This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

If there’s anyone who reminds me of Wonder Woman, it’s the marvelous Ms. M. She’s a sweet, kind person who kicks ass as a can-do-anything single mom to her young son, and an absolute boss working as an aesthetician at Mint Beauty & Wellness. 

I couldn’t wait to photograph those lustrous dark locks, so I gave her a boudoir experience as a much-deserved gift.

When I asked later what her favorite part of the experience was, she said, “The whole thing!” And that really blew my mind—not only because it’s exactly the sort of session I strive to provide, but because of all my clients, Miss M had been the most hesitant about doing the shoot. For single moms, self-care can be a rare commodity.

I got to watch her bloom in real time. Though “uncomfortable and nervous at first,” Ms. M really started feeling herself and by the end of the photo shoot, she’d transformed into a raven-haired warrior queen—just like I always knew she was.

She gasped when the final shots were revealed and said, “These pictures are amazing!! I didn’t expect to like so many . . .” 

That’s what happens when you truly see yourself for the first time.