You ever meet someone and immediately feel like you get them? That was Monica for me.
When she came in for her boudoir session, I could tell right away that she is strong, resilient, and real. She’s also a total badass, and hearing her story just made me respect her even more.
Monica is a 29-year-old stay-at-home mom who moved from California to Wisconsin. Before kids, she worked in criminal psychology (how cool is that?!), and when she returns to the workforce, she wants to keep helping people who need compassion and support, without judgment. In her words, “I may look mean or intimidating, but I’m one of the kindest people you’ll meet—and I’ll fiercely protect the people I love.”
Yasss, queen.
She also loves books, gardening, painting her feelings (how poetic is that?), and is currently writing her very first YA novel. Honestly, she’s the kind of woman you want in your corner.
Here is Monica’s boudoir story:
Why She Booked a Boudoir Session
Monica didn’t just book a session to feel sexy, but she did it to honor her story.
“I’m a three-time autoimmune disease warrior. My body has been through hell. Two open-heart surgeries, resection surgery, endless procedures. For years, I hated my body. But after having my two kids (which doctors said might never happen), I knew I couldn’t carry that hate anymore. I didn’t want my daughter to grow up watching her mom hate the body we share.”
This part hit me so hard. Boudoir, for Monica, was about rewriting the way she saw herself. It was about saying, “Look at everything my body has done. Look at how far I’ve come. I’m still here and I’m damn proud of it.”
From Tomboy to Total Goddess
I could totally relate to Monica when she told me she was nervous about the whole thing. She’s a self-proclaimed tomboy and had no idea what to wear at first. Shopping felt overwhelming, and nothing quite felt like her.
But I’m all about helping my clients create a session that feels like them. We talked through her options, swapped ideas, and landed on the perfect mix with one outfit to show off her badass rocker side and another to show her soft, laid-back vibe.
“Being able to showcase both sides of me made me feel more like myself—not like I was trying to be what everyone else wanted.”
Yes, yes, YES. This is what I want every woman to feel during their session.
The Moment It Clicked
She told me she was nervous walking into the studio. But once we got going and she saw a couple of sneak peeks on the back of my camera, everything changed.
“I couldn’t believe it was me. I didn’t recognize the woman in the photo and I loved that. It made me want to see what else I was capable of.”
Her confidence grew with every click. And let me tell you, she killed it. I kept showing her poses, helping her through them step by step, and she just rolled with it. Monica was so chill and open, and it made the whole session so much fun. By the end of it, we were vibing like old friends.
“I’ve done other photos before, but I’ve never felt as safe and seen as I did in this session.”
The Aftermath (aka the Confidence Glow-Up)
After the session, Monica was glowing and not just from the hair and makeup (though that was on point too!).
“I didn’t want it to end. I felt so sexy and confident. It was like a high I didn’t want to come down from. I had so much fun, and that confidence stuck with me for days after.”
And when she saw the final photos?
“I wanted to take every single one home. I saw the courage in myself I’ve always had but never really acknowledged. These photos reminded me that I am powerful. That I am beautiful. They helped me fall in love with myself again.”
Her husband loved the photos too, but more than that, he loved seeing her love herself.
Would She Recommend It?
“Absolutely. The experience was amazing and Ashley makes it easy. She’s kind, thoughtful, and helps you get out of your head. I’ll be back!”
Monica’s boudoir story is such a reminder that boudoir isn’t just about the photos (even though they’re 🔥). It’s about reconnecting with the version of you that’s been there all along. The one who’s strong, brave, sexy, and worthy.
So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment, let Monica’s story be your sign. You don’t have to wait for a milestone, a number on the scale, or permission from anyone. You already have everything you need.
And I’d love to show you that. Ready to feel that kind of magic too? Join my women’s only VIP Group or you can view my session details here!
Here are some other blog posts you might like:
Val’s Boudoir Experience: Reclaiming Confidence at 46
Confident & Sexy: Evy’s Boudoir Photo Session Experience
Bri’s Boudoir Experience with Ashley Kalbus Boudoir
