Boudoir with Alopecia | Miss K’s Story
Before packing up our former boudoir studio that was located in downtown Nashville to move into our new, luxury boudoir studio in East Nashville, TN, Holly Douglas had one final client to photograph in that space. That person was Miss K., a woman with alopecia. Holly couldn’t have asked for a better send-off photoshoot in the old studio, as Miss K.’s story turned out to be one the most impactful that Holly has ever encountered in her decade as a professional boudoir photographer.
But, rather than tell you about the photoshoot from Holly’s perspective, we wanted Miss K. to tell you her story herself and, in her own words, describe what a boudoir experience with alopecia meant to her. Please enjoy.
Miss K.’s Story
“Since the age of seven I have struggled with alopecia and its level of severity has varied. Last September it had gotten so bad that I decided to shave my head, shortly after that my eyelashes fell out and I was left completely without hair. It was a very difficult decision to make and have since dealt with assumptions about my health, why would I, a woman, ever shave my head, and painful interactions with total strangers on the street. I have always had low self-esteem, and this made that so much worse. I have always wanted to do a Boudoir session and that event sealed the deal. I was finally ready to commit, and my nervousness be damned!
When I found Holly’s company I was so impressed with the quality of her work and the testimonials coming out of her sessions. Leading up to my session I was so nervous that I almost backed out but thankfully I have an amazing boyfriend who encouraged me to follow through, so I pulled up my bootstraps and went. Upon arriving at the studio, Holly immediately put me at ease. She is kind, welcoming, empathetic, a hell of a listener, and let’s be honest, a badass and beautiful human. She puts her heart and soul into these sessions and her excitement is contagious and tangible. She is your biggest cheer leader and your best friend. Holly makes you feel at home and brings out a side of you that you never thought existed.
We are our own worst critics and deep down I know we all struggle with accepting other people’s compliments. It doesn’t matter how many times you hear, “you are beautiful” or “I can’t believe you have low self-esteem”, it seems that we are wired to see the worst in ourselves. This experience with Holly has melted away so many years of self-hate and self-doubt, and I can honestly say that I am amazed at how silly I have been. So many years wasted doubting myself and doubting what others have said. I owe myself an apology and this wouldn’t have been possible without Holly. When those pictures started to appear on the screen, I couldn’t help but be in awe at who I am and who I have always been. As tears rolled down my cheeks, I felt a weight fall off my shoulders. Holly has a beautiful gift and is incredibly talented at what she does.”
“Please do not hesitate, do not walk towards this decision, RUN towards your decision of having Holly do a Boudoir session with you as the star! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL (or handsome) AND YOU DESERVE THIS! There are not enough words to express just how grateful I am to Holly and the peace that she has given me. Trust her and trust her process, you will not be disappointed! This is the most beautiful apology you can offer yourself, and I can’t wait to do another session!”
-Miss K
Thank you so much, Miss K. We truly appreciate you sharing your story with us, as well as your boudoir experience as a woman living with alopecia. You are an incredible, beautiful, and inspiring human being. - Holly Douglas & Co
