#LoveYourself 2019 Winter Edition

#LOVEYOURSELF 2019 WINTER EDITION

We know what we are, but know now what we may be.

William Shakespeare

02

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.

03

Hi my name is Jonelle Gale I’m from the Kaipara coast and live on a small dairy farm – 100 cows, 150 acres.

I love to get out of my farm gear and put on some striking clothes and get out with the girls.

51 years of age with two gorgeous young people who love how I can dress down and dress up.

Did a mother daughter photo shoot in 2015 so I reckon it’s time for another one to show that 50 is the new 40.

My experience with STUDIO81 was 10 out of 10. Very warm, friendly team and I felt at ease and relaxed in their capable hands. Very pleased with the final product. Highly recommend.

Jonelle Ross

04

Kia ora, my name is Matilda Kahotea Panapa.

I’m 46yrs old, and I have 8 children and 18 grandchildren. I’m a teacher and also the founder of Te Aka Matua Herenga Charitable Trust, who help prisoners and their whanau with rehabilitation through creative art programs.

Life hasn’t been easy, but from my hard times, I have learnt many lessons and gained strength.

For as long as I can remember violence has played a big part in my life, but I’m happy to say I never let it define me. My biggest loss I have experienced has been the death of loved ones: first being my 1st partner in a car accident, the loss of my twin boys, and then our boy who was killed at 17. These times definitely took me to dark places and I had created so many masks to hide behind, but through the love of others and finding myself again I was able to get through it all. I started late in life to study for my teachers degree, but it was a time I felt I was ready, and left a lot of my major obstacles behind me.

My teaching career was definitely a welcome highlight and it gave me a opportunity to express my creative side I had put aside for so long. Art was my passion, so I dedicated a lot of time teaching art as well. This lead me to helping prisoners and their whanau by teaching them to express and release through art therapy. It was healing not just for them, but for me too. From there, I founded a trust to help prisoners further.

I’m currently recovering from 4 major stomach surgeries which nearly took my life, but once again I can say it was another hurdle I was able to overcome. I’ve lost a lot or weight going from 120kgs to now 85. I was so happy to have been given the opportunity to be part of this kaupapa and really feel like a woman. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like I’m happy with within myself, feel good about myself and be myself without hiding behind any mask. Thank you so much to STUDIO81.

Matilda Kahotea

05

Hi, I’m Katherine, repping the over 50’s women in the #LoveYourself campaign!

I had to give up work as an early childhood lecturer approximately 7 years ago due to ongoing pain following a double spinal fusion.

Although I lost over 30 kilo’s prior to the surgery, I have put on so much weight due to a fall in which I injured my knee making my only exercise of walking (I love long beach walks!) and aqua jogging now impossible.

I have just had a knee replacement which was really successful but just 5 days before my 6 week check up and being able to drive again I slipped over in the bathroom and have an avulsion fracture and torn ligament/s in the SAME knee! A follow up CT scan discovered that I have also fractured my Femur in the fall, so I am now on crutches and facing further surgery.

In this time I feel I have lost myself - I am a young Grandma to a beautiful 3 year old girl who we have as often as possible and a 3 month old grandson in Melbourne that we haven’t been able to meet as yet as I can’t fly at the moment. I should be enjoying this special time of my life but just feel so old, fat, useless and ugly.

Having a make over and photo shoot was a wonderful tonic and such a boost to my confidence! Thank you so much to the STUDIO81 team who made this such an enjoyable experience.

Katherine Rugg

06

I have been through depression and anxiety, and now how to get back my strength and deal with my PTSD. During this time I have raised my daughter who is nearly 14 and had my son who is 9. I have been a solo full time mum for 12 years as well as a full time teacher. I have also managed to do my post grad studies during these years and buy a house in Auckland. My son spent many of his early years of life in and out of hospital having operations. He is now set and been catching up on life for the past 4 years. Sadly, my daughter became very sick last August and we spent 3 months in hospital and have been in and out ever since. I had to take leave from my job, as I am on my own in Auckland, to look after my sick daughter and deal with my own struggles of PTSD, as well as balancing the needs of my son, to keep his routine going for a normal life.

Today I am busy making sure my son is being given the best he can with his school and extra curricular activities, and my daughter is not yet back at school but making good progress. I am her doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, psychologist and her taxi driver.

A photo shoot, that is a pamper for me, is pretty radical. I usually hide behind the camera, but this year things are changing for me, and this is certainly something different.

Nearly 3 years ago an intruder came into my house and abused me. From that moment on, I was changed. I went to rock bottom, and the world that I had known crumbled around me. Since then, I have felt like I have been climbing a massive, jagged cliff face, just wishing to have a ledge that would allow me to breathe and where I would have no problems to face. I started counselling and thought that that would quickly fix me. I thought I would be able to deal with the trauma and get back to work. However counselling doesn’t do it like that. Counselling took me deeper, and made me look into my life. By discussing my past and reflecting on what had happened over the past 12 years, suddenly memories, that I had blocked and had swept under the carpet alongside a decade of prior abuse, came out.

This year I am doing things differently and taking some leaps to learn who I am as a person and not just as a mum or a teacher. This year is also about me regaining the love of myself back and valuing who I am and what I have to offer. I am starting to have goals again - something I haven’t had since University. I am learning to love exercise and find what suits me. I have even completed a half marathon this year - thanks to friends refocusing me.

Learning about self care and working on me, rather than worrying about what others see, or what I think they see, which has been a key to me loving and accepting me. Learning that I am good enough and I do not need to hide anymore. This just takes time, but I know I will get there.

Sometimes we have no control on what happens to us, but to be stronger and regain that control means I get to decide what happens to me next.

Emma Christensen

The past three years have been a massive roller coaster of emotions, learning and understanding who I was, and who I am today. I have figured out why I became a victim, why I kept becoming a victim, what my triggers were, why I have an eating disorder, why

07

My name is Colleen. I find it hard to put myself first when I care about everybody else. Outside of the work environment, I have had to overcome depression, loss, and anxiety.

Five years ago, I had surgery to correct my back so I could lift my oldest grandson out of his cot and support my son, and carry on living a normal life without pain. Five days a week I am employed as a Patience Care Assistant, which means I am in a uniform most of the time. Sometimes I am in a frontline position where I am seen as the first port of call to our department, and I wonder if my presentation is good enough for them to feel safe to talk to me.

For me, #Fearless is having balance, the right communication for direction, and the compassion to live and get through each day.

I have two children and four grandchildren, and I want them to look back and think that this was my Mother, or Nana, and that she never gave up hope and love. I wear my heart on my sleeve. To me, trust and faith are a big part of ones growth and moving forward. Sometimes, promises are broken to protect the ones we love, and the decisions are not always right.

I would like to thank the team at STUDIO81 for making me feel welcomed and respected as a woman who will be turning 50. #Halfcenturygone. Photos are our history, and the experience to encourage others to travel through their journey to show our inner beauty is a beautiful thing.

08

Colleen Jagger

I am stronger because I had to be, I am smarter because of my mistakes, happier because of the sadness I have known, and now wiser because I have learned. I truly believe in the above quote. I am a 41year old single mom to my 11 yr old son and 7 yr old daughter. I mutually separated with my husband about 15 months back in India (Mumbai) and since then was planning to move to NZ for a better life.

I have lived in this beautiful country (2003-2010) with kind and positive people around and always believed it to be my home. I was confident that I can change my life and give my kids a safe environment where they can grow freely without different people of family trying to impose their thoughts on them of what is good for them. I want my kids to make mistakes and learn from them rather than always being told what is good for them and never experience certain scenarios. I believe in them and I trust that they can take some decisions on their own and I am always there to support them if they need me.

‘When you can tell your story and it doesn’t make you cry, you know you have healed.’ I am very proud of the decision I have taken to start a new life with hope and belief that I deserve better and this is the first step that proves I love myself. There are no gains without pains and we all know that and have experienced that at some point in our lives. Leaving my family was painful but I had to make a choice. It’s been 6 months since I landed back in Auckland after a gap of nearly 9 years. For 4 months the govt is supporting my financial needs as I still have not found a job. I am a textile and fashion designer by qualification and experience in India. I always dreamed of having a photo shoot where I look my best, and when I came across the STUDIO81 promotion on Facebook, I could not resist but take a chance.

I thank the team for selecting me and making one of my dreams come to reality and make me feel all the more beautiful, young, and confident to dream bigger. I would like to advise all women who feel not so good about themselves and think it’s too late to start again that it’s never too late to make any changes in your life that make you happy and if I can do it, so can you. You deserve all the happiness in the world but you have to take a step towards it. ”We mature with the damage not with the years.”

“A woman is unstoppable after she realises she

deserves better.” ”She remembered who she was and the game changed.”

“You are never too old to reinvent yourself.”

Dimple

09

I migrated to NZ 17 years ago.

Within 2 years I had escaped an abusive marriage and spent the following years raising 2 boys as a single mum with no other family in NZ. The saying “what doesn’t kill you , makes you stronger” certainly rings true. It was rough but it was well worth it as I have two grown wellrounded young men. Yes I made mistakes and bad choices, but I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if I didn’t.

Now that I am 45, it’s my time to shine. I believe you’re only as old as you feel and as a result I choose to grow old gracefully, and funkily (is that a word?). My sense of humour got me through those tough times and I like to represent this in my quirky style, be it clothes or haircut. Another thing that comes with age is being more comfortable and confident in your own skin, I AM ME. I just want women to know that whatever you are going through, you’ve got this and will come out the other side a beautiful badass version of yourself.

010

Claire McLister

Everything is possible, believe in yourself and love yourself. One thing that’s constant and will never change!!

My name is Prachi. I am 35 years old, originally from India, but residing in USA. I am a mom to two angels. I have always juggled between trying to be a good wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, mother and also a professional, with a tendency to put everyone else before my needs always. May be that was not enough of a challenge, so I decided to travel back to my home country, India to be closer to my family and then recently to New Zealand for work.

I am a hardworking person, and I like adventures, but this one of globe trotting with my two small kids and husband taught me a lot.

I realized most of the time we try to ‘fit-In’ be it at home, at work, in relations. We can be DIFFERENT and do so much MORE. This journey through different places, exploring varied cultures, taught me a lot. Not to SETTLE for something when we know we can do BETTER. Opportunities present, we need to make the most out of them. I faced a big challenge, to become a full-time mom after 10 years of being a professional. It was hard at first, but then I took sometime to revisit my LIFE and connect with MYSELF, think about what I WANT, what is my PURPOSE. I realized this would be the BEST TIME to bond with my daughters. I started looking at life so differently.

This experience at STUDIO81 just added an extra flavor to my journey. An opportunity to push me out of my comfort zone and try something new. After all, LIFE is about CHOICES you make. Believe in YOURSELF, Chase your DREAMS, as we don’t know what’s in store unless we TRY it!!

Prachi Wani

Proud mum of 5 and Nan-Nan of two. Haven’t really been taking care of my health as well as I should. This campaign was a chance to take a good look myself and assess the area’s I needed to tend to. This opportunity would help boost my confidence and to just relax and feel beautiful for one day as sometimes you need that time for yourself to rejuvenate.

This experience gave me that even just for a few hours the STUDIO81 team made me feel beautiful! Thanks team

Tina Ihimaera 011

I have truly experienced the most soul searching of my self worth and what true beauty is all about. Let me share my own personal belief, my own testimony, and my own opinion.

I would like to say to all you beautiful women out there who are mothers with children, or without children that you are all truly beautiful in your own way, just by being born a woman. It is so important for us women to love ourselves first and foremost, from that extends more inner beauty to be kind to ourselves, to respect ourselves, to care for ourselves, to laugh at ourselves.

We need to stand tall, rise above our emotions of grief, of challenges, and trials. The best thing we can have is to have knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, truth, and light. Our divine saviour Jesus Christ is really what makes me myself, so very truly beautiful. I know, and I want you all to know. God bless all the beautiful women in the world. We are all created by the hands of our Father who art in Heaven, our one and only God. As us women do, we carry on. We soldier on no matter what comes our way.

Lani Korewha I really enjoyed the whole experience at STUDIO81 and I highly recommend people to go there. I wanted a nice photo to capture a moment in time so future generations could TREASURE. I am a strong, confident, energetic, optimistic woman who loves her family, and is passionate about Zumba and running classes. I am turning 50 this year, a milestone I embrace for I love life, and my fitness levels are soaring. My definition of being Fearless is living free with no limitations, and claiming my power, owning my truth regardless of what people may think or say.

I am comfortable in my own skin, and I always have a positive attitude, even though in times I am tested. I am proud of my experiences good and bad, which have shaped me into the woman I am today. I can honestly say I am a survivor and I love who I am, and I can see what others see. I now realise the best relationship you will ever have in this life is with yourself.

Maria Ryan 012

I am a wife of a wonderful man, and mum of two beautiful daughters who are 10 and 4 years old. I’m originally from Sri Lanka and came to New Zealand for my higher studies.

Now I have completed my studies and working as an Administration Officer for a kiwi owned company. It’s been almost two years we moved to NZ and I’m loving this country and wonderful people here. I’ve been studying and working and also doing all the house work and rarely found a time for my self.

One day I saw the #LoveYourself campaign by STUDIO81 on Facebook and decided to participate. I went through their past editions and loved it, and also found that I’m the only SrLankan lady who has participated this segment so far. I am really thankful to the STUDIO81 team for encouraging me and make me wonderful than ever.

Annalise doing a great job there and so do Jeff and Dorin.

Thank you STUDIO81 team for an amazing experience and beautiful makeover. Would love to visit you again and highly recommend this place to anyone that love to discover your real beauty that you’ve never seen. Thanks again for giving me this chance.

Amanda Vidanage

So I signed up for a possibility to appreciate who I am, and enjoy being pampered by STUDIO81. I’m definitely not known as a ‘makeup girl,’ however, learning to be confident in applying makeup to wear out can be comfortable and a nice positive change that I accept.

At a beautiful 138kgs, a size that mirrors my late Mama, I adore this shape. It brings a closeness to her that I loved to feel. I wanted a photo to treasure - a mum/daughter thing.

A memory to look back on, that started a new journey.

Pauline Everitt

013

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the team at STUDIO81 for a wonderful experience. The #LoveYourself campaign was an amazing experience and I am glad I chose to take part.

As a woman of Fijian Indian origin, you get accustomed to giving all the time and in a lot of ways forgetting to look after yourself.

department or a surgical and medical ward. I am a proud a mental health nurse because it is about being present and listening to the spoken and the unspoken. I know a simple conversation sometimes can make a huge difference

I am a registered nurse working in mental health services for a district health board and a mother of a gorgeous 22 month old boy. I immigrated to New Zealand from Fiji with my parents in 2003 and straightaway launched into full time studies. Following completion of my studies, I have worked tirelessly and also completed further post graduate studies. What’s challenging is being a career woman, a mother, a wife, a daughter and daughterin-law and balancing all of those.

However, the support from my family goes a long way.

The nature of working in mental health is about giving as well. In a caring profession you are constantly giving – hope, compassion, time and meaning to quality of life of people who use mental health services.

The stigma staff face while working in mental health is also enormous. It can be draining. I have been told that I am not a “real nurse” because I don’t work in an emergency Obviously, life always busy, as a mom wife and a nana I find always taking care of others first before myself. Few years ago, I took three volunteer jobs a casual and full time, despite the busiest schedule, I must spend my time with my grandchildren whenever possible.

I had been thinking about doing a portrait as a treat for myself, unfortunately there was no time. However, on my birthday this year, I have decided this is the perfect time to do something special for myself. At the same time I came across on my Facebook page and saw one of my friends who LIKE the STUDIO81 page, I decided to click and have a look, it was a total surprise and got me very interested.

Eventually I filled out their form online, and I got a reply.

On the day for my photoshoot, I was greeted by a very beautiful, friendly young woman Annalise, she did a fantastic job doing my make up to make me look .... I’m the only sexiest woman alive Hahhahahaha....... I had so much fun that day, and I am so grateful and thankful to your awesomeness STUDIO81, for making me feel very special. May God bless.

Noa Tauamcmster 014

in people’s lives. I also want to acknowledge the work of all mental health workers in the country.

Thank you for all your work that you do.

Shivika Singh

I’m a 39 year old mother of 2 and wife to my amazing husband. We met 20 years ago and have been together ever since. I love my family with all my heart and would do absolutely anything for them.

Living in Auckland is not easy, especially with the cost of living which is why like most households, both parents have to work to survive. A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across an interesting article on facebook and was immediately intrigued to read more...#loveyourself campaign advertising for women of particular age groups to apply and share their story.

What I found were inspirational stories from busy, real women getting caught up in the day to day struggles of work, motherhood, life and somehow in the mix of it all, had forgotten all about the most important person...

Them! I could instantly relate to a few of them and literally said to my husband, “Should I apply? or nah?” of course he told me to go for it like he always does but, that’s a prime example of the good old self doubt creeping in every time. Thinking that I’m not good enough or, that maybe I shouldn’t put myself out there too much coz I’d look like a show off.

Islay Bidd le

Well, the truth is that I too have confidence issues. It may not look or seem like it on the outside but on the inside, I am my worst critic because I’m afraid of failure or what others may think at the best of times. What has always seemed to help me through the tough times, has been to encourage and uplift others, being a positive person and being kind. I’m also very grateful for the on going support from my husband, his family, my parents, all of my siblings and the very few close friends I have known for most of my life.

So, having an opportunity to do a photo shoot, was an absolute dream come true for me. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the confidence to actually get out there an do it. Thank you Annalise for you’re amazing makeup skills. I felt like a queen once you had worked your magic girl! Also huge thanks to the awesome, patient photographer Jeff who gave direction with all the poses. I was a bit clueless lol but it made it funny and broke the ice as well. Thank you to Dorin for the wonderful viewing of the photo’s and the great chat.

I felt very comfortable with you all. This has been a liberating, fun experience I will never forget. If you are reading this right now, remember to take time out just for you what ever it is. Forget about all the crazy and the chaos and the rushing around and do something nice just for you. You’ll feel better just like I did.

015

challenging and I have had the opportunity to meet many people through my work and some of them have become friends. I aspire to go further and achieve to the best of my ability so when it is all said and done, I can stand proud and say “I achieved all I could and did the best I could and I am content at all that I have achieved” and that I have helped others along this journey.

When I look back at all my achievements though what I am proud of the most are my two boys. Ethan who is 12 and a very accomplished prem level soccer player and my little one Evarn who is 3 and puts the ‘F’, in FUN!. What a little character he is, he loves music, loves to dance, to annoy his elder brother and is also developing to be a very good soccer player already. I am so proud and feel so blessed and lucky.

‘What lies in front of you and what lies behind you pales in comparison to what lies inside you’ Ralph Waldo Maerson I have become a career Insurance women, after spending some 20 years in the Insurance industry.

In an industry that is male dominant. Women are underrepresented in senior leadership roles in most industries I feel. We are now starting to see significant improvement in gender diversity and breaking the glass ceiling but there is still room for improvement.

Every time I ponder this glass ceiling issue I can’t help but think about my own personal and professional journey over the past 20 years. The working –mother category with young children come with a myriad challenges and struggles. I’ve had to learn not to undervalue my talent and to own the power to lead and not be afraid to ask for more. Women in leadership roles are judged to a higher standard than males and are rewarded with less and work twice as hard for the same level of work often having to prove that you can lead.

Most people think that Insurance isn’t an overly exciting industry but I beg to differ, I am involved in a senior management role which is varied and

016

It’s not easy to hold down a demanding corporate role, and managing two kids, a husband…..Yes I said it ‘Managing my husband’, that is a task on its own…LOL. It’s all too easy to forget about yourself and giving yourself the much needed time and pampering that one deserves. It’s not looking good on the outside that’s important it’s the mana you have on the inside but hey who doesn’t want to look good so a special thank you to STUDIO81 for selecting me for the #LoveYourself campaign. From the moment I walked through the doors, Annalise, Jeff and Dorin made me feel so comfortable and special. Thank you for a fabulous experience and for pampering me.

I am lucky to have really good support around me, a supportive and encouraging husband, support of parents and in-laws when required, especially when I am travelling for business. When I really look at it I have a pretty wonderful life despite the tiredness of being overworked and lack of “me” time. I also have lots to be thankful for, and let’s not forget. ‘LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT’.

Satpreet Chandra

Hi my name is Anchal, I’ve been married to the most handsome man for 10 years, and we have two beautiful children. I just wanted to pass a message to all the beautiful new or old mummies out there that before you had kids you had your parents, hubby, friends and most importantly you, yourself and I. Keeping in mind that giving your selfless time and spending time with your hubby and friends is very important. I know we all love our children but having time out for yourselves is great for your relationship and also you’ll be happy person and you’ll be able to provide a happy environment for your child/ children. Trusting your hubby and allowing him to look after children is great which gives you some fun time with your girl friends.

I balance my life with my family and with my friends I get girls outing once a month which gives me some time to me. Allowing my hubby to spend quality time with the kids. My husband is very supportive and helps around the household. Also I have understood that taking time for each other is very important for happy relationship as we have date nights every now then as my best friend Teramira who helps me out baby sit and I know her from 12 years and when my mum is here from fiji helps out so me and hubby have a little time for ourselves.

Taking time out for yourselves and for your love life doesn’t mean you don’t love your kids, but everyone needs a break after all we all are humans. But yes keeping in mind that kids are safe and in good hands while u taking a break. So ladies out there get in touch with your girlfriends, make plans with you hubby, kids will be fine.

Anchal Kiran

I read about the LoveYourself campaign by STUDIO81 a few days after finding out that my partner of 8 years had been unfaithful to me with several women over the period of our relationship. Initially, I was absolutely devastated. I had started the relationship after coming out of a 27 year marriage & I felt that I had met my soul mate.

I had given my all during the relationship, bringing up his two sons & supporting him through various businesses & some health issues. I had neglected my own needs while attending to his. However, while I have no control over the choices he has made I have total control over my own reactions. I am a 55 year old professional woman with a good career & my focus now is on me. I have amazing female friends, a very supportive family & good health. I am open to what life has to offer & taking part in the LoveYourself campaign is the first step in this exciting new journey.

I absolutely loved the experience of being pampered today. The team at STUDIO81 made me feel so comfortable & at ease. The photo’s were amazing. I would encourage all women, especially those who are givers rather than takers, to give it a go. You deserve it!

Veronica Puriri 017

I am Parus, born and raised in Pakistan by my lovely parents in a well-educated family. Being an IT professional a got chance to explore the world as a global village and this thirst ended up in moving to this beautiful place Aotearoa NZ along with my sweetheart hubby and 2yr old daughter 5 years back.

I loved everything here my job, people around me, culture and natural beauty, but something was missing, and I was not feeling gratified. My health started to give me tough time, from a smooth sail my life became a bit of roller-coaster ride. Being in and out to hospital my family being my strength I have gone through a lot of things. In the meantime I got to know this all stress and issues had made me a depress person...I was in denial at first as I was living a perfect life, good job, loving family, friends and everything you need to live a perfect life.

Struggling with everything I started to listen to health professionals and started taking my happy pill and sessions with therapists with open mind. And that really helped me I was more happier and content.

Whatever was coming to me I have started taking it as a challenge rather than a burden or curse...this made me stronger day by day. And yes, my family and my friends played a vital role. I really want to urge people not to sit on symptoms and feel pity. Speak up take help and don’t feel shy. When I look myself in mirror I feel more confident and beautiful and I say these words from beautiful poem by Maya Angelou - Still I rise.

Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.

Thanks, STUDIO81 for giving me opportunity to express myself.

Parus Fazal 018

Putting my name forward for a campaign I saw on a sponsored ad via FB was never something I thought was going to amount to much, and I was totally shocked to have been chosen as a participant for the winter edition.

After leaving a very toxic and abusive relationship to my children’s father after 12years I was left broken and depressed with little to no self esteem and struggled daily with mental illness. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw a happy, strong woman who smiled no matter what, always wanting to make sure those around me were happy but could never match the feeling of happiness I portrayed with how I actually felt on the inside.

Being chosen to be apart of something like this was something so far out of my comfort zone my anxiety kicked in immediately and I became a nervous wreck! How would the shoot go?

How would I feel? Would I even be able to actually go though with it? What would I look like? How would the photos turn out? Would my awkwardness come though in the photos? I had a million questions, always looking for an excuse for an out as i was worried about the end result.

Tania Moana

Being a single mother to 3 beautiful children, 1 of whom is special needs while working full time, supporting all 3 kids with their sporting responsibilities (teams, trainings & games ect), stepping up to coach their sports teams, playing the role of Secretary to their winter Sporting Club until recently left little time for oneself and I always seemed to be doing something else, for someone else it was time to do something solely for me, to make me feel better about myself.

In the end, I’m not sure what I was worried about! The whole crew from beginning to end were awesome and I would like to thank Annalise & STUDIO81 for the amazing experience and opportunity to be apart of this campaign and giving me the chance to regain the confidence to finally #LoveMyself again.

When I replied to the offer and was accepted. I thought to myself and told other people “what have I got myself into?” Upon arrival I still felt uneasy. Annalise soon took care of that. She is a wonderful person to be around. Gave me confidence to go and do the session. Jeff was good, and Dorin was so good at showing the photos and helping me select the best ones. We pretty much had the same choice which made it easier. I had a great time. It’s made me feel feminine, and now I know that with the photos, I am not as old and haggard as I see myself.

Willis Robertson 019

Kia ora! My name is Kathleen and I’m 50 this Year!

Travelled Wildly!...!!? Don’t I mean Widely!? I had to give that some thought, and the former is probably as true as the later. I did set out without a planned course or plan of action; I just wanted to find experiences to replace the old. This took me to different countries, meeting different people from different walks of life, most of which were notably positive contacts. Some leading to mutually beneficial encounters, many remaining as greatly appreciated friendships, with a few that though I’m not able to see them regularly, are the source of where I draw my Kia Kaha (Inner Strength).

I’ve done a lot of time in cities, and never tire of the entertainment and culture readily available, but as they say ‘You can take the girl out of the country but you cant take the country out of the girl!’ I’ve left the bright lights behind me for this stretch of my life, and experiencing what New Zealand is renowned and internationally envied for: wide open spaces, and a clean green environment.

This of course is always held in the balance by Governing Environmental Departments that forget they are there to protect the environment, not jeopardise its ecology! #FighttheTipSavetheDome!

The recent Catastrophe of the devastated Fox River in the South Island is a brutal reminder of the fragility of our uniquely pristine environment, and the damage we cause it due to this consumable economy we generate.

I’m back in a rural environment creating ‘My’ Good Life! with two beautiful fur babies, Rangi and Tui..However what girl can resist a little Glamour in her life so I thank all the team at STUDIO81 for the opportunity for a little ‘Self Love’ and giving me a wonderful pampering experience.

Kathleen Smith

020

My name is Nikki. I’m 50 and I was a hard working wife and mum to a teenage son. My normal working day started with a 30 minute drive through heavy traffic to start work at 7am. My day would be busy with customers and LOTS of physical activity. Every second weekend I worked Saturdays as well.

On one particular Saturday, I wasn’t feeling well, but went to work. All of a sudden I felt very faint having to lie down on the office floor with a helping hand from a colleague. I came right after a little while and went back to my duties.

The rest of my weekend was uneventful.

Monday came round and while at work I felt unwell again so left work early. That afternoon I went to a previously booked doctors appointment for a general check up since a colleague had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

My doctor asked general health questions and decided I should have blood tests since I’d been feeling a little unwell. I had my tests at 4.45 that afternoon. At 11pm that same night, 17th September 2018, my life changed for ever. My doctor phoned saying I had suspected Leukaemia and there was an ambulance coming to take me to hospital. The next day after further blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy it was confirmed as Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a very aggressive form of blood cancer.

From that moment on I spent the next 35 days in hospital undergoing a barrage of tests, examinations, and starting chemotherapy. I then had two weeks at home before being readmitted to hospital for the second cycle of chemo. Unbeknownst to my amazing team of specialists the second cycle completely obliterated my bone marrow, so I was now needing to have a bone marrow transplant in order to save my life. I stayed in hospital for the next 115 days, being discharged early March 2019.

During my illness I suffered significant complications, lost 24 kilograms in weight, lost all my hair, I was unable to work and earn a living BUT I am alive and now cancer free thanks to my beautiful sister, Deb, who gave me her life saving bone marrow. I still have my beautiful family and friends around me, supporting me, helping me everyday. I have learnt a few things during my journey but most importantly is to value all the relationships you have and will make in the future because you have a future, and never to take anything for granted.

Nikki Reynolds

021

Love yourself. Wow, two humble words apart, but put together, what a powerful statement. It’s something that as a mum, sister, aunty, cousin, friend and wife, I encourage everyone to do, and to remember. Love yourself.

I can’t count how many times, I’ve given those little ‘pick you up’ talks, and reminded others to ‘love yourself’. Get to know yourself, your strengths, weaknesses and qualities. Love yourself. Identify what your purpose is, your place in the family, the house, the class, the team, the community etc… and embrace it. Love yourself. Support others when you can, and learn from everything, everyone around you. Love yourself. Never forget to take care of yourself, all of yourself, your mind, your body and your soul. Love yourself. Yup, I’ve made this speech so many, many times. And I’m very steadfast in my opinion, that they do it. Identify, embrace, value and LOVE YOURSELF. Like so many other women, I live a very full and busy life. I work full time as HR and Administration manager. I’m a mother of two. A grandmother of two beautiful full on little girls. I am a mother-inlaw. I love, encourage and support my husband, who will very soon, be totally changing his career, from 20+ years in IT to join the NZ defence force, which will involve a massive life change for us, a move to a very new part of NZ, new people, new house, new community, new super market, new everything! In the past thirteen months, we have been full time caregivers of two young children, entrusted to us, from Oranga Tamariki. I am number seven in a family of eight. I have twenty-one nieces and nephews and thirteen of them have children. I am one small piece of a large family. And I love them all.

Love yourself. Take time for yourself. Know yourself.

Funny, I am always too busy to do as I encourage others to do. When was the last time I had ‘me time’?

Honestly, I can’t even remember. But last week, I attended this photo shoot, part of The Love Yourself campaign. I was so very scared, and anxious. It was the first time, in many months, I had a few hours just for me. Was I being selfish? The staff were supportive and encouraging. They truly had to lead me through the whole day. Where to look, how to sit, stand, hold my head, place my hands. But in reflection, for me, the experience with them was priceless and enriching.

While viewing my images at the end, I was overcome with emotion and I even shed tears.

022

You know that saying, “life is not measured by the number of breathes we take, but by the moments that take our breath away’. This experience was one those moments.Love myself? I like to think I do. But I definitely know I should!

Manaaki Popata

My name is Vidhya, I am 30 and was born and raised in Portugal surrounded by my big family. Without a job, a house or any family and friends in Auckland, my husband and I decided to move 19,000 km away from home, only 2 weeks after our wedding in 2016. Our move to NZ was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. From starting life from zero, finding a house to settle in, numerous interviews and rejections due to lack of experience in NZ market, jumping job to job until finding the right one, to counting the days to go home and simply hugging our loved ones.

In the midst of fighting for a better future, I went down an unhealthy routine and lifestyle, working long hours, eating junk and not exercising, which transformed my mind and body and affected my general health. I was able to successfully get back on track after 3 years and this photoshoot was a celebration of that!

Thank you Annalise, Jeff and team, you have been absolutely amazing!

Vidhya Raithatha My name is Michelle Erasmus. I am a 47 year old mum of 2 now adult girls, 2 school aged boys, and nana to 2 precious granddaughters, of which the youngest has just turned 3 months old. This year we also reached a significant milestone and celebrated 25 years of marriage.

Besides being a wife, mum and nana, I also work part time from home as designer & dressmaker specialising in bridal and ball gown. I am always on the go and it is a discipline and juggle, balancing work from home, outside commitments and family.

I qualified in Fashion Design after completing my schooling in South Africa. Over the years I have always worked full time in a variety of industries (Customer Care, TV & Commercials Production, Clothing Wholesale & Supply, PA and Office Management). Arriving in New Zealand in 2003 with our 2 young girls ready to start our new lives here, I continued to work full time in the clothing industry until our 1st son was born.

Michelle Erasmus

After our 2nd son arrived, I made a lifestyle change and decided that working from home around our growing family would suit better. It allowed more flexibility, which recently allowed me to care full time for our new granddaughter for the first 6 weeks of her life. I naturally put my work and other commitments on hold during this time and yes, was happy to put my needs on hold too. Family first, that’s what matters most.

STUDIO81’s #Loveyourself Campaign provided a timely opportunity to have a day out of the busy schedules to do something different for myself. It was great to see how their friendly team worked their makeover magic on me with hair, make up and professional photography to produce some exciting results. This served as a good reminder, that in the midst of our crazy busy lives, we are the glue that holds our families together. As women in our varied roles we are often giving out so much of ourselves. It’s necessary and wise to put aside the time for some healthy self care and a spot of pampering, however that may look for you.

023

My name is Tiffany, and I’m 30 years old. I have 3 beautiful children: twins that are 5 years old, and a baby that is one and a half. Life is full on: work, study, rugby trainings, and God. I have been on a recovery journey for the last 3 years.

I have been in and out of rehabs in and out of court. I am coming up one year clean in the next month, giving up a 14 year long methamphetamine addiction. I have just completed a certificate in mental health and addiction, and secured myself a fulltime job with reintegrating female prisoners. I strive to empower other women going through the same struggles as I did.

Tiffany Shirtliff

I have come to a realisation that opportunities only knock once or twice for some of us, and I’ve been blessed to face my fears and get stuck in right or wrong. I’ve learnt being right is owning my wrongs and being wrong is not doing what’s right. Confused... I was for a while.

When I stepped out positively and honestly, I understood there is no right or wrong in my life, only what I perceive.

So, if everything I do with a positive loving open an honest heart, there’s no right or wrong. As a mother of 7 beautiful tamariki and 9 absolute angelic mokopuna, I know this is the key to strong relationships, strong friendships, and endless opportunities throughout the world and universe. I only wish my courage upon each an everyone of us that we may walk in the grace of God that we may forgive ourselves with love and let go welcome all that is good and true I am worthy I am strong I am beautiful and I am fearless.

Darlene Mooseman 024

Geetanjali: mother of two. Engineer by profession working as Product Manager in ICT industry. Life is sometimes fair and unfair at same time.

I was one corporate independent woman, and was over the moon about my pregnancy news. It was overwhelming emotionally, after 11 years of just having my daughter Grusha. We were trying for such long time after few failed IVF treatments and no results. Finally, we were able to rejoice, and thanked the Lord for blessing us. We made plans for the pregnancy and baby. And then one fine day while driving I met with an car accident and I was 3 months pregnant.

Frightening scary moment it was. I was rushed to the hospital, bad thoughts started to pour in. I wasn’t worried about my self but for my unborn child. Luckily, God is with us, and baby is fine. However I got injured in the spine and was bedridden. After that time, my focus changed to baby, not to myself. Whatever was needed to be done was for the wellbeing of the baby. My family, my husband, my daughter, my mother, my father, and even my dog along with my medical practitioners was so supportive during that tough time. They constantly reminded me of the end result and to keep up the good spirit. I could barely walk or do things for myself. But I followed my will power irrespective of the pain and restrictions, I would try to accomplish tasks. But then there would be days of extreme pain, and I was not able to accomplish anything. This lead to depressing behavior of feeling worthless.

Well after lot of complications and drama, my handsome boy was born.

I was delighted to see him cry for the first time, and that very moment, I felt so good that I am completely well. But the road ahead was not easy with newborn along with all the injuries. Life became difficult when I was not able to do petty little things for the baby and it was frustrating and I would often curse myself for my injuries and felt sad and would cry most of the days but my family and friends are major part in my journey as they supported me throughout. Life have given so many reasons not to Be positive but being a positive person I see positive in everything loving my self. I cherish and thank God for such a beautiful life by not letting anyone guess my situation. I am smiling through my rough patch.

Now I want to love myself. Right now my life is all about Giving, but I want to change this to all about Living. Eventually I broke this circle of disappointments and I do believe in “God help those who help themselves”. And with this realization I would start my day with positive feelings and thoughts for accomplishing little goals and tasks. I have started living one day at a time to overcome the fear of tommorow. And in all this I have started loving myself so that I could easily love others.

When I came across this campaign #loveyourself. It motivated me to love myself and be positive. STUDIO81 team is fantastic, they do make you loveyourself from hair and makeup to the photoshoot and selection of the art work. Thanks Heaps to the Team. I want to feel good to make others feel good. I can easily say I am loving my self now.

Geetanjali Vashisthw 025

I am a 41 year old mother of 2 primary aged girls, and a migrant from Canada. I went to university and got a degree, but I never really had much direction, never really got my career sorted. Having my kids is the best thing I ever did. The intensity of those baby and toddler years gave me a focus and passion that I hadn’t had in a long time, if ever.

When we moved to Auckland from Dunedin, I was pregnant with the oldest of our two girls. My husband is from South Otago. We knew people, but we didn’t have the kind of support network that is valuable to first time parents; grandparents, relatives, the kind of friends who will happily arrive unannounced and make tea in your kitchen while you laugh about what a train wreck you feel like after 3 hours of sleep all night. Once my youngest was in kindy, I started to get back to the gym.

I found that I had new strength in my body from the years of lifting my children up, and I enjoyed building on this new strength with exercise. Then I found my church community and worked on my spiritual health; I was surprised by how sadly lacking I was in this area. I started volunteering at a food bank, and that gave me confidence and purpose of a different kind. Finally last year, I started doing some extra work in film and tv; it’s fun and I feel like I’m helping people with their creative projects, which is fulfilling in its own way. After years of just being “mom” I feel multi-dimensional again.

I’ve always loved getting my hair and make-up done.

I love the feeling of someone fussing over me. I was feeling brave on the day of my STUDIO81 shoot and decided to go all out and say “yes” to all the extras.

Despite my small amount of experience in front of the camera, I was nervous by the time we got to that part. When I finally got to see the pictures in the viewing room, it wasn’t an easy experience. I love the creative process of photography and film, I don’t necessarily love seeing the results. I saw in these photos a version of myself that I had not seen before. I saw the intensity and strength I had garnered through motherhood, demonstrated in then tension held in my jaw, the breadth of my shoulders, the bulk of my arms. I gained a great deal of insight from this experience.

In those pictures I saw a woman on the edge, someone hanging on by the skin of her teeth, with a

026

perhaps a shade of desperation. Since that day I have been doing my level best to take it a bit easy, to stretch, lay off the weights and try to squeeze in a massage here and there. Other great ways to reduce tension that I like include pilates or yoga (the YMCA where I go has a good pilates class, and all their classes are included in the membership, so not extra charge), a bath with epsom salts (found cheap at the grocery store), and a nap before the kids get home (don’t forget to set an alarm)! I will conquer this mountain.

Johanna Grotenhuis

027

AMAZING YOU How would you like to be photograph?

9 Teed St, Newmarket, Auckland • 027 399 5225 • pr@studio81.co.nz • www.studio81.co.nz