#Loveyourself Summer 2017 by Jeffery Chan

#loveyourself 2017 summer edition

The #LoveYourself campaign was launched in Feb 2017 to recognise women who pour so much of themselves into various activities and commitments, often forgetting about themselves in the process. It was our way of saying Thank You! for being the strong women you are, to take a moment to #LoveYourself and be reminded of the beauty that lies within YOU.

Summer Edition

“Scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook, looking at all the marvellous thing everyone else was doing... I came across the advertisement searching for women of a certain description. As I read on, I realised this was describing me! A women aged 32, married, with two young boys aged 8 & 5. Working two jobs and completely lost in the daily comings and goings of every day. I make sure I’m nicely presented, but as soon as I’m out in public... I doubt myself. “Why is that girl looking at me, oh god, I shouldn’t have worn this” and so on.

I suffer from a low self esteem, lack of confidence and self doubt. It all started at school, where I was bullied, harassed and at times singled out. Thank god social media was not around back then because people can be so mean. This has sadly stuck with me and when I saw the Facebook post I felt it was reaching out to me. So with great confidence, in my own home behind my computer screen I typed a message to STUDIO1 and clicked send. Message sent... “oh god, what did I do!?” “Too late now” “They wouldn’t pick me anyway” To my surprise I was asked to be apart of the #Loveyourself campaign. And I’m so glad I did it! The girls were so welcoming, and chillaxed... making the experience extremely enjoyable. Annalise worked wonders on my make up to the point that I burst in tears when I looked in the mirror... “Wow! That’s not me?!” It obviously was me, and Chloe worked wonders behind the camera. Thank you to the team at STUDIO81 for reintroducing me to me! I love the results and so does the husband! Xx”

Monique Campbell 04

“Isn’t it funny how we look at those beautiful woman in our magazines and idly wish that we could look like them? They seem so carefree and not weighed down by the normality of everyday life. Then, of course, we close the magazine and get on with it. Because that’s what we do isn’t it? We get on with it and get things done, because if we don’t do it then who will? When I look at myself in the mirror (most days) I see a worn out face. A face that is capable and loved; with a smile that tries to be there no matter what is going on. I have an autoimmune condition that makes all my movements like trying to run a marathon in neck deep snow, while feeling like my body is on fire with chronic pain. I never feel strong or confident, so when I was lucky enough to be chosen by STUDIO81 for this #LoveYourself campaign that was my request to the makeup artist.

I wanted to look Fierce! I wanted a photo that I could look at and think ‘See? You got this!’; to give me courage and inspiration. Wow did STUDIO81 deliver on my expectations! I almost didn’t recognise the person I saw in my pictures. I look strong and accomplished; like there is nothing slowing me down. Thank you so much STUDIO81 for this amazing experience! You have given me a priceless gift and I appreciate it so very much. Now I can look at my pictures and know that I have the strength and the will to overcome anything; especially everyday life.”

Vikki Eastman

“I was so nervous I could hardly talk! So I wanted to tell you a bit of my story now. I think of myself as a survivor. One of my tattoos says Be Strong and Survive in Italian. I have survived drug addiction, domestic violence, pregnancy illness and emergency c sections, severe depression, my best friend passing away, and this year I underwent a full abdominal hysterectomy at the age of 30. This after three years of hospital stays, constant bleeding and pain, and a lot of thinking I was going crazy and imagining everything. I had explorative surgeries finding nothing but after my uterus was removed and tested I finally got a diagnosis, Adenomyosis, the relief knowing I wasn’t crazy was amazing. Recovering from the hysterectomy has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I had an anaphylactic episode while in surgery so needed allergy testing, they also damaged my throat slightly during intubation, which resulted in me 4 weeks later getting strep throat, tonsillitis and an abscess behind my tonsil all at once, more hospital stays! Cameras down my nose and again more antibiotics etc. It has now been 7 months since my hysterectomy and I am finally feeling like things are getting better, I have joined a gym and although getting up at 4.30am to go is hard I have managed to lose 11kgs in 12 weeks, it is a start to losing the weight I have piled on over the years. I will be back to get more photos done when I reach my goal weight! I have three amazing sons to keep me motivated and a husband who is supportive and caring so I know life can only go up from here! Again I thank you for making me take time out for just me! And making me feel like a woman not a mum, wife, employee or friend. Just a woman who survived.”

Rebecca Holdings

“Thank you to the Jazmin, Jeff and Dorin for introducing me to myself, I got to see myself in a different light for the first time in a very long time. I started a journey of self discovery after coming out of a deep depression and a struggle with anxiety. Although I got through it, I felt empty and didn’t know who I was anymore. I saw the #LoveYourself campaign on Facebook and thought “I think that’s exactly what I need to do!” I always have time, energy and compassion for everyone else in my life- but never myself, so I got brave, and dove right in. On the day of my shoot I was very nervous, but Jazmin chatted away with me like we were old friends. Jeff is absolutely amazing at what he does, and I am so so happy with the result of my photos! In the viewing room, my photos came up on the screen and I thought I was seeing someone else! I even said to Dorin “oh my gosh! That’s me!?” I came away from the shoot with a new found confidence, a sense of pride that I stepped out of my comfort zone, and a new love for myself.”

Shivell Renata 08

Hi I’m Ana. I’m 40 years old, a busy mother, business lady, housewife, and community helper. I had the pleasure to being chosen to be part of the #LoveYourself campaign. For the last few years I’ve been so busy after having a baby and working hard that I forgot about myself.

In my early 20s and 30s I really looked after myself. When I was 20 I had a photo shoot, but it was so frustrating. Nothing came out as I expected, and I always dreamed about to do a nicer one. Then I heard about STUDIO81 and decided to take a chance to have my photo shoot just on my 40th birthday. I was freaking nervous, and feeling a little insecure over my height. I felt old, ugly and tired, but my family and friends gave support and I decided to do it. I went to the studio and the MUA treated me like a royal. She looked after me doing my hair and make up, and when I looked at the mirror, what I saw amazed me. But I wasn’t sure about the shoot. I thought “I am too old for this. What am I doing here?” Then the photographer called my name.

Ana Elisa Garcia

Gently, she helped to choose the outfits, then start the shoot. She showed me how to do the poses and after a few minutes, I was so relaxed and felt confident. It was the most amazing experience. I loved it. I’m so proud of myself, and I’m so happy that I have done it . Thank you so much STUDIO81, it was a dream come true. I loved everything. God bless you.

“Being “me” has never been easy! Having been constantly tested throughout my lifes journey. My most recent test, I removed myself and my children, from my relationship, I left my job, my family and friends, to seek a better life for me and my 3 babes. Its been 3 months now, living in Womens Refuge, not once did I ever believe I would do that, but don’t regret my decision. It hasn’t been easy, but nothing, ever has! Joining the “Loveyourself Campaign” had me extremely excited, due to almost reaching my 50 year milestone, of life. Almost 50 years later, I reflect on the sadness I’ve endured & wonder why, I did what I did! My face masked by an endless smile, but deep within I was shattered and torn. Doing the Campaign, meant I was able to, be me. To express through the eyes of a lens, to share myself, my new self, my new beginning. The idea to capture, my almost 50 year old self, excited me hugely. Upon entering for my initial appointment, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and professionalism of STUDIO81. The idea of being glamourised with a makeover was an exciting component. With 80’s music in the background, and gentle conversation with the talented Annalise, I was being administered with layers of textured face paint, penciling and lippy. I was being transformed! Doing the photo shoot, was exhilerating! A new experience, a time to redeem what I had, a time to shine, my moment of stardom. With different sets, suited to my small range of clothing items, and accessories, combined with the gentle direction of different postures, and positioning, from the talented Cameraman, our job was done.

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Once completed, meant waiting a moment to allow preparation of the photos. Whilst I waited I couldn’t help but look at myself in surrounding reflections, and promptly slipped in several selfies, as a momento. Once I was beckoned, the viewing was ready, I entered in anticipation, unsure of what I’d see. I sat and glared at the screen, readying myself, for my own personalised show, of myself. As I glanced up, I was bewildered, almost shocked in who shone, before me. Resulting in an instant flood of tears, that flowed uncontrollably. Tears of utmost joy and amazement, balled up in my years of tests and sadness. I honestly barely recognised myself. I looked up at the screen of a woman who exhumed beauty, and reeked of self-confidence and charm. It was me and I was amazed. Where had this woman been hiding? Where was her brokenness? For that brief moment, my broken self had exited, jumped on the shelf, sitting readily to pounce back at me, first instant. I loved what I saw, I fell in love again, with me, myself and I! Thank you STUDIO81! Thank you for allowing this opportunity, to rediscover this very woman, whose all about to rebirth herself, to live and lead a life I’ve deserved, and rekindle the great woman, she’s destined to be. Thank you for reminding me, I do love myself, and how I have missed, her so XX.”

Pila Maaka

“I saw STUDIO81’s #LoveYourself campaign and I thought ‘How nice,’ and went to scroll past. Then I thought ‘Wait a minute - maybe I could have a treat, maybe I could have an afternoon just for me. No baby, no husband, no jobs or chores, just for me!’ So I did it. It has been so long since I have done something like this. I am a chronic overachiever and perfectionist that is so hard on myself and I never seem to be happy or have any time. My life is just one big rush but then it all came crashing down. I was finally pregnant with our first baby, everything was finally going to plan but my pregnancy was tough and third trimester complications left me stuck in hospital from 24 weeks. Our little guy arrived via emergency c-section at 36weeks and he and I were alive and healthy, but then we were not prepared for 4 months of reflux. When my son started to get easier at 6 months and I was gearing towards starting the work mum balance and I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t coping. This is what I wanted, why is EVERYTHING so hard. Everyone else seems to make it look so easy. So I pushed and pushed until it all came crumbling down. After another 6 months of hell a chance consult with a different doctor, a simple blood test and it all became clear. I had Graves Disease, an overactive thyroid and it wasn’t me not being good enough, I was sick. This didn’t take away my symptoms or relieve the strain off my marriage or life with a baby but I was finally allowing myself to accept help and stop trying so hard to be fine all the time. And then the journey to get better, not only heal my marriage, move onto doing more again with my life but also heal myself. I was heading towards surgery to remove my thyroid and I was scared, about complications, about the scar and also about getting better. Then I have no excuses, I will be all fixed and I will have to cope. What I hadn’t realised is a long time of being out of control and sick had made my self belief and confidence vanish. The team at STUDIO81 helped me more than they will have realised. Their make up artist not only made me the best version of myself I could be, but she told me her story and spoke of letting go and trying meditation, things I would have never had made time for. Hair looked fantastic in a jiffy and I was ready to go. Then the photo shoot, I was so excited but nervous. The only photos I had posed for were my wedding ones. This was so different. I was very quickly made to feel confident, and even sexy. It was soo much fun. At the viewing I was amazed, not only did I love the images but I saw in them the old Michelle.

Looking confident, content and care free. I wanted to take every image home. But then I realised, I could just choose the favourites as the old Michelle was inside me. I just needed to find her again and I could have her with me every day. I have had my thyroid out now, with no complications and every day as I get better and better I try to just take time to appreciate all the great things I have in my life and not struggle with what I haven’t got done. Thank you so much team xx

Michelle Vincent 011

“A little bit about myself. I work fulltime and am a mother to two beautiful daughters and a grandmother of three. They keep me busy lol. Then I also run an animal rescue in South Auckland. Any spare time I have is usually spent cleaning up after kittens, feeding and medicating them and picking them up from all over Auckland. I don’t have alot of time for myself and I definitely don’t have time to make myself look good haha. I decided to do the shoot as I was curious to see what a nice hairdo and makeup could make me look like. The shoot was fantastic. The staff so friendly and knowledgeable. They made me feel comfortable and worked with my needs and wants. I would recommend STUDIO81 to anyone.”

Stephannie Bruce

“First of all thanks you so much STUDIO81; what a wonderful and relaxing experience. Annalise, Mum and I had some laughs on the day, and Jeff my photograher was amazing. This experience came along at the perfect time in my journey. My story really begins at 16 when I became a Mum for the first time. By the time I was 23 years old, I had two children, was living in Taumarunui, and suffered my first spontaneous phemothorax (lung collapse). Six months later, the second lung collapsed but the other side. At this time I had my first surgery. As life went on I had my third child and all was well. Then in 2008 I had my third lung collapse and surgery. I just carried on one day at a time not concerned with much. 18 months ago my dad passed away; this was the beginning of my journey to find my voice, and more importantly find me. During this year I have learnt a lot about me and who I am. I also found out that I have 20% lung capacity left, this shocked me to say the least. At this stage in my life, I have amazing children, 4 beautiful grandchildren with 2 more due in 2018. Life is hard at times and it can get you down. As women we intend to loose ourselves in family, work and life in general, please remember that it is never too late to find yourself and believe that you are beautiful. #loveyourself.”

Leanne Walker 012

“Roughly 2 years ago life was going well, and I was happy, confident and healthy. I had a good job and felt I was going places. What happened next turned my life completely upside down. I caught a rare form of viral pneumonia which put me into hospital for over a month, including 2 weeks in intensive care being close to death. In the end it was the last minute efforts of an exceptional specialist who saved me, but it meant putting me on a course of strong steroids as a treatment plan. What followed was over 12 months of pain and hardship. I was unable to work, went through depression, suffered respiratory problems which prevented me from my previously active lifestyle and the drugs made me gain a large amount of weight, seriously damaging my self confidence. Now, at the end of a long road to recovery I am beginning to get my life back. I’m active again, no longer on medication, and back at work. I am back to being more confident in myself after losing much of the weight I put on, and regaining my unhappiness. It has been a long time coming, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Annalise Suvanwong

I did this photo shoot as a reaffirmation that my life is my own and that I am back on track with my path to happiness. This is my reward to myself for moving forward with my life again. Thank you for the opportunity to express myself.”

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“My story is one of many everyday busy middle aged Mums who forget, or don’t realise, or feel they deserve to love themselves, and lose their confidence on the way. At age 45 with four children aged between 26-24-10-3 years (and all boys at that), I’m happy to say I’m still the queen of the house. One late night on Facebook I saw this campaign post and I thought ‘Why not apply? It’s now or never’. I had never done anything like this before, and being a workaholic this was the last thing on my mind. I just took the plunge anyway. My confidence was not great, but I did it anyway.I also thought after I applied ‘Now why would they accept me? They don’t know me, only by what I wrote.’ Lo and behold, they accepted me to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity campaign. My nerves and insecurities kicked in - What to wear? Do I need to lose some weight quickly before the photoshoot? Again, lack of confidence, and feeling worn out from working long hours, I was not feeling the best about myself. I realised STUDIO81 was not about that at all. It was finding that inner love for yourself, and accepting to love yourself no matter what. Than it dawn on me: it wasn’t the weight, or clothes I was worried about. It was: ‘Did I feel I deserved to look and feel beautiful, dare I say sexy and have these photos adorn my home with family and friends to see?’ Well, the whole team from STUDIO81 made me feel exactly that. From Annalise turning me into a beautiful Sexy Siren who I forgot existed, she is nothing short of amazing at her craft, and to Jeff making me feel so comfortable and at ease with all my poses. He is the most humble person I have meet. Lets just face it Jeff, at the end of it, I was putty in your hands. And that is not the case I feel with just anyone. You are so professional, even when I was still unsure. The viewing proved just that. I didn’t believe it was me, I had to take a second look. So thank you STUDIO81 for this amazing opportunity that has made me realise I do deserve this and has made me forever grateful.”

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Linda Peck

“This was my first makeover photoshoot. To be frank, I was a lot nervous not knowing what to expect. The team at STUDIO81 made sure I was comfortable and relaxed. Annalise and Chloe made this whole experience unforgettable. I was literally in tears when I saw the final outcome. Thank you for reminding me once again that am beautiful.”

Jhanani Hari

“Huge thank you to the staff of STUDIO81 for my amazing and wonderful experience yesterday I was definitely out of my comfort zone scared nervous but you guyz made me feel at ease n relaxed with all the pampering and lots of laughs along the way , a big thank you to my make up artist and hair stylist Jazmin, you guys did an amazing and fantastic job. Thank you Jeff for making me feel gorgeous and comfortable during the photoshoot . At viewing of the photos on the slideshow, I was very shocked and emotional, lots tears couldn’t believe how beautiful I was in them “were as this women been hiding“. As a busy mum , wife and business women we tend to forget the better things in life and how to appreciate ourselves and see the beauty that’s lying inside of us . I wanted to encourage and inspire all you gorgeous women to out there to give it a shot #studio81 is the best . Big thank you again for making me a part of the #loveurself campaign and can’t wait to see the completed portfolio of my photo”

Indashnee Devakurran

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“Nikhola stands for ‘Victory of the People’ - whatever that purpose may be. Some people call me Nik - I hope the ‘K’ in that would resemble Kindness. I think Kindness is something that is truly misunderstood these days. While giving with one hand, you do not take back with two hands. That’s just unkind. Perhaps I stand for those who are trying to find themselves, whether young or old, Kindness and listening intently go a long way. No one knows your full plight. No one has the same dreams, and ‘not one of us’ are better than the other. So why did I choose to take these looks into photos today? They are my true authentic self. While I love the romance of music, laughter and the sounds and food from afar, I also know where I came from and are going. If that is through my music and songwriting, my scripts and film making, then so be it. Victory is also about telling your story, having your voice heard, and no one deserves to be belittled, or quietened down. I also believe in a higher being, and that will always be my full focus. Having been through many battles, the scars and time will heal, but one will never forget. That’s what makes one a Warrior for righteousness and truth. I am a Mum to a stunning 23 year old daughter now following her dreams in London and beyond, and a great 14 year old son; both give me purpose and have taught me so much in life about being a Mu. I hope they see me as a good and loving Mum. Although this was pretty scary for me to put myself out there, it was ‘my time’ to acknowledge that it’s okay to be me, and be proud of who I really am. I hope many more women will have just as great an experience.”

Nikhola Gilchrist “I chose to do this because being a mother and a partner you always seem to put yourself last and after ten years of being a mother, your needs fade into the background because those of your children come first, and instead of sexy jeans and tops or pretty dresses we end up wearing warm comfortable tracksuit pants and baggy jumpers that are fast and easy to put on. And somewhere along the line we loose ourselves and this opportunity gave me the chance to find myself again and a bonus its been great for my relationship. I would highly recommended other mothers who may have lost the sense of themselves to try it.”

Rachel Beyer 016

“As I sat in the Reception area at STUDIO81, nervously waiting, I looked around at all the photos on the walls, and all I saw were confident, happy faces staring down the lense of a camera. Then a bright, bubbly lady walked up and introduced herself, “Hi, I’m Chloe, and I’ll be your photographer for today.” My initial thoughts? Nope. I can’t do this. I’m not the kind of girl to have a photographer. I can’t smile at a camera. This was a big mistake. Why did I enter this? I’m not good enough... Those last words have echoed in me for as long as I can remember. When I was 18 my battle with depression began, and along the way an anxiety disorder has also worked it’s way into my life. At times they have won the fight and knocked me down. But through it all I’ve kept fighting, and now I’ve been married to my best friend for 5 years, been step-mum to his two beautiful children, and become a Mum to our very own little girl 8 months ago.

I chose to send my details in to STUDIO81 for a bit of a laugh while waiting in line to buy takeaways for dinner, thinking there is no way they would pick this “Mrs Average” me! But I’m forever grateful they did. I had a morning about me. Yes, little old me! The feeling of being petrified quickly turned in to pure joy. I laughed and smiled at the camera - and it wasn’t fake. I was having fun! Then we went to the viewing room, and I nervously giggled seeing me on a screen.... But then I felt my eyes well up with tears. I couldn’t believe that I looked like the happy confident faces staring at me from the Reception wall. I saw me. The Wife, Mum and stepMum that I am proud to be, and I’m proud of me! Thank you STUDIO81 for reminding me of who I am, and taking a snapshot of my journey through life along the way.”

Louise Swainson

“I was truly grateful to have been selected for the photo shoot. It made me feel like a woman again, shame I had allergies on the day. I went out that night anyway and felt and looked a million dollars. I have had many challenges over the last 10 years, from Relationship, Family, Career, Health and Financial. I now work in a field that gives me great pleasure, looking after people with Intellectual disabilities. This is not a very glamorous job, so no opportunity to be sexy and I forget to look after me. I felt sexy again and I thank STUDIO81 from my heart.”

Zareen Palmer 017

“When I was scrolling through Facebook one day, STUDIO81’s advertisement appeared for the #LoveYourself campaign & it instantly appealed to me. I am a busy Mum to 2 awesome kids, my daughter is 10, and my son is almost 5. I also work a flexible job around these guys, but often my housework and my own personal self get left till last. I am often left feeling quite “overwhelmed” with life. This fuels my anxiety and can sometimes leave me feeling a wee bit lost, and out of control. So, I wanted to do something for me that I would appreciate, and be left with a momento of the experience. On the day, I felt quite worried, especially as I had gone through my wardrobe & felt “nothing was good enough”....I took myself shopping the night before!! But when I sat down in Annaliese’s chair to have my make-up & hair done, I felt instantly relaxed, and part of the “team.” Moving on to my photographer; what a laugh!! As unnatural as it felt to pose, she made me feel incredible, and I couldn’t help but smile and have so much fun with it. The time was over so fast, but I knew she’d captured some wonderful images. The viewing was a teary event. Sometimes we are so focused on our family, our jobs, or just anything else to take the focus off ourselves, that seeing myself in such a totally different way was both beautiful and emotional. I cried openly as we viewed my slideshow. I couldn’t believe that was me up on that screen. So, to the team at STUDIO81. Thank you so much! Thank you for making me see my own beauty. Thank you for your kindness, & fun hospitality. You are all wonderful. And Thank you for the opportunity to be party of this awesome campaign. xxx”

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Theresa Cleal

“I walked into STUDIO81 and my first thoughts of the place was ‘Wow this place looks cool.’ Beautiful photos on the wall and the feeling of excitement in a safe relaxing environment. Then Annalise pop out from around the counter with her huge friendly smile. Welcoming me by my name. I loved the way she got straight into things talking and explains while doing everything. When she had finished my hair and make up. I was very impressed on how she was able to enhance on my natural beauty with her talent. On to the photo shoot that was an experience of a life time that I will never forget. How the photographer kept reminding me that I am already beautiful. I felt relaxed and most of all making me feel comfortable with the different poses and back drops. For me to have been chosen to be apart of the #Loveyourself campaign, was a privilege in my eyes and a dream come to reality. It was like winning a lotto. To take time out of my everyday life. To get pampered then told your a beautiful woman. By people that do not even know me and my life journey, was an absolutely wonderful feeling. Raising two children to be young adults plus being a partner for over 21 years. You take the focus away from you and get on with raising your Whanau, school, working etc. One thing I learnt that day at STUDIO81 with the ladies there was never forget you are beautiful, and let you inner beauty shine through. Thank you for the amazing experience of a life time, STUDIO81 you guys are a awesome team...Arohanui.”

Tracey Hammond

“Sometimes as a busy mum I forgot how beautiful I am. I woke up one day and realised that I no longer own makeup, I couldn’t remember the last time I took the time to style my hair and I felt like I never really stopped or had time for me. I’m blessed with 4 beautiful daughters, I work full time and have my own business - Little Fern NZ. I’m busy, my children are busy, life is busy.

Hannah Berg

It was great spending an afternoon at STUDIO81. It was an afternoon just for me! The hair and makeup artist was amazing! You felt comfortable from the get go, and then you got to look in the mirror and see a truly beautiful person looking back at you! I felt beautiful. Normally I feel awkward having my photo taken, but I can’t speak highly enough about the photographer and the photos are stunning. Very talented. Thank you for such an amazing experience.”

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AMAZING YOU How would you like to be photograph?

9 Teed St, Newmarket, Auckland • 09 52225 81 • pr@studio81.co.nz • www.studio81.co.nz