The Power of Confidence: How Boudoir Empowers Women

Some of my favorite people in the whole world wear the labels: mother, sister, daughter. I love boudoir because I get to work with these incredible people who want to express their divine feminine. They find out about how boudoir empowers women. It’s heartbreaking to witness so many of us who have felt lesser than, objectified, unimportant, and unheard in our lives. This is primarily because the world sees us as women and gives us the burdens that come with that label.

One of our many burdens is the confidence gap that exists between men and the rest of us. By that I mean, women, non-binary, gender non-conforming, but primarily those of us who present as femme. Us non-male humans are often more humble, less in your face, and more apologetic.

The article published by The Atlantic, written by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman called “The Confidence Gap,”  explores the correlation between success and confidence. It may not come as a surprise to many, but there is a rather large connection between one’s confidence and their success. According to studies, women tend to have less confidence than men.

However, confidence can be acquired through consistent effort. let’s explore the importance of confidence for women/femme-presenting individuals and how boudoir empowers and can be a transformative tool in building self-assurance.

The Confidence Gap:

“Success, it turns out, correlates just as closely with confidence as it does with competence. No wonder that women, despite all our progress, are still woefully underrepresented at the highest levels. All of that is bad news. The good news is that with work, confidence can be acquired.” – Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Confidence is an essential factor in achieving success. While we have made remarkable progress, there remains a gap between the levels of confidence exhibited by us and men. Men, often naturally inclined towards overconfidence, are less prone to doubt themselves and allow their uncertainties to impede their progress. There is a perfect example of this in test expectations. Researchers asked girls and women to estimate their test scores and they usually predicted worse test results. Boys and men do the exact opposite, they expect to do well and perform worse than they thought!

The article “The Confidence Gap” talks mostly of the aspect confidence plays in the workforce. However, this issue goes far beyond our 9:00-5:00s. Unfortunately, (or fortunately), what you expect of yourself your relationships, and your life can come true. I’ve been hearing the word “manifesting” a lot recently. People talk about manifesting their dreams into existence, I don’t believe you can pull everything you want out of thin air. Certainly though, our mindset plays a big role in the outcome of a situation. If we have confidence in ourselves, we will certainly find success in life!

Perfectionism: A Confidence Killer:

“Perfectionism is another confidence killer. Study after study confirms that it is largely a female issue, one that extends through women’s entire lives. We watch our male colleagues take risks, while we hold back until we’re sure we are perfectly ready and perfectly qualified.”

Perfectionism is a common trait that plagues many of us, hindering us from embracing new opportunities and taking risks. The constant quest for flawlessness often leads to self-doubt, causing us to hold back until we feel entirely prepared. This mindset can be detrimental to our growth as humans.

Growing up as a girl you are given less leeway than your male classmates. Everyone knows the saying “boys will be boys” but when we need a little forgiveness we are met with a much harsher reality than our brothers. This has taught us to think twice before we speak, listen closely to others, and be empathetic humans which is in fact a strength. However, it also tells us that we need to do it right the first time or not at all, if we make a mistake, it will not be forgivable, and that it’s better to stay quiet and not take up too much space. I want to show you that you do not have to fit into this box.

The Empowering Journey of Boudoir Photoshoots:

In a world that constantly scrutinizes women’s appearances, actions, and inactions, the things we say and how we say it I want to provide you with a space to let all that go. Forget others’ unrealistic expectations of you and find your voice. Boudoir photoshoots celebrate your individuality, personality, and your story. They’re not meant to please others or prove yourself. My clients find a brand new confidence, one they never knew they had or hadn’t seen in years. This did not come from months of dieting and working out, it came from showing up just as they were and being unapologetically authentic.

Boudoir photography sessions provide a safe space where women can let go of their inhibitions and explore their confidence. The process encourages self-expression and self-acceptance, promoting a shift in focus from perceived flaws to celebrating one’s authentic self. As women shed their reservations and step into their power, they gain a newfound appreciation for their bodies, developing a sense of confidence that transcends beyond the photoshoot itself.

Building Confidence through Boudoir:

Boudoir photoshoots serve as an opportunity for women and femme-presenting individuals to challenge their self-doubts and perfectionistic tendencies. By immersing themselves in a supportive and affirming environment, they can let go of the need for perfection and embrace their unique beauty. The experience encourages them to step outside their comfort zones, take risks, and redefine their self-perception.

Through boudoir uplifts, we learn to celebrate our bodies, recognizing that beauty exists in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Boudoir photos serve as tangible reminders of our strength and resilience, empowering us to carry that confidence into all areas of our lives.

Okay Siri, play Confidence by Demi Lovato

Citation: Katty Kay and Claire Shipman. 2014 May. The Confidence Gap. The Atlantic, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/05/the-confidence-gap