“I almost didn’t do it. I sat in my car outside the studio for a few extra minutes, debating whether I should just text and cancel. But something told me to walk through the door—and I’m so glad I did.”
Walking into Velvet & Reverie was like stepping into a sanctuary. Soft music, warm lighting, and a quiet energy that made me feel like I belonged, even before I was sure of it. There was no pressure, no judgment—just calm, confident women welcoming me in and letting me take a breath.
I was nervous. Really nervous. I hadn’t done anything like this before. I kept thinking:
“What if I don’t know how to pose?”
“What if I don’t like what I see?”
“What if I don’t even recognize myself in the photos?”
But those thoughts began to melt away the second I sat down in the hair and makeup chair. The artist chatted with me like we’d known each other forever. She asked me what made me feel beautiful, not what I wanted to hide. It wasn’t about “fixing” anything—it was about showing up as I am.
By the time I stepped into my first outfit, I already felt more confident. I thought I’d feel silly or awkward during the shoot, but instead, it was like being guided by a friend who knew exactly how to make me feel comfortable. Ali walked me through every pose and reminded me to breathe and just be.
“I’ve got you,” she said. “You’re safe here.”
And I believed her.
She celebrated every little moment, showed me the back of the camera a few times, and I swear—my jaw dropped. I didn’t even recognize myself at first… in the best way. I looked confident. Radiant. Powerful.
When my virtual reveal came a week later, I cried. Not because of the photos (though, yes—they were stunning), but because of how I felt when I saw them. Like I’d reclaimed a piece of myself that had been quiet for too long.
“I did this. For me.”
Velvet & Reverie isn’t just a photoshoot. It’s a mirror, a love letter, a spark. It’s proof that you can feel nervous and unsure and still show up for yourself—and walk away changed.
