Loveyourself 2018 Autumn Edition

#loveyourself 2018 autumn edition

I’m like most Mum’s / wife’s, I make sure everyone else is ok before myself.

The last couple of years have been a life changer for me. I started a job as an event security guard, and for the first time in my life, I passed NZQA and felt like I had finally started to do things for myself. I discovered a new happier me by working for my family and myself. I am a new Me and STUDIO81 made me feel beautiful and proud of who I am.

Leanne Tagatoa

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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.

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At the age of 17 I was diagnosed as Anorexic. Back then it was little known, and I was in a psychiatric hospital for 6 months and although I got to a reasonable weight, the illness has haunted me ever since... until recently. I have been working with a trainer called Gina Miles a gym in Howick. She has got me to a place where my weight has finally normalised, and I am beginning to feel OK about my body at last.

I also have a condition called Lupus which is a autoimmune illness of pain, fatigue and inflammation. I was diagnosed with this 15 years ago (4 years after initial symptoms occurred where I was told I was neurotic and prescribed prozac! Symptoms started after the birth of my 2nd son). With all this I have hated my body looks and everything about me ever since I can remember... until now.

Last month I have had a manicure and painted my nails properly for the first time (Can you believe that? Even that has made me feel better!) I immerse myself in being busy (often crazily so!), and never take time to pamper myself. I have always felt I don’t deserve it. I would love a makeover; it would just give me such a lift to look glamorous, even if it was just once in my life.

My husband and kids are great, but being female in a house full of males (yes even the dogs are male!),, there is no time for being feminine, and make up and jewelry and all those fabulously girly things I would love to try - just once...

When STUDIO81 say they want to welcome you to their family it is not just a platitude - they really do make you feel like a member of their family!

The whole experience was amazing - I really felt important, right through the make up to the photo shoot to the viewing! It was like it REALLY mattered to all of them that I looked and felt good. I was made to feel relaxed and comfortable AND important all the way through all I can say is wow, wow, wow!! If you really want a pamper session and a confidence boost I say go for STUDIO81!! I even came out singing.

Oh yes, I am wise But it’s wisdom born of pain Yes, I’ve paid the price But look how much I gained If I have to, I can do anything! I am strong (Strong), I am invincible (Invincible), I am Woman!

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Rhiannon Martel

I am self-employed, 52 years old, a wife of 33 years, a mother of three grown sons, and recently become ‘Nana Mimi’ to our first grand-daughter. I’m in what I think they call the sandwich generation, sandwiched between our children and their lives, and our aging parents who have growing needs. I try and squeeze time in for two hobbies - photography and mosaics, but there is never enough time to do either justice - and it’s those things that help feed my soul, so I often feel depleted, and that I’m merely on the treadmill of life.

When selected by STUDIO81 to be involved in the Love Yourself Challenge, for a moment I thought; do I really want to do this? Have I got the guts to actually do this?? What am I doing??? I could so easily have backed out, but I think the worst feeling in the world is regret - and I didn’t want to regret pulling out and not giving it a shot. I needed to do this for me.....and for my friend who always struggled with the same issues as I do with self-image, weight etc. She was my soul-sister and best friend, and passed away after just a five week battle with pancreatic cancer in June last year. This is something we would have stepped forward in a moment of lunacy to do together - only ever together - never on our own - and likely chickened out at the last minute. If I could do this on my own, it would be a step forward in doing life without her right next to me.

By the time the day of the photo shoot came around I was not feeling confident at all. I was feeling flat and unenthusiastic. Work had been full-on and challenging, I had life dramas going on which I didn’t need, that were stealing my joy - and this was a chance to escape it all, if only for a few hours. I told myself I actually need to take this time for me - no matter the outcome - even if I didn’t like the resulting photos, it was more about the journey of stepping out of my comfort zone and placing myself in a position of vulnerability - to feel the fear and do it anyway. I thought again of my dear friend who had passed, and felt her wee vote of confidence; I can do this!

Getting made-up by Annalise was fun, and then going through for the photo shoot, I really just was putting one foot in front of the other, but was made to feel completely at ease, and actually had more and more fun with it as time went on. I could have gone for another hour! When it came time to view the photos, I was apprehensive but also curious. The process of elimination was great in order to help choose the winning shot.....or two. I chose shots that reflected what I felt was the more confident side of myself - the first a wee bit professional - and the second soft and feminine - something I hadn’t felt for some time, and certainly not that morning.

I love what the #LoveYourself campaign is endeavouring to do for women - we just need to take time out to remind ourselves of that woman who gets a wee bit lost in the midst of life - but is actually just below the surface.”

Megan Ede

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I am a 46yr old mother of four (29, 25, 10, and 7). I work as a trade painter with my partner of nearly 12 years, running our own business. I volunteer at our local soccer club as a parent coach player manager for our social womens team, and help run the bar.

My partner runs his own martial arts club, and I also help with that.

I work a lot and have been told constantly that I need to take time for myself and seeing this opportunity on Facebook seemed like a great idea even though I’m extremely self critical I was hoping this could be a chance to really just take it all in and appreciate me.

Well it was definitely not what I was expecting! I was so nervous being one of those people that stay out of photos as much as possible. I arrived and was instantly welcomed by Annalise and Dorin, and made to feel so comfortable it was incredible.

Having my hair and make up done was pampering I have not done in so long I forgot what it was like and loved it.

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The photo shoot was great Jeff made it feel so normal and I found myself loving it.

After the shoot going through the photos with Dorin was AMAZING!! She made me feel soo beautiful looking through them all I have never felt so comfortable looking at photos of myself.

I was in such a slump before doing this and it really did make me appreciate myself and feel good about myself. For anyone else out there needing a boost for themselves give it a try it really does make you feel differently about YOU!

Jannine Stewart

I am celebrating the older years in life. Wow … I sometimes can’t believe that I am that age! Some days I feel absolutely confident and beautiful and other days I just feel like everything is disproportionate. I guess like most people.

This year I vow to be more grateful and thankful for the amazing people in my life. To be more present and make the most of all the opportunities that avail me.

I work full time in an ever evolving technology world, so always learning new things and really enjoy what I do. I also realise that things can change very quickly. For this reason, I am always looking towards the future and how it will affect me, so I am working towards my personal goals as well. Just to have choices in life would be a blessing. So for the next 5 years I am committed to building my personal goals and having choices in life. Seems like I have started all this too late in life… but here I am … immigrated from South Africa 20 years ago and loving it year in New Zealand.

Working full time, then working on my personal goals after hours, running a household, being there for my husband and daughter…. I sometimes feel that I put myself last.

So here is a chance for me to celebrate me.

I have always gifted this type of present to friends but never had the opportunity to do one myself. I gifted this photoshoot to a friend of mine and then decided to treat myself as well. So we spent the day together celebrating ourselves. Many of us lose ourselves in the daily routines of working fulltime, seeing to our daily household chores and family needs and then lastly ourselves.

This was an opportune time to just tune out and celebrate ourselves! The team was fantastic!

We immediately felt at ease, from the time we entered the studio to the time we left. We really felt special and spoilt.

THANKS so much team!!! … And not forgetting the amazing outcome of the photos! We have had so many complements on these!

Petula Diedricks 07

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I am no different to any other Kiwi mum, we are all battlers who attack each day with as much energy as we can muster making sure everyone in our care is looked after, the chores and work get sorted before collapsing in bed each night to re-charge our batteries for another day.

My name is Delwyn. I’m 43, and a very proud and very lucky mum to two incredible girls. Paige (18) is in her first year of Uni studying to be a doctor, and Brie (16) is my amazing artist studying at Pukekohe High School. I live in Pukekohe and work in Hamilton; each week day is very full and I’ve become a professional at juggling. In addition to my fulltime job I also run a small business teaching cardmaking as a way of passing on my creativity, and sharing the joy of cards.

On occasion, I do some face painting at events bringing joy to kids and adults alike. I love creating and crafting will turn my hand to anything, giving away most of what I make as a way of bringing joy to my family and friends. There is never any downtime between family, work, cardmaking, face painting and crafts!

While by other people’s standards I have had a tough life, I try and see my life as experiences that have made me strong and made me the person I am today. I lost my mum to cancer when I was 15 and my dad to a heart attack when I was 20. They were both so young as was I. Losing both parents so young was very challenging and meant I had to grow up very quickly in life. I married young and we had the girls by the time I was 26.

A few years back I lost my nana the only grandparent I have ever known, although she had an incredible full and long life it was a big blow to my sisters and I. And last year my husband and I separated.

All my life there has never really been time to focus on me,

it’s always been about the events that have happened in my life and learning to adapt to new situations. I have struggled with weight all my life and although I am told by friends I am beautiful to them, I have never felt beautiful to me. Feeling this way has meant I will always do my best to be behind the camera taking the photos and avoid being in front of it at any cost.

I put myself forward for this shoot hoping it would give me the confidence I need to believe in myself whole heartedly and be proud of every part of me. I know how important photos are as I hardly have any of my mum who was also camera shy.

I was very nervous when I first arrived but Annalise was amazing chatting to me like we were best friends while she did my hair and makeup. When she had finished, I was amazed out how beautiful I looked. Having someone take time to do your hair and make-up is an incredible experience, especially if you normally wear very little.

I then spent time having my photos taken, while it felt odd manoeuvring into different positions, it was a great experience. I felt very comfortable the whole time. And there was nowhere to hide from the camera!

I was shown the photos, and was in awe of how great they had come out. I not only felt great, but I looked beautiful too. In fact, after leaving STUDIO81, Brie and I went out for dinner and a movie – no point wasting being glammed up!

While out I received some lovely compliments which really made my day.

I would love to recommend this to anyway who just needs a boost in confidence to help them believe in them self again.

Even just taking time out to have my hair and makeup done was an incredible experience and pampering! Thank you so much for letting me be part of this campaign STUDIO81.

Delwyn Karanikolaou

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Hi my name is Lucy, I have definitely lost myself somewhere in the past, ooooo, lets say 10 years.

I am a 35 years old and married. 10 years ago we had endured a vey bad experience with an ectopic pregnancy and found we couldn’t have any of our own, thats when I believe I started to let go. We were offered IVF but I had to loose weight as I was a plus size.

I had a hell of year last year when my mum was diagnosed with Cancer, she was 84 when we lost her. At least she got to see her 84th Birthday. Mum did live longer than the doctors gave her which was great. After caring for mum, it certainly took a lot out of me, and you do tend to forget about yourself as there is another priority (number one Priority- mum) and also owning a business and looking after a grandchild after school. Life keeps going right?

And as we all do we just keep going on with life and slowly we get very tired and run out of energy and lose ourselves.

So, when I was invited for this #LoveYourself Campaign 2018, I jumped at the chance.

Annalise was so lovely. In fact it was like meeting a longlost friend all over again. I was made to feel at home, and not even think about the photoshoot itself whilst getting Makeup and hair done.

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The Photographer himself was so professional and made me feel at ease. Didn’t know I could be so flexible in some shots...lol. The photoshoot itself sure woke me up and I felt alive after the photoshoot- and viewing the photos afterwards was like WOW! Through this Fantastic opportunity I was invited to, I have found my spark and bubbly self again.

Karen Evans

“She was beautiful, for her ability to make other people smile, even if she was sad”

Love yourself…how does a 55 year old part Maori, part Scottish female do that? Being a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, an aunt, dropping everything to help a friend or family member in need & working full-time, there is no time for me.

Even joining the NZ Navy & completing 29 years of service.

Yes I went to sea, travelled to places I only dreamt about, volunteered as a part-time female drummer in the Navy Band, met loads and loads of people who became my military family…but again I was doing everything for others.

When I think back to those days I wonder “how the hell did I do it”.

My relationships (one in particular) was physically, emotionally, mentally & verbally abusive. I let him grind me down to the point I believed every bad thing he said about me. The day it ended was like rays of sunshine exploding from sealed scars and not long after I came across the #LoveYourself campaign post in Facebook. Reading stories that were similar to mine, I knew I needed to make contact, so I did.

That contact was the best thing I ever did even though I was nervous about going through with it. Heck, I was so nervous and overwhelmed that on the day of my photoshoot, I actually arrived one hour before I was meant too…I can

laugh about it now, but what Annalise must have thought of me that day…LOL!!

Needn’t have worried, Annalise just laughed, made me feel special, shared her story with me, did my make-up (kept thinking I looked ridiculous) and introduced me to Jeff. He was lovely, he told me what he wanted and when, but still being nervous I couldn’t remember my right from my left… everything he said went out the window…OMG I must have been a real nightmare to work with. Well if I was, Jeff didn’t batter an eyelid, he guided me and relaxed me so I could enjoy the experience.

It’s still a bit of blur, but when I look at my complimentary photo, it reminds me of my fabulous journey back to me…I still cannot believe the photo is of me...its simply beautiful, stunning, amazing; words I would never call myself. So, thank you STUDIO81 and please don’t ever stop doing this, there are so many of us out there who need this experience.

Sandy Biku 011

For being such a busy mum, juggling 4 children with school, and me working as well, youu can really lose yourself. So having been one of the chosen to be able to experience this photo shoot was such an Honour!

I loved every minute of it. Feeling relaxed and not rushed all the time was so Blissful. Getting make up and hair done was So Awesome; having been pampered and then feeling so comfortable in the photo shoot was also Amazing. The BEST Experience I have had in such a long time. I would totally recommend too all who gets a chance too do it: You will not regret it xx

Joan Tutaki

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eventually manage to cope! Still didn’t loose the weight though lol!

So I’m Finally back working after a year being on ACC. Things were looking up until another bloomin accident! This time badly breaking my shoulder which was initially misdiagnosed for 6 months before an MRI revealed just how bad it was. Surgery and Physiotherapy followed for 18 months before more surgery to finally have a Total Shoulder joint Replacement done.

Several more health issues cropped up. Eye surgery’s x2, then being admitted to hospital and having Lumbar punctures to see if I’d had a brain bleed etc for aneurysm - you ask yourself at what point do I sit up and take notice with my health?

So after a lot of hard decisions - and leaving my job - I followed my dream to turn my passion of 30 years or more of organising and tidying cupboards into my own business! ‘The Cupboard Fairy’ was born finally. Helping busy stressed people to organise their cupboards at Home/ Workplace or Clubs and Organisations. I am independent of any large competitor companies. My business is word of mouth or on Facebook The Cupboard Fairy I have always wanted to do something for myself for a long time and I am so pleased to have been chosen to be part of the Studio81 Love Yourself campaign!!!

In life we all get busy doing everything for others that we forget about ourselves. Many times we overlook just how much we’ve gone without to ensure our family and children are taken care of first - that we find ourselves feeling totally exhausted and don’t take time for ourselves. So that’s why it’s been a perfect time to treat myself to this wonderful experience! at Studio81 and enjoy being pampered and made to feel fantastic!

When my marriage ended 14 years ago, I thought my world had ended. With a heavy heart and no time to even realise what a struggle it would be - I just got on with making the best of a bad situation.My motto to myself was “If you keep looking back - you’ll never move forward.” It was very hard and the first few years were very trying! I didn’t realise just how tough it would get as several huge things happened that changed my life forever.

They say things happen in 3’s Well 10 years ago I crushed both my feet in an accident at home, my darling Father died, and I got made redundant from my job. This all happened in 6 weeks. Life was never the same for me after this happened. Grief took me to new levels of depression and I really struggled. The weight piled on due to lack of exercise and eating badly. With the help love and support from my nearest and dearest friends I did

I’m also very busy supporting my darling daughter while she undergoes treatment in hospital at the moment.

She is the mother of my adorable little granddaughter who is 3 and is needing support and help with learning difficulties too. Staying strong for both of them as we face uncertainty. Very hard at the moment.

That’s why it’s important to take time out for ourselves sometimes to recharge the batteries! So my decision to be part of The Love Yourself campaign at STUDIO81 was an absolutely amazing experience to pamper myself and have time for ME!!

I was stunned by the wonderful images captured by Jeff at STUDIO81, and everyone who has seen my photos have said how great the photos are. I did some sexy ones too! The bubbly Annalise did an amazing job of my eyes and makeup. Overall I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone wanting a HUGE confidence booster!

Christine Mooney 013

I entered the Loveyourself photo shoot as I was feeling down. I lost my Sister to Cancer in June 2015 and had started to gain weight, she and I were really close and I miss her still everyday.

We used to have a joke between us (there are 3 of us my older sister , she is the one that passed away, myself and my younger sister). My older sister was by far the slimest of us all and my younger sister used to say you may be the skinniest, but I will always be the prettiest. The funniest thing was that my older sister and I looked very much alike ( so much so that when she was dying the nurses said to me you must be Shellie’s sister just by looking at me) and both knew that this was not the case.

of me had died as well, that is why I wanted to be a part of the Love yourself photoshoot, so I could feel beautiful for myself and my big sister.

This photoshoot was dedicated to you Shellie to show you that I am beautiful and feel it now too. I can now say to our younger sister, I honestly feel like I am the prettiest now.

I knew that my older sister thought I was beautiful but I didn’t feel it and after she had died I felt like a part

Belinda Lamb 014

When I first saw the #LoveYourself campaign on FB I just knew this was something I had to do! I needed something to remind me again that I am a beautiful and confidant woman. I’m a 39 year old stay at home mum of my two gorgeous children Danelle 8 and Rohan 9 months. Married to the most amazing man who stood by my side through some tough times. Although to my husband and kids I am the most beautiful woman ever I don’t always feel like it.

I have struggled with my weight for most of my adult life especially after having my kids. To people I know and knows me I come across as confident but deep down putting myself out there is the hardest thing for me to do. Being a stay at home mum doesn’t give you a lot of opportunities to dress nicely and look pretty.

My experience at STUDIO81 was amazing. I was nervous as hell and I’m surely the most awkward person in front of a camera. Annalise made me feel welcome and at ease the whole time assuring me that everything will be fine. After hair and makeup, looking so pretty, I still was

not a 100% sure of how I’m going to be able to do this.

Jeffery immediately made me feel at ease. After a couple of laughs I knew this was going to be fun. I felt beautiful.

Something a haven’t felt in a very long time.

I had an awesome time. Couldn’t have asked for a better way to have celebrated my birthday. I think what you are doing is amazing. Thank you for helping women find their inner beauty again.

Chantelle Odendal 015

My job is busy and demanding and requires me to work at a fast pace, while remaining professional. I have worked most of my adult life while also juggling looking after a home and being a single mum for much of it.

I am not enjoying getting wrinkles as I age. I don’t feel middle aged but when I look in the mirror I am now looking it. I thought a glamour type shoot would be a nice confidence booster and I wanted a nice photo before I got more wrinkled! I was so happy to be offered the opportunity with the #LoveYourself campaign.

My photo shoot was on the last day of my 52nd year. I felt pampered, and made to feel very comfortable by the team at STUDIO81. I am really happy with how well the photographer captured the feminine look I wanted. Thank you STUDIO81.

Sarah Pottinger 016

This year I am turning 50 and this also marks the start of a new era as my children are now four young adults. I married at 20 and divorced 24 years later. I now have a chance to find out who I am beyond a wife, mother and teacher. I am learning to love my laugh lines and silver sparkles . I believe beauty is not measured by a number but something that comes from within, and it can be discovered and enhanced with confidence!

My experience at STUDIO81 wIth Annalise was such a confidence booster. The make up and hair session made me feel that anything is possible. The photo shoot was well guided by Jeff, and I was comfortable to try some fun shots with costumes and props on site.

I was absolutely delighted with the results of the photo shoot and would recommend the experience! I wish every woman could have the chance to be empowered in this way.

Carolyn Stewart 017

My experience with STUDIO81 was amazing! I had lost myself, forgot how beautiful I am. I walked in a nervous wreck and walked out feeling a million dollars! The team are amazing and they guide you every step of the way, from makeup and hair to taking the photos. This couldnt have happened at a better time in my life as I have just started a new business venture. I’m feeling beautiful and confident, ready to take on lifes challenges.

Thank you STUDIO81 for bringing me back to life.

Dorothy Cowlrick

Thank you for the opportunity for having me as part of your campaign for Women over 50, as I am a plus size women,we sometime get left behind in fashion, we intent to forget about ourselves, as we have busy lives, with Whanau, work commitments, I don’t wear makeup and never had photos of myself done. We as plus size women, should feel beautiful in our skin, and to never forget who we are as a person.

I love my culture, and being Maori.

I would like to thank Annalise for doing my hair and makeup, her fantastic personality, and making feel beautiful, the photographer who worked his amazing magic to make me feel special, who made my photo shoot so fun, thanks once again STUDIO81.

Sandy Davis

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As a busy mum of 2 gorgeous young women, and currently holding down 2 jobs, I had to realize that in order to look after those that mean the world to me, I had to love myself first. We have taught our girls to be independent and confident, but I also need to teach them that they need to put themselves first so that they can wrap their wings of love around those they hold near. Â My husband and I have been together for 20 years this year and I wanted to bring back that sparkle and to feel that 20 something again and STUDIO81 did excatly that, I felt so special, relaxed and gorgeous. Would definitely recommend every woman take some time to #LoveYourself.

Shelly Riggs-Harvey

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Wow! What an experience I had participating in the #LoveYourself campaign. Nervous and unsure how it would go, I was greeted by Annalise who took care of my hair and makeup, as well as helping me to relax.

Time to face the lens now! Thank you so much Jeff for being so professional and patient. Had a fab time being an amateur model (lol), boudoir shots were so relaxing and easy.

Reveal time seeing what was taken. Oh my Gosh! Amazing, so amazing! The tears flowed. Thank you so much STUDIO81 team.

I am Gorgeous.

Connie Howell

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I’m not sure where to start on my journey to date. I am a child of alcoholic parents, one of 7 children, and youngest of 5 to my father. He left when I was 5 and the only memories I hold are ones of drunkenness and violence. My eldest sister become my protector however her and my older siblings left when Dad left.

were not classed as defacto, so legally I had no rights. I had to prove with letters from friends and family to get my name on his death certificate under the spouse part. There are a lot of things I have learnt during this process, but most of all how important it is to ask questions and have things in writing.

That was a significant time in my life; Mum also met another man whom also was a drunk and abusive. As the cycle of abuse always continues, it did with me; I always swore I would never let my children see abuse. However, I did. I have six beautiful children, whom most have had unhealthy relationships. Today, I can say I am a survivor of it all.

Without my Faith, I’m not sure how I would of survived.

With having had so many other crisis in my life, I believe it made me stronger. I wanted to feel all emotions during this time. I needed to experience every grief ritual; from saying see ya later, (as it’s not goodbye), to clearing out his belongings, to packing up our home, cleaning, shifting, starting again in another home with my children. To making cushions out of his shirts, to restoring our bed, returning to work, reenrolled in study to finish my degree in addiction counsellor, and taking one day at a time.

For the past 28 years since leaving the last four children’s father, I have been working on my self esteem and strength to give not only my children, but also now my 14 mokos a different life. I can say today I have that. I have been working with people for change for the past 11 years.

I am working with adults who are wanting to leave their lives in addiction, and live a life in recovery. It’s not easy, but I have many success stories, and they are an inspiration.

I have been a member of ALANON myself for awhile also, and it helps to deal with my co dependency issues and let go of control. I now love and accept all, and have learnt boundaries which I never had as a child.

Recently after many years, I met the love of my life. We met through our jobs, and had a common goal. Both of us never thought we would love again, and had reserved ourselves that we would devote our lives to help others. Surprise! We hit it off straight away. I dated for the first time in my life.

This was not going to happen my way; no controlling this one lol. So I learnt patience. things would happen if I just waited and trusted the process.

He introduced me to Faith. Going to his local church opened my life to a new experience that I still remain in today. We moved in together after dating eight months... a whole new experience for us both! I met his family and traveled to Samoa last June to get to know his culture and his extended family also. There, he proposed, and I accepted. What I didn’t know was he had told my children, his family and all his people in recovery! He also was a recovering addict and sponsored many others also. It was a new beginning for both of us, ready for both of our families to get to know each other as a blended one. Finally I had met a man who accepted me as me, and my family...

Without the love and support of many around me, prayers from others I wouldn’t be the person I am. I now am planning a trip to return to Samoa, where we were going to be married this year. Also to reconnect with others we were working with. I hope to one day keep our dream alive and run a recovery house for people in recovery. I’ll call it: Freedom House.

When I was offered the makeover, I thought “Why?” My old negative beliefs had me believing that I wasn’t good enough to do something like this. However, after talking with others and being encouraged, I made the appointment and away I went.

From the moment I walked in (after being late), I was surrounded by amazing encouraging people; from hair and makeup to photography, learning how to stand pose etc was scary and exciting. I had many emotions from laughter to nearly tears. To being taken through my photos, all of it was amazing, and I was amazed at how well I looked with the final product. I have a huge thank you to the team, and would do it all again.”

Wendi Halligan

What I didn’t know was he was unwell, more than I realised.

After our holiday, he became unwell. He had caught a virus, and this on top of diabetes, his kidneys failed. After time off work and study, he ended up in hospital. Time took its toll on Karl, and he passed away in August. It was a devastating time for us all. He had a awesome send off; it was a tribute to how many he had helped.

I not only lost my love but our home also. With not having lived together long enough under the eyes of the law, we

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I would like to take the opportunity to thank Annalise and the team at STUDIO81 for the awesome experience that l had. If it wasn’t for Annalise, l probably would have chickened out.

I was nervous when l arrived and once l finally met Annalise she was so welcoming and made you feel at home. During my time spent at the studio l loved every minute and would encourage anyone to take part.

l came away feeling good about myself .l loved my new hairstyle she gave even my family loved it. It also gave me more confidence, and l can’t wait to share my photos with my family. Thank you for the awesome experience.

Jody Ka My life has not been easy growing up, and I was raised by an aunt.

Over the years I got to know my family and my mum, which was difficult at the time. I have 2 wonderful children and 2 super grandsons which I love dearly. Over the years I have suffered from severe depression, which was not easy on my relationship and the children.

When my second child was born, I realised I needed to seek help. With the help of my doctor I found a wonderful counsellor who took her time over many years to show me a new way of thinking about life and also showing me there is a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

During the last 5 years I have been in and out of hospital with various medical conditions. The first being a severe lung problem which ended up putting me in ICU three times, and the second one was a crippling accident falling down a set of stairs and smashing my left ankle and fracturing my right. I ended up having 4 operations in that year plus having to have the metalware removed because my body was rejecting it. In between all of this I also had to contend with physio and learning to walk again.

While coping with this I was lucky enough to spend time with my mum in the hospital and be there to hold her hand as she passed away, with all of my family around her. Unfortunately this happened the day before my 50th. With our mum passing away my sisters and I have grown closer than ever before, we also lost a brother to cancer quite a few years ago.

Finally, having this makeover and photo shoot would make me feel like a whole new person. It would also help to boost my confidence to get out there to face the world and life’s challenges that are before me.

When i arrived for my photo shoot, I felt very welcome and put to ease straight away by Annalise. I had an amazing time doing the photo shoot, with boosting my confidence and feeling good about myself.

Teresa Walker-Bellenger 022

I would like to thank everyone at STUDIO81 for the amazing day and the opportunity to take part in the #LoveYourself campaign. I had an amazing day with the crew and would recommend everyone to give it a go. The team make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk through the door, until the moment you leave.

Over the past year I have put on a lot of weight due to medications needed, for ongoing pain from old injuries and I don’t like what I see in the mirror. I was always the “big” girl at school, so was often the class clown, to hide what I was feeling and get people to like me. Recently I’ve been added into a school reunion page on Facebook, and initially I was excited to potentially catch up with old friends. Those feelings were soon gone when I remembered how miserable I was during my school years. Due to always being bigger I’ve always hated having my photo taken, all because of those insecurities from way back then. Today was a reminder to myself, that I don’t have anything to hide from anything now and I can to be happy with the person I see in front of me. When I saw the photos on the screen I was shocked at how good they turned out. I had fun doing the shoot, but had resigned myself to think they would all look terrible, it was a pleasant surprise that some of them were actually pretty good.

3 more beautiful boys. This has given me strength to be a voice for others who may have experienced similar circumstances.

I now have the most amazing husband and another addition to the family. We have 1 daughter together. I want her to grow, knowing her worth and place in the world. I know I can’t protect her from everything that she will be faced with, but I hope I can give her courage and determination to always face her battles and reach out for help If she needs it. My hope for my children is that they all grow and find happiness within themselves – something I have struggled with all my life.

I now work with young girls who come from some of the roughest and toughest backgrounds, it is hard to keep them motivated and willing to go outside of their comfort zones. I decided to show them, that even as an adult it is hard to step off our safety nets and take a leap of faith every now and then.

It has been a very long time since I took time out to do something for myself, but the reasons for that still have a purpose. I hope my story can give someone else the encouragement they need to step outside of their comfort zone, to be the best versions of themselves.

My journey and story as to why I ended up in the studio has been a long road, filled with twists and turns, sometimes thinking I wouldn’t survive - both physically and emotionally.

During my younger years I was sexually and physically abused by people that I thought I could trust. That lead me down a path of distrust and a lot of self-harm through the years. It was a dark path to walk for a very long time. At 16, I gave birth to my oldest son. Being a teenage solo Mum back in the 90’s was rough. There were very little supports available and I relied on my mother – who was on her own destructive path at that time.

By the time I was 21, I was pregnant again with my 2nd son. He passed away when he was 17 months old and my dark path become filled with alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. I was feeling pretty worthless at this time of my life and didn’t really care if I lived or not. His father and I broke up, and I hit the bottle even harder – looking for love in all the wrong places; which is when I met my now, exhusband. This was an extremely violent relationship and there were times when I thought I was going to be killed by his hands – I still have nightmares to this day. I can honestly say that if nothing else, he taught me that I didn’t deserve to live like that and gave me

Shona McCarthy 023

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