#supermum 2017
Credit to www.vectoropenstock.com for vector graphics 02
“Excited and anxious when the message was received for the photoshoot as a participant were my first reactions. Wow!! Something totally different and entering into another dimension so to speak. I made the decision “just do it” and then everything fell into place from there. The date came next and I had to change it because of another committment, I recieved another date and accepted it, didn’t realise it was in 2 days time or probably less than that actually. Panic stations, I just agreed to a photo shoot and had no idea what to do.....first things first, text my daughter to see if she was free on the day of the photoshoot, and then all the questions came in from her.....long story short, sent the email, agreed to do it and it just progressed from there. We were greeted by the most enthusiastic and vibrant Annalise who made us both feel at home and really set the tone from there. Everything happened so fast and before you knew it, we were all done. Makeup was very new to me as I don’t wear any and the eyelashes made me feel like daisy, fluttering those eyelashes about, but what did I expect when I try something new. The photo shoot was very cool and probably weird at the same time for a newbie like me but the experience was great. Before I went in, lovely Annalise said if you are nervous or just want to talk to me just come and get me. Such a wonderful young woman to have when you need that extra boost. My daughter was very impressed and enjoyed her day which was event free from start to finish and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. My thanks to all the STUDIO81 team for your professional work and all the friendly staff.”
Lillian Pompey Autumn Edition #1 03
04
“I am a mum of 3 beautiful children, a gorgeous son with a great sense of humour and 2 beautiful teenage daughters. I was married for 16 years, got divorced and have been on my own for the past 6 years. As a mum, your children’s needs always come first, and often there is little time to spend pampering yourself, even more so if you’re a single parent. I hardly wear make up, am pretty much a plain Jane and prefer to blend into the crowd. I saw the #Supermum campaign post on Facebook and thought “Why the hell not, take a chance for once”. I was so excited, and terrified at the same time, when I received the confirmation to be part of a makeover and photo shoot. The team at STUDIO81 were amazing. We had some good laughs during the makeup session and by the time the photo shoot started I was quite relaxed and had so much fun doing it. I also couldn’t believe that I could look that good at my age and by the end of the day I felt like I could take on the world. Thank you STUDIO81 for running the campaign, for making me look and feel beautiful, and for the amazing fun day.”
Vanessa Fenn
05
“I was lucky enough to be picked for #SUPERMUM Campaign with STUDIO81. I entered it because when I came across the post about being a busy mum, a wife and career lady I thought to myself hell yes this is me so I read on. The thought of being pampered and not having to worry about my outside life and only have to worry about me sounded fab! I’ve always wanted to do a photoshoot but I’m quite camera shy so entering this was a little outside of my comfort zone! When I arrived at the studio, Annalise knew my name soon as I entered the door and we chatted during hair and make up as though we were old friends. The photoshoot was interesting as the photographer directed me to wear different pieces of clothing I had brought along and directed me to stand in different positions I couldn’t wait to see the final result! The photos I loved I forgot how I looked out of everyday mum clothes and my hair not in a messy bun and no make up. Thank you STUDIO81 for taking me away from my everyday life of being a busy mum, wife and business owner.”
Allanah Gamble
06
“When I saw an oppertunity to do something for myself with STUDIO81 post on Facebook about “supermums” I took a chance. I am so glad that I did as I put myself on the back burner all of the time, I don’t do a lot for myself but I do a lot for others, I put others first before me. There are so many reasons why I decided to have a makeover and photoshoot. Our famy has had a rough couple of years we lost three of our family members, while I was pregnant each time, and one of those special people was my mum. I am a mum who works full time, full time study, a taxi driver for the children, nurse, etc. My husband also works full time (shift work), and does dialysis three times a week for five hours each treatment (waiting for a kidney transplant). Everyone at the studio was so welcoming. The makeover and photoshoot was something for me to have time to myself something for me for a couple of hours. Annalise made me feel beautiful being the strong woman that I didn’t know that I was. She listened to my story and shared her experiences with me which put me at ease and relaxed me even further. Jeff made me feel at ease and guided me through the process, which was in a calm environment. After the shoot was finished and had a bit of down time, I was called in to see the photos, I had a little tear as I thought that the person in the photo wasn’t me and I looked like a whole new different person. The whole experience made me feel like I am and will always be a SUPERMUM. “
Natalie Heberley 07
“It was a great opportunity having me in your studio, with wonderful people who brought positive vibes in every heart of a desperate, tired and almost forgotten mums. The photoshoot flares up my confidence and value of not just a mum, but the worth of being a woman. The privilege of what the campaign can do boost the inner me. Good job STUDIO81 in bringing out the best in me.”
Zen Chua
“My name is Leila Van Groenewoud, I am 33 years old. My husband Mark and I have 5 beautiful children together: Myah 12 years old, Draeden 11 years old, Maddix and Daiton 7 years, and Lainey 5 years old. I love beaches, horses and sports. I coach and play netball which I really enjoy. 08
“I’m a mum to 2 small kids - 2 and 3 years old. It is such a wonderful experience being a mother but the busyness of this full time, 24/7 role, means that for me, I had forgotten who I was. The lack of sleep and the constant ‘being needed’ is exhausting and I haven’t had time to even think about what I want. So as you imagine, the STUDIO81 #supermum campaign was a chance for an entire morning to be completely about me. To have my hair and makeup done absolutely beautifully while having adult conversations and then to look in the mirror and think WOW! for the first time in a long time. The whole experience was wonderful, thanks to the amazing staff. It’s so important to remember that we are more than just mothers (and the huge list that entails) and that we are also still us hiding somewhere underneath.”
Ange Luatua
It was so lovely to come into STUDIO81 and be treated to a make over and photo shoot. The staff were all really lovely and professional and Jeff the photographer helped me feel happy and comfortable in my photoshoot. I was feeling really nervous before I came as I had not done anything like this before, but upon arrival, the lovely Annalise welcomed me with her beautiful smile and made me feel much more relaxed lol. I also liked that
they made it easy for me in regards to choosing my outfits. The photos that the photographer produced were amazing; they made me feel beautiful. I would recommend any Mums to take the time for themselves and enjoy a day like I had. It’s hard being a Mum! It’s busy, stressful and we have so many people to be responsible for, and sometimes you have to make some social time for yourself.”
Leila Van Groenewoud
09
”I am a single mum to two very active teenagers who are also my best friends. I have just turned 40 and work full time as an Account Manager whilst studying a National Certificate In Business. Along with the kids, I try and keep active playing Touch, Netball and going to the gym. I was so excited getting the opportunity to do the #supermum campaign as I don’t get a lot of ‘me time’ so it was amazing to be able to devote an afternoon to me. I throughly loved the experience. From being pampered by the lovely hair and make up team, the relaxed photo shoot and the viewing session everyone was so friendly and made me feel relaxed and right at home!”
Jolene Edwards
010
“On May 19th 2015, we received news that any parent would dread, “Your daughter has cancer”. Needless to say our whole world was turned upside down. From that day, everything was a complete whirlwind. I had to give up my job, which was hard going down to one income. I’ve lost count of all the hospital appointments, ED visits and the sleepless nights we’ve all had, but have our courageous little girls beads of courage which are a bittersweet reminder of everything our then 2 year old has endured. Our Warrior Princess finishes treatment in July and is my hero! I’m so happy I got to be a part of the #supermum campaign, the last time I got pampered with gorgeous hair and make up was well before our journey took a rocky path. I felt semi human again for a few hours haha. I had so much fun and the photos are fab!!”
Bianca Tregurtha
“I am an immigrant. I came from Brazil, where I was born and became a mother at age 32. I was always very proud, but I saw my femininity disappear between breastfeeding, diaper changes and obligations that motherhood brought. Invariably, these changes have affected my self-esteem. During and after my photoshoot experience, I realized I am still a woman even being a mum, but much more than that. Those moments through the camera showed me I am still a beautiful and a colorful woman. Thanks for bringing me back to myself.”
Andrea Avezedo
011
“Supermum? Seems more like “Forgotten Mum” most days! Running around doing ALL that’s needed and putting me on the back burner. Still feel sexy, but my mirror isn’t telling me so! With a house full of teen boys and I’m working full time running my construction company, it feels like I’m just one of the blokes all the time. I’ve never had a photo shoot, or a makeover, let alone false eyelashes haha! The STUDIO81 team made me feel comfortable and it was a funny and awesome experience. And the photo results were AMAZING! It was really hard to narrow down my favorites! Thank you to all of you for a really great session that left me feeling like a sexy woman again.”
Karen Body
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“I was one of the lucky women picked to be part of the #SuperMum campaign. Having extremely low self-esteem, putting myself in a situation where I am the centre of attention is something I would avoid doing at all costs! But something about the caption “Are You The Forgotten Mum” stuck with me! And I started to think, that’s all I am, a mum, that’s all I do! Between raising two beautiful children and working as a tutor, there’s not really much else about me. And I know a lot of women who feel the same way! But the reality is, there’s so much more to us than just mums! And sometimes we need to be reminded of that, so I thought what a great way to get women appreciating themselves again, through this campaign! It took a lot of courage to put myself out there but I am so grateful I did! Annalise was AMAZING from the first phone call to the final lipstick touch up, she was reassuring and warm which helped with the nerves! The photo shoot itself... WOW! I was so nervous and self conscious going into it but once we got going... I felt... pretty! I felt beautiful! I haven’t felt like that in a very long time! The whole experience was so empowering, I encourage everybody to try it once in their lifetime and I can’t wait to come back with my children and do it all again!”
Tania Matthews 013
”I would like to take this opportunity to thank my daughter Terina Welsh for nominating me for the #Supermum campaign!! I am a solo parent of 3 children now adults who have been a blessings since day one. I became a mum at a very young age of 19 but that’s when my life changed forever. Thank you STUDIO81 for this awesome opportunity to reflect back to where it all started from and for helping me to appreciate being a Mum and Nanny to 5 soon to be 6 grandchildren that I love and adore with all my heart. The whole process from the first email to actually coming in for the makeover and photoshoot was such a welcoming experience. Thank you Annalise for breaking the ice, you are full of life and a special taonga for our people. Jeff for making me feel very comfortable looking at the camera, very gifted humble man, sorry about the gum. Last but not least the lovely lady, Dorin who took me to watch the slideshow of myself; you wowed me. I couldn’t help but feel at home, we had a good laugh as well thank you lovely Dorin. Memories made today that I will cherish with my whanau. Thank-you STUDIO81 uz ROCK!!!”
Harriet Hohepa
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“I am not one of those people who go for manis and pedis or one to wear make-up regularly, so I saw this as an opportunity to spoil myself and also to explore the unknown as this is the first time I’ve ever had a professional photoshoot done on me (alone) personally. I am mum to 3 beautiful children (16, 12 & 11) who lead very busy lives and are involved in various extra mural activities from ultimate Frisbee, hockey, music lessons, netball, basketball to netball coaching (which I also do) and wife to a wonderful, loving husband who works very hard for our family as well. Amongst other things, I also manage a pay it forward initiative from home by trying to help others who don’t have much get back on their feet through gifting of clothing, furniture, food etc. I do this through the grapevine as it is more about helping where I can and trying to make a difference for others. Above all of this, I also work a part-time job (working full time hours!) and do life coaching with individuals who are at a crossroads in their lives and help them navigate the ‘storm’ which has lead them to uncertainty. When I arrived at STUDIO81, I was very nervous and self-conscious about my appearance. Annalise and Shagun made me feel (and look) like a million dollars. It was so great to sit back and relax in the comfort of their studio and their wonderful company without a care in the world. I was very nervous with the photographer, but soon realised that under his guidance and direction, it was going to be fine. When Kirsten sat with me to go through the images which were taken, I was SHOCKED (to say the least) that someone as plain Jane as myself could be made to look like this! I know this sounds vain, but I ABSOLUTELY fell in love with myself and was extremely emotional at the same time of the viewing because I honestly did not think that I could look like that in front of a camera (without PhotoShop). Never in my wildest dreams did I think this could be accomplished with plain old me. When I got home and my husband saw me … well let’s just say that he couldn’t stop looking at me, giving me little kisses and needless to say, I hit the World Cup Final … LOL. Thank you STUDIO81 for making me look so beautiful. I am truly humbled by the experience and grateful for the opportunity.”
Bernadette West
015
“My name
is Romina, I’m Argentinian, 43 years old and I have been living in New Zealand for the last 18 years! I have 2 children who are teenagers now (as I started quite young) and I have a small beauty therapy business from home where I make everybody feel great and look beautiful. Of course, I’m the last one in the list of priorities when it comes to do something for myself, it never happens! Also 9 years ago, I lost 20kg and I decided to go home to Argentina to have a tummy tuck, it was such an amazing transformation that I decided to open my own business giving New Zealanders the opportunity to also go there and make their dreams a reality! I’m a a busy lady, but I love every bit of it! For me this was the ultimate treat, and it really made me feel SUPER special, super sexy and beautiful inside out! it was so much fun! Thank you so much STUDIO81!”
Romina Liley
016
“Kia ora I wish to say thank you to you all at STUDIO81 for the experience it made me feel so special and I enjoyed every moment that I was still in a state of mind that...is this real... is this really happening right now.....oh and to top it off looking at the photos that kind of brought a happy tear to my eye... anyway thank u....”
Cylena Witeri “Psalm 139:14 “How God made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise Him for that. What He has done is wonderful. I know that very well.” This verse has carried me through a major health battle and the STUDIO81 #supermum campaign just gave me an extra lift to feel like a supermodel for the day - shining that beauty within!”
Roz Tuitama
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“I can still see the surprise in Jeff the photographers eyes when he saw on the costume rack a wool pack, and chainsaw. I was more comfortable in front of the camera than I could have ever imagined. He captured everything I asked him to. When he threw my husband’s Hat on the Chainsaw he captured a moment for us forever. When I arrived in Newmarket I was a mess. I was overworked, underpaid, tired, hungry and ugly. I work in hydrologic oil and mud so my hands were not manicured. Nor was my hair.I didn’t have time to wash the residue of concrete off my steel caps and I had no back up plan. Eyes red from crying I was ready to cancel and drive home. But as soon as I walked through the door all the weight of the world was lifted and I was laughing in seconds. Annalise made me feel so welcome. I loved the pampering over my hair, makeup and conversation. You helped me to feel ‘Beautiful in a wool pack and red bands.’ Thank You so much STUDIO81. I loved the photos. I will definitely come back.”
Rachel Mason
“As a mother of 5, and a grandmother to 1 gorgeous girl ... I have thought to myself “if there was anything in this world that I would want to pass on to my tamariki it would be to know how to be resilient, how to cope with life situations and to never give up on Life! Live life! Love life! And remember to Laugh!! Cultural integrity and the awareness of oneself is a big part of my whānau ... it is this knowledge that has helped my tamariki to navigate through some challenging times. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be apart of the ‘SuperMum’ campaign .. it’s allowed me to express myself in a way I could of only imagined. So... professional photo shoot ticked off the ‘bucket list!’ .. lol I am Desire’e Andrews(Anduz’e) 47yrs! LOVING LIFE!”
Desire’e Anduze
“I am only 33yrs old but have been a Mum for over 14yrs! My husband and I had our first baby at 19yrs old it made us grow up very quickly as we were determined to do it by ourselves, we went on to have 2 more children! With no help from the government we bought our first home at the age of 23, although we had our first baby before we planned we didn’t want to be stuck in a rental and we didn’t want to rely on the government for help! So with a mortgage and 3 kids at a young age we never had a lot of money! I never really get anything for myself so it was such a lovely experience getting pampered for a day! It was incredibly relaxing and I felt like ME!!!! Thank you. STUDIO81”
Jen McKay
“This super mum is a full-time coastal scientist, a part time PhD student and a solo parent to a vibrant 3-year old. Motherhood has been the biggest challenge of my life. Challenged in that from being entirely self-centrered I went to having no time for myself; challenged in that having always been career-focused, I had to put my education and career on hold because a little person needed me more; challnged even now because I feel guilty for wanting to refocus on my career and finish my education because it means giving less of myself to her; and moreover challenged because the mummy-tummy refuses to go away! 020
“I had many role models as I was growing up but never the love and support from my own mother. My nan raised me but when it was time for me to be a mum, I was completely alone. I made many mistakes and also made decisions that were for the best for my children at the time. Adopted my 1st child out, my 2nd was taken off me by my uncle, and later had 2 more. I was on a solo parent benifit with the 3 youngest. It wasn’t a lot, but as long as there was a roof over our heads, bills were paid, clothed and food we were ok. Our burgers, fish n chips etc I made at home. I sewed their clothes and we were happy. As a mum, you are required to budget, cook amazing meals with minimum ingredients, clean, nurture the sick as well as yourself, drive your family to everywhere, make sure you have money in the bank for emergencies, support and encourage when required and teaching your children right and wrong and the basics from very young such as how to hold a bottle. It amazes me how so many of us mums, when we do return to work are asked for certified qualifications. They should be asking us how much would we like them to pay us. We are already more than qualified.”
Alice Faulker
STUDIO81’s supermum challenge was a beautiful experience for me. The friendly girls made me look and feel gorgeous and the final results were amazing. They have inspired me to want to continue to look this good and be all that I can be. To all the mums out there you are already “super”. Super-beautiful, super-amazing, and super-capable. As my little one said recently: “Mummy, you are my queen majesty.” #beabeautifulnerd
Ashishika Sharma 021
“So my name is Mele and I am a 35 years old mother of 2 beautiful kids. My son is 5 and daughter is 3. I am a busy mum with kids in school and husband working. I walk them to kindy and school in the morning, then pick up my daughter at 12:30 and son at 3. In between I get to divide up my time for house chores and making lunch etc. With that I hardly have time for myself and that’s why when I saw the article for the Supermum campaign, I thought that would be nice. I like what I saw in STUDIO81 previous photoshoot, and yeah I want to be fabulous like that even if its just for a day. And I got my wish. As soon as I enter the studio I was welcomed by a friendly happy chappy lady who cheered me up and made me feel at home. It was like I knew them all my life and they not only made me look like a celebrity, or at least that’s how I felt hahaha, but they treat me not just a client but a friend. I can’t wait to see my photos to show my family and show it off lol. Thank you all staffs at the studio for making my day and for a wonderful experience. Keep up the great work and wish you all the very best. Cheers!”
Mele Nulesi
“I would like to thank everyone for a fantastic day. From the moment I arrived, the warm welcome, the way that you all put me at ease. This was way out of my comfort zone so thank you so much. My daughter won a sitting and I said that it would be so nice to do something like that. She applied on my behalf and when I got the message that I had been picked, well the butterflies certainly landed in my stomach. Having my hair and makeup done was a new experience for me, thank you for the “new me” I leaked a few water drops from my eyes when I looked in the mirror. Chloe, I said that I hated you for making me smile but seeing the end result thank you. So many shots to see and then deciding what ones to take was hard but I’m so happy with the ones that I am now bringing home are fantastic. STUDIO81, thank you for a memorable experience.” 022
Robyn Matthews
“My name is Carrida Blennerhassett, and I am 32 years old with a beautiful little girl who has just turned 5. I call her my angel who saved me from myself because I was heading down a pretty dark path before having her, she basically rescued me. My life is now all about her, my partner, work, study and taking care of business at my home. Somewhere in amongst life, I have managed to lose myself, and have stopped doing things to make myself feel good about me and make me happy. Don’t get me wrong, I love my daughter and my partner and life, but somewhere somehow, I have managed to loose myself quite a bit. When I saw that STUDIO81 was doing a #Supermum campaign, I thought ‘Why not? I’m sure I deserve some pampering and some time out to myself.’ It was one of the best decisions I have made to put my name forward for this campaign and I am very thankful to have been picked for it. Even though it was only a few hours away from my day-to-day life, the team at STUDIO81 made me feel amazing and made me remember that I am not just a mum and someones partner,
Carrida Blennerhassett
I am me, a beautiful, strong wahine in so many different ways. We all need to remember to do something special for ourselves so as that we can be the best we can be for ourselves and for our beautiful families.”
“So I’m 33, engaged and mother of 1 (just turned 13). I have a chronic illness and live most days in pain (endometriosis) it’s hard and so tiring. I work part time as a merchandising rep. I have never had a photo shoot done and this was a dream come true for me, to step out of my comfort zone, with a little pampering it just might make me feel human just for a day. The whole team made me feel at ease and I looked absolutely stunning with my hair and makeup. The photographer made me feel confident and sexy, although some of the poses I wasn’t sure about. Sometimes in the mix of it all we do forget to take care of ourselves, I have to now or I’d be a complete mess. This is my first professional photography shoot, I was so nervous but also excited at the same time. Having lost 53kg in my 3 years journey to better health and learning to accept my “mum” body, and all the scars from my surgeries and excess skin, I’m much more comfortable than I ever was. And then sitting down viewing the photos and seeing them all were just so amazing. I couldn’t believe the person I was looking at was me. I truely am a sexy lady. This whole experience was totally fun, and I throughly enjoyed myself. I will definitely be back for more pics in the future.”
Ali Richards
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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