and self-love among WOC because representation matters. Many of the WOC we see in media have a certain look that doesn’t represent the vast majority of people of the Global Majority. The beauty standards are based in white supremacy. The lighter and thinner you are the more desirability you have. Boudoir helps WOC change the narrative on their own terms by celebrating their bodies and individuality.
In what ways can boudoir photography help women of color feel more empowered and confident in their own skin?
Boudoir photography can help WOC reclaim what has always been ours, our sensuality and sexuality. We are able to have body autonomy in a world that has always shown us that our bodies can be used for pleasure, but nothing more. Especially for Black womxn who have always been deemed as less feminine.
Can boudoir photography serve as a means for women of color to reclaim their sexuality and challenge negative stereotypes about their bodies?
Boudoir can help start a conversation that builds a community. A community where we share the stories of our bodies and how we have reclaimed them. When we are able to tell our stories without shame we can heal ourselves and our sisters. We won’t need validation from outside our community because we will be all the validation we need.
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Dr M’s Boudoir Experience
Just before her wedding, Dr. M wanted to do something special just for herself. She wanted to feel confident, sexy and empowered. She also had one request, use her periodic table blanket in the boudoir experience. Of course, we exceeded all of her expectations!See what Dr. M had to say about her Boudoir Experience here!
“i was able to get the joy, confidence out of the photos, they really shine through. Olesha was able to capture all of it and it was such a great experience… the hair, pampering, the makeup!” -
Patreace – Client Testimonial
See what Patreace had to say about her Boudoir Experience here!
