This gorgeous woman is Mindy. I have know her for years now as she has been my hairdresser since I moved to Whidbey Island. Aside from having the connection most women get with their stylist she has been one of my biggest cheerleaders and I couldn’t be more appreciative of her. I have wanted to photograph this beautiful being for years and when she booked her full glamour session with me I was ecstatic!
Here is a tidbit about Mindy to know just a little about her…
Well I grew up in Hoquiam Washington went to beauty school and had done hair for about 20 years.. I’m a single mom and raising an amazing 13 year old son who is doing well considering things he has gone through as well as myself.. Almost 2 years ago I decided to up change my life some. I work in downtown Seattle now at a law firm, I’m a legal assistant and working for a really awesome boss and attorney. I enjoy working during the week and being able to come home and be home on the weekends with my son. Who knew at 40 years old I would be happy doing something completely different than what I set out to do?
Mindy from Shonda Hilton on Vimeo.
After Mindy’s viewing session she emailed me this and I simply started crying when I read it. This is the reason I love to photograph women… My passion is to make all feel like this….
“I really just want to thank you miss Shonda for what you have done for me, I was so nervous about having my pictures done and seeing what they look like thinking oh my god am I gonna look fat. But instead sitting with you and looking at the pictures and how I was feeling on the day of the shoot even shocked myself. The comfort and the support you guys show is awesome, I had come to not really care about what people say or think anymore. I am beautiful and sexy being the size I am and I don’t care anymore about fitting into a certain size. I like food and I will diet on my own terms if I so feel like it. Your shoot made me realize that I’m important and I need to take care of myself and that I am pretty.
I’m just so used to size being everything and it’s not, people can take me as I am or don’t take me. You made me feel beautiful and I very grateful for that, I’ve had some tough things in my life and looking at those pictures I just fell in love with them all. I now can see how truly beautiful I am, you helped me realize that. Sometimes you know you are and sometimes you just don’t feel that way but I see in those photos a strong independent woman who can do anything.
Thank you so much Shonda for everything, I couldn’t have done this without you. I am so proud of the artist you have become and so excited to see where you are going. You are amazing!!!”
