There are some women who walk into our boudoir studio on the Gold Coast and just light up the room. Ms A was one of them.

A published erotic romance author with a wicked sense of humour and a smile that could power a small city, she arrived with the kind of energy that makes you instantly feel like you’ve known her forever. What you wouldn’t guess right away, though, is how much she’s been through. Life hasn’t always been kind. She’s faced hardship, pain, and experiences that would bring most people to their knees. But Ms A? She’s still standing, head high, heart open, and ready to celebrate every inch of herself.

And that’s exactly what she did.

Wearing rich royal blues and regal purples (because obviously she’s a queen), she stepped in front of the camera with grace, courage, and a cheeky twinkle in her eye.

This session wasn’t just about lingerie. It wasn’t even just about feeling beautiful – though let me tell you, she looked absolutely divine. This was about reclaiming herself. It was about celebrating survival and giving a loud, proud middle finger to anything in her past that ever tried to dim her light.

So often I work with women who have survived things they never asked for; illnesses, heartbreak, abuse. They’ve had control stripped from them, their bodies changed, their confidence shaken. And it breaks my heart, but it also fuels my mission. Because boudoir isn’t just about sexy photos. It’s about healing. It’s about saying, I’m still here, and I deserve to be seen, celebrated and adored.

Ms A understood that in every sense. And us, here at our boudoir studio on the Gold Coast, understand that as well.

She leaned into the experience with an open heart. From her constant smile during hair and makeup to the quiet, powerful moments where she looked into the mirror and really saw herself—there was transformation happening.

Not into someone new, but into who she’s always been underneath everything life threw at her.

This is what Ms A said about her experience:
”Blimey Thank you! it was such a special day… and what woman doesn’t enjoy being fussed over and pampered. I loved my time with you all”  And I truly believe she meant it—not just because of the pampering (though that part is pretty fabulous), but because of what it meant to feel in control of her body again. To feel beautiful on her own terms. To be celebrated for everything she is, not just what the world thinks she should be.

Survival doesn’t always look like a dramatic story. Sometimes, it looks like showing up. Smiling anyway. Choosing joy. Choosing yourself. And Ms A did all of that with grace and glitter.

To every woman reading this who has been through hell and is still standing: this is your reminder that you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to feel sexy. You’re allowed to celebrate yourself—not someday, not “when things calm down,” not when you’ve healed more. Now. Exactly as you are.

Ms A reminded me that survival doesn’t steal your fire—it refines it. And sometimes, all it takes is some lace, a bit of lipstick, and the courage to say, “This is me. And I am glorious.”