Glamorous makeup and dresses don't determine a woman’s beauty. But when she feels beautiful, when she feels comfortable in her own skin, safe and free to be her authentic self, proud of who she sees in her own images and her confidence shines through, that's when her beauty is breathtaking.
This transformation is at the foundation of my brand. I am blessed with the opportunity to empower women of all ages and reconnect them to their own beauty through luxury portrait sessions. As a portrait photographer, I sell beautiful photos, but really it goes much deeper than that. I sell an Experience. I sell Confidence, re-connection and a new way of seeing yourself.
One of my favorite things about my business is the opportunity to meet & work with so many amazing women. Our community is full of inspiring women, each with a unique beauty and story of their own. That is why I’ve decided to launch a blog series that celebrates local women and their stories. I'm so excited to share this with you!
Meet Kym! It is a perfect fit to start my first blog with this woman's story. To say that she is inspiring would be an understatement. She recently came into the studio for her glamour session and it was a pleasure working with and getting to know her. She is strong, determined, positive, and encouraging.
When I look at her images I see a powerful combination of strength and confidence, mixed with kindness and warmth.
Kym is a genuine Girl Boss! She’s a successful business owner, wife and proud mom. When I asked her to tell me a little bit about herself, I loved her response,
“Honestly, I'm complex, aren't most women? There's so many facets to who I am that it's truly hard to know where to begin.”
Forever Learning
“I believe that we are never too old to learn or grow personally.”
Kym went back to school in her 40’s to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, and is now helping others to be their healthiest and best selves. She is also a Director with Beautycounter, a certified B-Corp that is bringing attention to safer products and changing the beauty industry. “I love learning about wellness, fitness, and personal growth. You'll often find me listening to podcasts or books on becoming my best self or entrepreneurship.”
Young at Heart
“I'm shocked that I'm in my 50's. I used to think 50 was old but it doesn't feel like it at all. I'm having so much fun in life and am discovering so many new adventures and insights on life. I love being where I am with all of the tools in my tool belt that life has brought me. Age is a number and doesn't define who we are or how young we feel.”
Looking fear in the face
“I am my greatest accomplishment. Does that sound weird? I grew up not believing in myself and not having the greatest of home life. In my 20's, I discovered that I could do more and be more than I had grown up believing. I had lived in fear of failure until I was about 25. Then I chose to look fear in the face and do things that scared me (except bungee jumping).
I am inspired by people who have chosen to take their life experiences and use them as stepping stones to being their best self. I'm inspired by people who find joy in life, even when it's hard and seek to be on top of the mountain. I'm inspired by learning new things and dreaming new dreams.
I'm proud of the person that I've become and that I continually strive to be better and not settle or get complacent.”
Overcoming Challenges
“I used to compare myself to others so much and never believed in myself. I've had some serious health issues, relationship issues, and experienced death of loved ones. These things could have made me bitter and depressed, and at times they did. Taking charge of my own health, fitness, and mindset actively changed me and reset my life. It was a process and one that I'm so happy to have and continue to experience.
What keeps me going is my faith and knowing that I'll come out with new tools in my tool belt of life. Without challenges, we don't have growth. Every challenge has opportunity for growth and to make us better.”
Family
“My family is also my greatest accomplishment.”
Kym has been married to her husband for 29 years, has three adult children and two fur babies, Piper and Pluto.
“We've gone through hard times and have been resilient. I look at my husband and kids, and as the song goes, they are the wind beneath my wings. I am partly who I am because of them.”
What advice would you give to your younger self?
“I would say seize your dreams and believe. If you want to go live in another country for a period, just go do it. Don't get caught in the trap of feeling like you have to do a, b, c first. Live life to the fullest and dare to dream big.”
Confidence and Beauty
“Confidence means loving who I am. It doesn't mean that I'm not afraid, it just means that I push forward. Confidence means that I know that I'm perfectly me, I'm unlike anyone else and love me because of it. I know that there's always someone who is taller, shorter, thinner, doesn't have as much grey hair, can run faster, or who is prettier but that's okay and I don't compare myself to them.
I feel most beautiful when I'm feeling positive and focusing on what I love to do, and love about life. When I let some of those old stories take hold in my mind, focus on what I might not have accomplished, or pick apart my physical self then I don't feel beautiful.”
Royalty
I asked Kym, to all the women who want to do this, but think that they can't or shouldn't, what would you say?
“Why can't you? Why shouldn't you? Get out of your own way and do something unordinary.
Being photographed was fun and exciting.
I think it helps women to see themselves in a different way, a way that is not day to day. It helps us to see ourselves as that beautiful royal woman that we are.”
A Behind the Scenes Look
Looking to the Future
“I have a dream of teaching groups of people about health and wellness - perhaps traveling and speaking at events. I dream of using my story and struggles in life to inspire others - perhaps I'll be a speaker at a women's conference. I also dream of having a podcast! I'll talk about the four F's for women: Food, fitness, faith, and finances!”
You can follow Kym online and learn more about her business, Nourish Me Naturally
facebook.com/nourishmenaturally/
instagram.com/kym_the_healthnut/
Professional Makeup & Hair styling for this photoshoot by Tracy Schulz
facebook.com/Tracyschulzhmua
instagram.com/tracyschulzmua/
2 Comments
Apr 7, 2019, 2:26:58 PM
Melissa Jensen - Thank you Julie! Thanks for reading!
Apr 6, 2019, 7:19:41 PM
julie carl - This is a Beautiful story. Gorgeous photos!! Melissa, the blog is wonderful, thank you.