She Said She’d Never Do a Boudoir Shoot… Look at Her Now!
There are clients who truly change the way you see your work, and Shayna is one of them. Her transformation has been an absolute honor to witness here at ENVY Beauty + Boudoir in Princeton, Minnesota. From her first nervous group session to confidently rocking solo shoots several times a year, Shayna’s story is the perfect reminder of why I love being a boudoir photographer.
When Shayna first joined our ENVYbabe community, she told herself she would never do a boudoir shoot. Now she laughs about that, because these sessions have become her favorite self-love ritual. Her journey shows what happens when you let go of fear and say yes to yourself.
Here’s what Shayna shared about her experience:
“When I booked my first solo shoot I had so many emotions. I ALMOST let my fear and anxiety win. Driving to my session I was so sick to my stomach. What if I hate my pictures?! As soon as I drove up Sheri came outside and welcomed me with the biggest warmest smile. Inside, Lonna was ready to start my hair and makeup with another big smile. It was almost instant that my anxiety faded. Sheri walks you through every single step.”
“When I saw my pictures I was shocked! I ABSOLUTELY loved them and couldn’t believe it was me. Both group and solo shoots have given me so much confidence. The old me was shy, scared, anxious, and full of doubt. The new me doesn’t care what people think, is open-minded, outgoing, and confident.”
“If you’re thinking about doing a shoot, DO IT! Don’t wait to be a certain size, to have perfect skin or the perfect tan… you’re beautiful just the way you are.”
Reading her message reminded me exactly why I created this boudoir studio. Watching Shayna walk into each session now with confidence, joy, and that radiant “I know who I am” energy is what fuels me.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a boudoir session, let Shayna’s story be your sign. You don’t need to be “ready.” You just need to show up. Because sometimes, all it takes is one brave moment to change how you see yourself forever.
✨ Ready to start your own transformation?
Visit www.envybb.com to learn more or schedule your boudoir session at ENVY Beauty + Boudoir, Princeton MN.
#ENVYbabe #ENVYyourself #CentralMinnesotaBoudoir #PrincetonMNBoudoir #BoudoirPhotography #MinnesotaWomen #ConfidenceJourney #EmpoweredWomen
From Self-Doubt to Self-Love: How One Central Minnesota Mom Rediscovered Her Confidence Through Boudoir
Meet a 41-year-old single mom from Central Minnesota who took a leap for herself and came out glowing with confidence. Between raising two kids and working at a law firm, she had spent years putting everyone else first. Like so many women, she’d dreamed of doing a boudoir session for over a decade, but always found a reason to wait.
Then one day, she saw a post in a local Facebook moms group about ENVY Beauty + Boudoir, a luxury boudoir photography studio in Princeton, Minnesota, and something clicked.
“I had wanted to do a boudoir shoot for about a decade but always found a reason to put it off. I finally said to myself, ‘You’ve put this off for so long. You’re not getting any younger or thinner, and you have the money — so what are you waiting for?’”
Before the Shoot
Like most women, she had mixed feelings about her body. After giving birth to four babies in eight years, her body had changed and she hadn’t fully learned to love it again.
“I didn’t hate my body, but I wasn’t loving it either. I’d lost myself a little bit.”
Leading up to her session, excitement started to mix with nerves.
“I was worried I wasn’t ‘good enough’ to do such a vulnerable shoot. On the way to the studio I kept thinking, ‘I’m not thin enough, not pretty enough, what if I can’t pull this off?’”
Those thoughts melted away the moment she stepped inside the ENVY Beauty + Boudoir studio in Princeton, MN — a private, welcoming space designed for women to feel empowered, comfortable, and celebrated.
“I felt very welcomed by Sheri and Lana. They were amazing at putting me at ease. The studio itself was stunning — so many outfits and sets to choose from! It felt like stepping into a dream.”
During the Shoot
As the camera clicked, something inside her shifted.
“My favorite part was when I started to feel comfortable in my own skin. Sheri has a way of making you feel good about yourself. Seeing her light up when she captured the ‘perfect shot’ made me believe that I was worth all the pampering and that my pictures were going to be amazing.”
Her standout moment?
“The pose on the back of the couch — a total classic — made me feel sexy in my own skin.”
After the Shoot
Then came the moment of truth: seeing the photos.
“I was shocked! It was amazing to see myself as a sexy, confident, beautiful woman. I couldn’t believe some of them were even me.”
The transformation wasn’t just physical — it was emotional.
“This experience changed how I view myself and my body. It made me realize that my shape or size doesn’t determine my worth. I can be confident and even sexy no matter what. Sheri reminded me of that.”
The Most Empowering Part
For her, the true power of the experience wasn’t just in the photos — it was in reclaiming her identity.
“Believing that I was worth it. As a parent, we often put ourselves last. This reminded me that I’m more than just someone’s mom. I’m a strong, capable woman who deserves to be celebrated.”
Her Message to You
When asked what she’d say to someone considering booking a boudoir session, her answer was simple:
“Book it. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll fall in love with yourself and you’ll definitely be staring at your pictures for a long time!”
Her tips for first-timers?
“Take advantage of the Boudie Bank. Be open to new looks and styles. Stretch, breathe, and embrace the day — nerves and all.”
Why Her Story Matters
Her story is every woman’s story — waiting, doubting, putting yourself on hold until the “perfect” time that never comes.
At ENVY Beauty + Boudoir, a Central Minnesota boudoir studio located in Princeton, we help women rediscover their confidence every single day. Whether you’re from Elk River, St. Cloud, Cambridge, or the Twin Cities, this experience is about celebrating you — just as you are, right now.
You don’t need to lose weight, feel ready, or have it all figured out. You just need to show up and let us take care of the rest.
✨ You’re already everything you need to be.
📍 ENVY Beauty + Boudoir | Princeton, Minnesota
Serving Central MN, St. Cloud, Elk River, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.
Now booking 2026 boudoir sessions.
Ready to feel what she felt?
👉 Book Your Session Here
“I Was So Tired of Hating My Body” — Ashley’s Journey to Self-Love
Meet Ashley. She’s 36 (almost 37), a wife, mom of three girls, proud pet mom, and total Halloween lover. She’s a book nerd who loves to bake, garden, and make people smile. Like so many women, she’s also battled self-doubt and body image struggles.
When Ashley saw my post looking for a tattoo muse, she felt something click. “I love my tattoos and loooooove showing them off,” she said. “It just felt like it was meant to be.”
“I was nervous excited!”
Before her shoot, Ashley felt a mix of nerves and excitement. “I was worried the outfits wouldn’t fit or that I’d get lost and be late,” she admitted. “But I was also so excited to see myself in a new light because I was so sick of hating my body.”
The moment everything changed
“The second I stepped into the studio, it was like a breath of fresh air. We started laughing right away, and my nerves disappeared,” she said. “Sheri knew exactly what I should wear and she nailed it.”
Finding her glow again
“My favorite part was how fun and easy Sheri made it. She guided me the whole time and cheered me on. I felt like a goddess.”
When Ashley saw her photos for the first time, she said it brought happy tears. “It was like seeing myself through new eyes. I couldn’t believe that was me.”
A new kind of obsession
Since that first session, Ashley has joined the ENVY Queens ambassador team, done two group shoots, and already booked another solo session. “I’m obsessed. I feel so confident and still drool over my first session photos.”
She says the biggest transformation has been internal. “I feel like I’m finally becoming myself again. I shine brighter and love myself so much more. I don’t do these for anyone but me anymore.”
Her advice to anyone thinking about booking
“Just do it. You don’t need the perfect body or ideal size. You are perfect as you are. The Boudie Bank is a great investment in yourself.”
Ashley’s final words?
“You are perfect as you. Shine bright. Believe in yourself. Breathe. You got this.”
Ashley’s story is proof that boudoir isn’t just about photos. It’s about rediscovering your confidence, your beauty, and the version of yourself that’s been waiting to shine.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Your confidence glow-up is waiting.
When was the last time you did something just for you?
Sometimes one small yes can change everything. Nikki’s story is proof that a boudoir session isn’t just about photos—it’s about rediscovering your confidence, your power, and the woman you’ve always been underneath it all.
Becoming the Woman She Is Today: Nikki’s Boudoir Journey
Okay, let me tell you about Nikki. This woman has lived life on her own terms. She has been running a hair salon in Princeton for over 25 years, making people feel like total queens. And just for kicks, she is also managing a dirt track racing organization in Minnesota. Yep, speed, dirt, and determination all in her lane.
But life has not always been kind. When the world shut down in 2020, Nikki’s salon closed, her jobs disappeared, and her sense of purpose took a nosedive. Then in 2022, she lost her dad to cancer after caring for him every step of the way. It broke her and built her at the same time.
Then came that one moment that changed everything.
Back in 2019, I hosted a group photoshoot for my business rebrand. Nikki did not plan on coming. She was hesitant, but something inside whispered, why not? That one yes completely changed her path.
Since then, Nikki has done six solo sessions and eight group shoots with us, each telling a new chapter of her story.
Her first solo session? She walked in nervous, unsure, and convinced she did not belong. But the moment she saw her first unedited photo, she cried. The woman staring back at her was her. Strong, bold, beautiful, untouchable.
From that moment, everything changed. She started saying yes to herself, to her body, her confidence, and her story. Each shoot since has been a new chapter. Some are playful. Some are emotional. All are empowering.
Her most powerful session happened in October 2023. This one was next-level. Raw, emotional, and completely freeing. Her best friend joined her and wrote words all over her body. Some were sweet. Some were harsh. Some had haunted her for years. That day was not just a shoot. It was closure. It was reclaiming herself.
And here is Nikki’s message for every woman sitting there thinking, I can’t or I’m not ready:
“BOOK THE SHOOT. You won’t regret it. You will walk out changed, empowered, and proud of the person staring back at you in those photos. Do it for you.”
That is it. No excuses. It is not just about photos. It is about reclaiming your confidence, your power, your life.
Nikki’s words say it best:
“I am who I am. I am learning to love who I am. And I will not change for anyone. If you don’t like me or what I do, F*CK IT!”
She walked through fire and came out glowing. I am beyond proud that her journey back to herself happened right here in our studio.
So, if you have been thinking about doing a boudoir shoot but keep hesitating, take this as your sign. Say YES to yourself. Book it. Own it. Love it. You might just walk out feeling like Nikki. Unstoppable, confident, and ready to take on the world.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power: Why Boudoir is the Ultimate Confidence Boost
We all have that cozy comfort zone. It’s like your favorite pair of sweatpants-safe, familiar and easy to hang out in. But guess what? Real growth happens when you decide to trade those sweatpants for something a little more daring.
Trying new things can feel scary. Maybe it’s speaking up at work, trying sushi for the first time or saying yes to a last-minute road trip. Or maybe it’s booking a boudoir session.
Now, boudoir is not your average photoshoot. It’s an experience that pushes you out of your bubble and puts you in the spotlight-literally. You get to rock lingerie or whatever makes you feel sexy, have your hair and makeup done like a queen and step in front of the camera to celebrate the one and only you.
Sure, it might feel a little vulnerable at first. But here’s the secret: it’s also wildly freeing. Boudoir invites you to rewrite the story you tell yourself when you look in the mirror. It’s about loving every curve, every line, every inch of your story.
If you’re ready to do something just for you, something that will light up your confidence and maybe even surprise you—this is it. Boudoir is more than photos. It’s a power move. A love letter to yourself. And the best kind of glow-up you’ll ever have.
So why not shake things up? Step out of those sweatpants and into your power. You might just fall in love with yourself all over again.
The Self Love Project “LIMITED EDITION” series
When did we learn to judge our bodies and compare ourselves to others? Was it through age, relationships, society, etc.? It's time we embrace and value our bodies for everything they are and everything they've been through. Ultimately, our bodies are our most precious possession. The Self Love Project was created to eradicate all the negative and harmful thoughts we've told ourselves and have been told by others.
Boudoir Photography goes beyond just taking pretty pictures in lingerie. It's about showing clients a fresh perspective and reshaping their self-image.
Much Love
xoxo
The Self Love Project
#Selflovebabes
When were we taught to criticize our bodies and compare ourselves to everyone else? Was it a certain age, relationships, society, etc.
It’s time we learn to love and appreciate our bodies for everything that they are and everything they’ve been through. In the end your body is all you have.
The Self Love Project was created to demolish all the bad, negative and worthless thoughts we’ve told ourselves and have been told by others.
During this group event participants demolished these words of hate by burning the paper that held these negative words.
Each participant also received a solo experience where they wrote themselves a love letter that we turned into artwork during their photo shoot! (These images can be found on separate blog posts)
Boudoir Photography is so much more than pretty pictures in lingerie. It’s capturing clients in a new light and reprogramming the self image they have of themselves.
Much Love
xoxo
Love, Self
Recently we started our first series of The Self-Love Project “love the skin you’re in” edition. We asked clients to write themselves a love letter and then turned it into art. This project is intended to break down the barriers that society has taught us.
We are all perfectly imperfect. It’s time we find ourselves and accept our bodies as they are today!
xo,
Sheri
Boho Babes
Our most recent group empowerment photo event was an evening of empowerment, connecting with other badass babes and creating artwork of an unforgettable experience!!!!
Can you believe these 7 babes had just met each other for the first time right before this event started?!
Why NOT to do a Boudoir Shoot
Top excuses I hear from clients for not booking a Boudoir Experience.
As a Boudoir Photographer I have heard every excuse for not booking a session. Look. I completely understand not feeling comfortable in front of the camera (why do you think I have spend my entire life behind it, lol!). There are many reasons clients choose to book a Boudoir Experience. In this article I will break down the top 5 excuses I hear from clients on what is holding them back from booking their life changing, confidence boosting Boudoir Experience.
1- I need to lose weight first.
This is the number one reason that is holding clients back from having a life changing Boudoir Experience, “I need to lose weight first.” Here’s the thing, your shoot has to do with SO MUCH more than the shape of your body. I want to show you HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE TODAY, not after you lose XX pounds. You are not defined by your dimensions, so do not allow it to keep you from seeing your true beauty. YOU DO NOT NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT TO FEEL SEXY AND BEAUTIFUL!
2- I’m too old.
This is NOT an excuse, this is only a reason to CELEBRATE your beautiful, badass self! I have photographed women of ALL AGES.
3-I just don’t have the money to spend on photos right now.
I understand. Everyone is on a budget, but you cannot look at this as just getting some photos. This is an investment in your self-confidence and well-being. Where else can you go, have a 5 hour experience and walk away feeling completely different about yourself?
Plus-I offer pre-payment installment plans (Boudie Bank) that are designed to work for your budget.
4-I don’t have anyone to give the images to.
Giving the gift of boudoir to a special someone is pretty awesome. But, What about giving the gift of Boudoir to YOURSELF? A Boudoir Experience is designed to make you feel beautiful, confident and sexy in your own skin. Can you think of a better gift to give yourself than that?
5-I don’t look as sexy as your other clients you share images of.
STOP! Yes you do! Everyone has features about them that make them special and unique in their own way.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BEING SEXY YOU ALREADY ARE!
I will pose you from your head to your toes so that you can see what I see in you.