There are some stories that deserve to be held with both hands — stories of courage, reclamation, and the quiet strength of a woman choosing herself. This testimonial is more than a reflection on a boudoir session; it is a powerful honoring of womanhood, lived experience, and the sacred act of stepping beyond comfort to rediscover authenticity. It speaks to generations, to identity, and to the deep-rooted truth that empowerment is not given — it is claimed.

“Celebrating womanhood… no judgement or assumptions, focus on… EMPOWERMENT.

I finally challenged myself. It takes a lot, and I mean a lot of courage to step out of one’s own comfort zone. A comfort zone that has taken time to reflect on by the choices in my own lived experiences. How I choose to take care of myself each day shapes and influences how I move on Turtle Island. I am truly grateful for my beating heart and two feet on the ground each day, guided by the Creator with purpose and responsibility. So, you can imagine how at this time in my life, which is well earned, that weighing the pros and cons of this lived experience, focused on embracing my womanhood.

I strongly believe that I, and maybe other women can unpack how we are defined in this world. Colonial ways that resonate with women in my generation, ‘baby boomer.’ Yes, a baby boomer that reverberates all the ‘ism’s’ in modern day society. Now consider this generational perspective. I have learned, and continue to learn about the world we live in each day. My lived experiences are drawn from my own subjective interpretation. I am a woman who has lived a lifetime of body shaming that continues to shape and influence my womanhood today. Now imagine, me, a baby boomer entangled in my own First Nation womanhood.

We had just returned from Hawaii and I was scrolling on my home page when I saw the business ad. The business ad activated my curiosity so I decided to do some research about this business. I found her webpage page layout, the information, the posted images, and most importantly, the word EMPOWERMENT provoked vibrations through every ounce of my being. I decided to call the number and spoke with Brin. After a few minutes of introducing ourselves to one another, I felt an intuitive connection with her. Before I knew it, we planned a session, with a date and time in the weeks to come. After I hung up the phone, I became excited.

During the lead up to our scheduled session, Brin kept in contact with me providing all the information I needed. I carefully read what the experience would entail, and learned about what to expect during our time together. I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of Brin’s work even before I met her. I had no outstanding questions or concerns. Instead, I trusted Brin’s expertise and her experience spoke volumes. The trust and safety I felt in those pre-meeting moments prepared me for the up and coming session. In no time, the day arrived. On that morning, I recall being nervous, and second guessed myself before I left my son’s place.

I paused to re-centre myself and realized. I am living, not surviving. I am worthy, not ashamed. I am exactly where I need to be at this time in my life. And equally important, I am living by our teachings; respect, courage, honesty, humility, truth, wisdom, and love. The realization moved me to the unknowns of the day.

I began by arriving at April’s as scheduled. April is the professional make-up and hair stylist Brin works with. April was wonderful! From the moment I walked into her home I was impressed. She is also a First Nation woman from Red Pheasant. A business woman, an entrepreneur who owns ‘Make-Up by April.’ A kindred spirit who connected with me. We exchanged various experiences about First Nation womanhood, and in no time, April had me prepared for the session. I couldn’t believe I could look like that. Her attention to details had me feeling excited again and ready for the next step. We hugged one another, then I left.

The drive to meet Brin was 45 minutes away. I took my time. Let the butterflies settle in my stomach, and breathe. I followed Brin’s directions and arrived at her photo studio where she was waiting for me. What an amazing space. It was like walking into another world. Brin’s space was soothing, inviting, safe, and comforting. My butterflies were finally resting. After our introductions, Brin guided me through the process. I found that the more she spoke, the more relaxed I became. Brin is a born professional with patience and care in her calling. A shared sense of empowerment centred our time together that I will remember fondly and cherish.

Brin’s sharp eye behind the lens, and the natural light captured moments that were resoundingly memorable for me. Her expressive language, her gestures, and her guidance were easy to follow with so much integrity and love. I could not have asked for anyone or anything else on that day. The day was all-embracing resulting in moments that cannot be fully captured in words, only to say, Brin, thank you for your kindness, and

leading by example. It was a privilege to work with you. Thank you for allowing me a space to empower my womanhood! You were right. As we wrapped up our photo session, I truly felt like my ‘authentic self.’

Brin’s final step in our session was the ‘reveal.’ A review of the photos, all un-edited. When Brin showed me the first photo, I told her I wanted cry, and said, I can’t believe this is me. She offered me tissue. I managed to push through as we scrolled the remaining images. What a feeling! Every image told a story.

My dear sisters, let me say this. Follow your instinct when celebrating your womanhood regardless of your generation. Always challenge yourself, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Empower your womanhood inside and outside that humbles us in ways that only we, and I mean only we, can define ourselves.

Brin, maybe there will be another time in my life that I will celebrate my womanhood again. Until then, thank you for all you do dedicated and committed to empowering us, ‘women’ You truly are an inspiration!”

Reading her words is a reminder that boudoir is never just about photographs. It is about sovereignty. It is about healing. It is about seeing yourself — fully and without apology. No matter your age, your history, or the stories you’ve carried, your womanhood is worthy of celebration. And when a woman chooses to step into that space with courage and truth, the result is nothing short of transformative.