Dallas, Texas - August 2015

What inspired this photoshoot?

At the beginning of 2015, I selected ‘Transformation’ for my Word of the Year. Each year I choose a word or two to serve as the theme or intention for my year. It was the first year I had taken on this practice, and it was also the year that I began my journey through transformation. In the fall of 2014, I entered a deep depression that lasted 6 to 7 months. I started 2015 by going to therapy and started participating in programs through Landmark Worldwide.

Up to this point, I often walked around with a very negative view of myself and was often very critical of my looks and what people thought of me. I remember meeting Ashlie Woods at an event in Dallas, and we immediately clicked. I learned in our meeting that she is a photographer. Each year on her birthday she has her portrait taken so she can document and celebrate another milestone. She launched a series called ‘Celebration Photoshoots’. Something in me sparked when I saw her offer, and I jumped on it. It fit in perfect alignment with my Word of the Year.

I had never really shared this with anyone, but from a young age, I had always dreamed of doing a photoshoot in an abandoned warehouse. I was not a model, but loved fashion and dreaming. I shared my vision with Ashlie and she was so excited to make my dream come true. She found the perfect abandoned warehouse in downtown Dallas. And in true rebellious fun, we had to “break in” to get inside this space. WIth the help of her partner, Adrian, we found a small window to climb through. It was exhilarating.

How did you find your outfit?

I have always considered myself a fashionista and style icon. I was runner up in high school for Best Dressed and have loved fashion from a young age. For this shoot, I found the perfect jumpsuit and skirt from Anthropologie. I had never worn a jumpsuit before and this one suited me well. I also wore my coveted red Christian Dior gold-heeled stilettos.

How did you feel during and after the photoshoot?

One of the things I love about Ashlie is that prior to any shoot she has you create an intention with 3 words to define your photoshoot experience. I chose the words Freedom, Beauty, and Fun. I think my photos perfectly embodied these intentions. This photoshoot changed my life. It was the first time that I could see my own inner and outer beauty. I gained so much confidence from this experience. It served as the inspiration for my own mission of doing International Photoshoots in countries all over the world. And inspired my business offering, Reveal Your Soul Photo Adventures.

Photoshoot Credits

Photographer: Ashlie Woods Photography

Ashlie Woods is a Retreat Leader, Coach, and Photographer from Dallas, Texas. When she is not living in Dallas, she is spending time living abroad in places like Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. I have known Ashlie for several years. I did my first photoshoot with Ashlie in 2015. That shoot opened my eyes to my own inner and outer beauty. It was the first time I experienced what it is to be vulnerable in front of the camera. Ashlie is wildly talented and unlike any photographer I’ve worked with. She has such a unique gift for bringing your intention to life through photos.

To hire Ashlie or setup a creation call with her, visit her website or check her out on Instagram.

Hair + Makeup: Robin Finney

While I styled my own hair and makeup for this shoot, I must attribute my talented stylists in Dallas who I’ve been with for over 7 years.

Master Hairstylist & Owner of Pura Vida Salon in Dallas, James DeFrange

Master Colorist & Owner of Sweet Hair Space, Kinome McGrane