It is not a service. It is a collaboration.

I needed this for myself as an affirmation that I’m more than my age or the sum of my parts. Even someone in their later 60’s can be attractive, even a little bit vibrant, more than just an “old lady”. My personal experience was lovely. Everyone was personable, supportive and friendly. I didn’t feel rushed. My opinion was listened to and respected. I didn’t get a lot of support from family members about doing this experience. However, when I returned home, the tune changed! My son commented about how pretty I looked with my hair and make up. I also got positive feedback over the photos I chose. Overall, I’m glad I took the opportunity to do something inherently for myself. It gave me a boost of confidence. I feel a little more self assured, like I did 15 years ago.

The reason why I needed this for myself was because I was feeling low, not feeling sexy, and not feeling wanted by my body. Everything just wasn't right for me. My experience with FABLE was amazing, exciting, and scary because I didn't know what I was walking into. I had no clue what to expect, but overall, it was amazing. Everyone was kind, understanding, and made you feel welcome instead of scared about what was going to happen. I started off really nervous. My armpits were leaking because I didn't know what to expect. They could tell I was nervous, but they made me feel amazing from the start and even more beautiful by the end. By the time I was done, I was laughing. You could see it in all the behind-the-scenes photos and the time-lapse videos, how scared and nervous I was at first, and then by the end I was having an amazing time, laughing, and feeling more at home than I did when I walked in. The girls were amazing with my hair and makeup because I don't know how to do either myself. They also showed me how to sit, how to stand, and how to pose for all the portraits. They loved the word "apple" and somehow managed to make me feel completely at home and relaxed. The girls are amazing, nice, welcoming, understanding, and appreciative. They work with you every step of the way. The way it made me feel afterwards was uplifting, sexy, and more connected to my body the way I should be. With my portraits hanging on my bedroom wall, I look at them and see what I can be and what I'm worth. They remind me that I can be pretty every day, even without my hair and makeup done by someone else, because I still don't know how to do either myself. It was an amazing experience, and I cherish every moment of it. I will definitely be back one day to do a couple’s session with my love.

After having my first son, I did not have the motivation to care for myself. After a year, I got that motivation back and started focusing on myself and working out. That's when I found out I was pregnant again. Fast forward to after my second son was born, and I did not have the energy or motivation to focus on myself anymore. I was only focused on taking care of my sons. When I saw the post for the Empowerment Project on Instagram, I wanted to participate to encourage myself to focus on me again. Not taking care of myself for six months affected me mentally. I thought this experience would help me be happy with myself, see that even after two kids I still got it, and push me to focus on myself again. My experience at FABLE was amazing. From the moment you walk in, everybody was so welcoming and listened to the reasons why I wanted to do this. The makeup artist was amazing. I did not have any idea what kind of makeup I wanted, and she did an amazing job creating a look that suited me. The same goes for my hair. The photographer was amazing as well. She made the experience feel comfortable and not awkward at all. I really enjoyed it, and all of the poses were amazing. She did a great job at hiding my biggest insecurity while still making the portraits look amazing. It made me so happy seeing my portraits. It boosted my confidence so much and made me feel amazing.

I wanted to prove to myself that I could do something amazing without being self-conscious. Stepping out of my comfort zone has helped me grow and become a better version of myself. It has allowed me to thrive and finally enjoy the self-esteem that I never had in my 43 years of existence. Walking into FABLE was an inspiring moment. Seeing the beautiful, artistic portraits of others instantly gave me a sense of confidence and excitement for my own session. The team welcomed me warmly and made me feel completely at ease from start to finish. Their kindness, professionalism, and positive energy created such a comfortable environment that I forgot all my initial nervousness. The entire experience was truly incredible. I felt like a professional model and couldn’t believe how naturally everything flowed during the session. When I saw the final portraits, I was amazed. They were absolutely stunning. This experience has boosted my confidence and made me feel empowered in ways I never imagined.

I did this because I was bullied through elementary and high school for being "fat," wearing glasses, having pimples, and never feeling like I fit in. As I entered my forties, I began a self-love journey that eventually led to turning 50 and doing this session. For the first time in my life, I finally feel beautiful in my own skin. The experience was amazing. Everyone was welcoming and caring, and they made my social anxiety almost disappear completely. My hair and makeup looked gorgeous, and my photographer was a sweetheart. I have recommended this experience to many of my friends. Afterwards, I felt like the sexy, fiery bitch I have always wanted to be. I love looking at my portraits, and I have three framed in my bedroom that give me a quick confidence boost every morning.

I felt a personal need to do this photo shoot to address child loss, its impact on a woman's confidence, and the path to rebalancing life. This subject is rarely discussed or embraced through art. We also do not advocate enough against medical racism or highlight the issues surrounding Black and Indigenous maternal health. For me, this photo shoot serves as a reminder that child loss can be portrayed through art, blending beauty, strength, and pain. It is something that deserves more recognition and understanding, helping to rebuild women and families who experience this type of loss. My experience with FABLE was extraordinary, uplifting, empowering, and unique. The professionalism was exceptional. The experience renewed my mind, body, and soul while empowering my spirit. It reminded me of the power I carry within to overcome challenges, speak my truth, and create change. The photo shoot profoundly impacted my life, transforming my energy and my sense of identity while helping me begin to heal the broken pieces left behind by the experience surrounding my daughter's death. This session holds a special place in my heart, as I had eagerly anticipated my first maternity photo shoot during that same year before giving birth. This experience taught me how to embrace my reality, my beauty, my resilience, my strength, and my pain, all while standing firmly in my purpose. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with the world.