We recently connected with Latoya Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Latoya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m a former mechanical engineer turned boudoir photographer, sex doula, and feminine embodiment coach. My company, Greenville Boudoir exists today because I began a personal journey to radically loving and trusting myself. Coming from a very traditional world of engineering and manufacturing, I really lost myself inside of the company and its culture, trying to assimilate in order to survive. Whenever I got laid off from my position I had to re-discover who I was outside of a title, outside of the degree, outside of every constraint, label, and limitation. During my journey, I discovered boudoir photography and found that I really enjoyed photographing women intimately and helping them see the beauty within themselves. The results were instant, palpable, and touching. This led me into feminine embodiment coaching and now I support women in helping them remember who they are creatively through their images and also by spending time with them as they journey inward.

Latoya, 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?

In my work as a boudoir photographer and sex doula/coach I get to help women express their innermost desires–whether that’s through intimate imagery and by helping them awaken the fire within. I integrate that fully into my business to be able to lead and guide women to recognizing themselves in all their glory! Greenville Boudoir offers in-studio boudoir sessions, virtual boudoir session, coaching, and retreat experiences. What sets Greenville Boudoir apart from others is the we take an embodied approach to the art of photography. Instead of you posing in front of a camera as a performance, we support you in getting grounded and comfortable in your body, offering guided stretching and breathwork, giving you the space to articulate your needs and desires, and then settle into the most delicious feeling of sensuality and pleasure, all while being pampered and looking amazing!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In June 2023, I decided that I was going to retire from photography. I was really burnt out financially and emotionally from investing so much in my business without the expected return. That Summer, I closed my doors and joined a company owned by my college roommate. It was a decision that I made abruptly in a matter of months, nothing that I had dwelled on. That pivot, however, only lasted a few months and I found myself, once again, burnt out financially and emotionally. Something had to give.
After a few unsuccessful months of searching for a traditional job, I decided to reopen my doors to my boudoir photography studio and make a conscious effort to rebuild with sustainability in mind.
As soon as I announced my return, I had clients booking again, business as usual.
That pivot taught me that sometimes you just need a break, not to quit. I’m grateful that what I had already built gave me that gift.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is that my work is a reflection of my own experience. What I share with the world is simply my own inner world. I view this as rewarding because I’ve done so much work in getting to know myself very intimately. I’ve gotten to a place where I see my existence and my journey as beautiful–at every turn. The beauty that I share with the world is a mirror to what I see and feel within.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://greenvilleboudoir.co
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/greenvilleboudoir
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/greenvilleboudoir
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-dixon-smith/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greenvilleboudoir
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/greenville-boudoir-fountain-inn
• Other: Seductive Persona Quiz: http://greenvilleboudoir.co/quiz

Image Credits
All Photos: Greenville Boudoir