We were lucky to catch up with Olesha Haskett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Olesha, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind my mission started in 2019 when I realized that in a group of over 9,000 boudoir photographers I could barely find Black boudoir photographers. I could also barely find examples of Black womxn in the images that were placed in the group by photographers. There were also no Black educators on the paid platform side of the group.

Olesha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Olesha Haskett and I am an international boudoir photographer with a studio in Maryland. My boudoir photography business caters to Black womxn who are ready to honor and love their body as it is now. In July 2019 I started Boudoir For Black Womxn on Instagram. A platform to celebrate all black womxn and the Black boudoir photographers who capture them. Since 2019 we have expanded into an online directory, Pinterest page, private Facebook group, and domestic and international workshops. Boudoir for Black Womxn is a way for Black womxn to be inspired, feel beautiful, and take ownership of their sensuality.

I am most proud of creating a safe space for us and about us. Black womxn’s bodies have always been policed by society, the government, and the Black church. Our platform is a revolutionary act letting Black womxn know however they show up is beautiful. Just showing up is enough and doing a boudoir experience for yourself is an act of self-love. Also creating the space for Black boudoir educators and speakers to showcase their knowledge.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When the Instagram page was started, I believe I had only my images and I remember putting feelers out for other Black photographers. Some of the work that was received did not make sense for our brand to celebrate Black womxn. I realized the issue was not the person, but explaining the vision and brand. Writing it down and allowing others to give constructive feedback. From there a video was created that gave information on what the page was about and what images we were interested in showcasing. From there it was easier to pick images that matched our brand because we had the criteria.

Understanding your messaging and story is of the utmost importance. Who are you? People do not buy products or services, they buy how it makes them feel.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

When building a team, pick people that have a skill set you aren’t strong in and who believe in your mission. You want to manage people in a way that allows for creativity, critique, and direct communication. Understand that everyone communicates and processes differently. Many times you have to meet the person where they are and that’s okay. This leads to high morale because your team will understand you care about their needs.

Also, find out more about who your team is outside of work. I am not saying you have to be best friends but know the basic things. Are they married, have children, etc. Check-in and ask how is the family doing. If you remember names even better. We all want to be treated with kindness and respect at a minimum.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.BOUDOIRFORBLACKWOMEN.COM
• Instagram: @boudoirforblackwomxn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMd8evU9GCr94n137BvFBjg

Image Credits
Celeste Patrice Boudoir – Headshot Ohexperience Boudoir Photography – Workshop images