Nuala Now Sees Herself as a Worthy, Beautiful Survivor

Nuala flew over from Ireland for a boudoir photoshoot to celebrate herself, her life, and how she triumphed in the face of multiple adversities. What followed was not only a confidence boosting experience, but also the inspiration she needed to truly see herself as a worthy, beautiful survivor.

I have been married and divorced twice, and my most recent relationship was toxic - a narcissist who abused me verbally and emotionally. After lots of time healing, lots of very helpful therapy and endless conversations with dear friends, I was at a place where I needed to do something for me. To celebrate me, my life, and how I have triumphed in the face of multiple adversities.

I have often thought about having a Boudoir photoshoot done. As a single woman in her (late) 50's, I always thought it would be a positive and liberating experience. Then one late night scrolling on TikTok, the algorithm kindly took me to Foxlow’s page! What a revelation.

I was immediately drawn to, firstly how safe I felt reading about your studio, but also how you celebrate women, encourage and support us. The sheer joy and happiness I felt reading the stories of the gorgeous ladies, and the stunning photos. My self image has generally been good. I know I'm far from perfect, but I have always loved things about myself like my smile, eyes, curls, curves, and more. The challenge was to see myself in photos and to not do that double-take that we often do when we see our reflection, and to become comfortable with the fact that, yes I am getting older, but we are all beautiful at every age.

Yes, I could have gone somewhere closer to home in Ireland, but it was a no-brainer that I would book my shoot with Danielle and Jon. An important issue for me is that 'plus size' is celebrated. I remember during my shoot saying to Danielle that I do not tolerate fat phobic comments or behaviour, beauty is much more than a size. Of course, beautiful, sexy lingerie, and feeling your best with amazing hair and make up, makes a huge difference too.

So I booked my date, and off I went. I suffer with awful anxiety, particularly social anxiety, and I am an overthinker. I must admit, because of my overthinking I didn't read too much in the magazine and style guide about what to do, but luckily I have always been a fan of beautiful lingerie, so it was easy for me to shop and decide on my outfits.

In retrospect, I am glad I didn't think too much about anything else. I rocked up with my favourite watch, which I treated myself to after my horrible relationship breakup, and some of my favourite rings. I have lots of tattoos, several with meaning, others pure vanity pieces. I wanted these to feature as much as possible too. I say I am glad, because overthinking leads me to inactivity, procrastination, and lack of motivation. I was honestly afraid I would chicken out - even at the last minute, even on the morning of the shoot.  

I arrived to such a lovely warm welcome from Danielle and Jon, I knew once again, I had chosen the right people! I accepted the kind offer of Prosecco, bubbles are always celebratory and relaxing, then we chatted and joked as we discussed how the whole day would go. We went through my outfits, and now I laugh when I think about how I put all my bras and knickers out on the table!

Danielle took me though for hair and make-up, that in itself is such a lovely pampering experience. You really are a Fairy Godmother! Then photoshoot itself was fantastic, super fun and challenging too.

I was a little nervous and a little self conscious at first, but that didn't last long. Danielle demonstrated the poses for me, how to bend my body to show off my curves. The studio is incredible, a listed building, beautiful furnished in rich jewel colours, it really did feel very special. Jon gave me great direction and lots of encouragement. With lots of praise from them both I really felt invincible! Again, I cannot stress how safe I felt (not just physically of course, but emotionally).

We finished up for lunch and I was floating on a cloud, also still not believing what I had just done! Now, the big emotional part of the story... After lunch I went back to see my photos. I had felt emotional a couple of times during the shoot and I kept going, but when my slideshow started - so did the tears.

I cried with joy at every photo. I couldn't believe how beautiful I looked, how proud I was of myself for doing this, and how (as a close friend pointed out) I would not have been able to do this two years ago.  

I consider myself quietly confident, but since the photoshoot my confidence has increased to a point where I truly see myself as worthy, beautiful, a survivor. Another feeling I have is, inspiration - I already feel more motivated in life in general.

Thank you doesn't cover how I feel, how you have helped me. I cannot wait to see my album and wall prints! I recommend anyone to do a boudoir shoot with Danielle and Jon, it is the best thing I have done in a long long time and I am already thinking of booking my next one.

p.s. Just two weeks after her photoshoot, Nuala sent us this photo of her new tattoo in homage to us both! This cute fox whose camera features our initials is just amazing. What an honour.