We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Suarez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I have worked on in my career as a photographer has been, without a doubt, the 40 Over 40 Project.

This special photography series was inspired by hearing how women over 40 represent over 35% of the population, but they are extremely underrepresented in media. I started this project with one goal in mind: to start a conversation about the beauty of aging and our own individual life experience. This series transformed the way women are viewed in society by putting out beautiful, authentic images and real stories of forty women over 40.

Each participant in this series said “yes” to being vulnerable, exposed, raw and authentic as they shared their story and photograph with the world. To challenge the perspective they have of themselves and shattering societal standards by going full force into the beauty of what it means to be a woman who is forty or older. To say they are worthy, they are enough, and they deserve to be celebrated as they are today.

There are so many unnecessary standards that we hold ourselves to, and for what? Because a magazine says so? Because social media says so? Because you’ve been told so by somebody else? I started this to change that: starting here at home and hoping to extend out to the world.

Crafting this campaign for over a year and a half has taught me many things along the way. Having the amazing opportunity to work with these 40 fabulous ladies has been nothing short of an honor. Their vulnerability, participation, and realness have shifted my perspective on beauty, aging, and societal standards. I have no doubt it has done the same for others, and will continue to do so for years to come as they are inspired by the stories in the 40 Over 40 Magazine.

Stephanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Stephanie Suarez. I am the creator of Stephanie Suarez Boudoir, and a proud photographer. Over seven years ago, my passion of photography brought me on a mission to have every woman who walks into my studio leave knowing her tremendous worth, dazzling beauty, and inner strength. After beginning with photographing events and primarily portraits, my craft is now focused on the art of boudoir and utilizing my art to transform the way that women see themselves.

My passion is to take the everyday woman and give her an unforgettable celebrity-style, magazine photoshoot experience. We have a consultation to discuss your DREAM photoshoot, and create a plan to bring it to life. Every detail is tailored to you: wardrobe styling, professional hair and makeup, the photoshoot, coaching for expression and body language, set design, lunch for the day, professional retouching, and the final artwork you will cherish for years to come.

I offer a luxury photoshoot experience that carries on long past the day of the session. With artwork of yourself to last a lifetime, step-by-step consultations and planning, wardrobe and makeup, and memories that you’ll treasure forever, my goal is simple: I am here to help you see and embrace your inner and outer beauty.

From your first call of curiosity to when your final products arrive, I am here to support and uplift you each and every moment along the way, because that is the Queen treatment that you deserve.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the moment my work pays off. The truth is, boudoir photography is about so much more than taking sexy photos of women. It is a deep, profound experience that can be life-changing for those who decide to step outside of their comfort zone and embark on this journey of self-love.

Being a photographer, I am lucky to be able to witness the moment that a client looks into the images on the back of my camera. In that moment, they realize that they are beautiful, worthy, strong, and deserving of all the love and adoration that the world could ever have to offer. They see they didn’t need any editing, to lose that weight they were worried about, and don’t hate a photo for the first time in a while. They see themselves in a way they never have before, and perhaps get a glimpse of what we all see inside and love about them.

Through the photoshoot process, I have the privilege to connect with so many incredible women, hear their stories, and transform the way they view themselves. Afterwards, I love keeping in touch and hearing about the positive changes in their lives as a result of their newfound confidence, positive outlook, and rekindled inner strength.

The trust my clients place in me as I walk alongside them on this journey honestly means more to me than I could ever even begin to put into words. It makes everything – all of the late nights, long hours, tedious moments, and all of the in-between – so beyond worth it. I also can’t forget to mention, it is so much fun!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

While boudoir photoshoots are a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list item for some people, we have many clients who return 1-2 times a year because they love the experience! Whether you do 1 or 10 sessions at my studio, you will have a unique experience and artwork each time. That is truly what keeps people coming back for more.

I love to keep in touch with all of our amazing clients, and have a few ways of doing this.

We have an email list that receives email blasts with promotions, blogs, announcements, and more. Our social media platforms are Facebook, Instagram, and Google My Business. We post fun reels on Instagram with behind-the-scenes, and have a ton of information in the Highlights section. The real party in is our VIP Facebook Group!

Any woman 18 or older who wants to meet an incredible group of wonderful women is invited to join! We welcome anyone who wants to have some fun and get away from the negativity of everyday life or social media. We play games, host monthly giveaways, drop sneak peeks and never before seen content, and so much more. You should join in on the fun!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stephaniesuarezboudoir.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniesuarezboudoir
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniesuarezboudie
• Other: Facebook VIP Group: www.facebook.com/groups/stephaniesuarezboudoir

Image Credits
Hair and Makeup Artist: Vanessa Williams with Lipstick Madison Models: Sabrina Banks and Jamie Ray Headshot Photographer: Dannielle Judd Photography