Author: Shannon Hemauer

No More Wait on the Weight “I’ve always wanted to do a boudoir session…” the shy woman with the radiant smile told me after I handed her my business card. I first noticed her while I stood in line for a coffee–it was her infectious laugh that had caught my attention and I wasn’t disappointed when I saw the owner to that laugh appeared to be in her late thirties and had so much joy coming from that twinkle in her eye. “I’ve always wanted to do one…” she said again and I waited for the but…. “But, I need to lose weight first.” I was afraid there was going to THAT “but”—it’s not the first time I’ve heard this and it won’t be the last. Hey, I get it—the thought of posing in sensual clothing can be intimidating to almost any woman. I responded to her as I’ve done in similar situations, “Have you ever looked back at pictures of yourself, say two years ago, and thought ‘What was I thinking? I don’t look fat!’?”  She replied with a simple head nod. I took a sip of my coffee so she could have a moment for my question to sink in. “So, looking back,” I continued on, “would you say now that you needed to lose weight?” I could see she was on the cusp of her A-Ha moment. It was her turn to take a sip of coffee. I went on, “I’ve been there, too. I think most women have. We see daily images of women with perfectly flat bellies and perky boobies, but the truth is, that’s not the majority of us. The reality is, we have more than we like around the middle, or a butt that we think is too big, or boobies that aren’t perky, but that’s OK, because these are

Where to Find Me on Social Media The Internet has provided small business owners like myself the ability to get the word out on our work, products, upcoming events, and with all of the social media platforms out there, the Internet has made it easy for you to keep up to date on such things. If you haven’t already, please start following me on any (or all) of the following ways: Blog (Click on the “Follow Me” tab found in the lower-right corner and enter your email address) G+1 Facebook Twitter Pintrest Until next time, Shannon Shannon Hemauer

Shed Some Inhibitions This coming Sunday I’m meeting Miss M. for her in-person consult and I asked her to fill out a client questionnaire that I created to help start the creative dialogue between us. Like many other wives, Miss M. decided to do a boudoir session as a surprise to her husband, and just like ALL of the women I’ve worked with, she is realizing this experience has surpassed just the need for images, but is about shedding inhibitions and just letting go. I loved one of her questionnaire answers and wanted to share with my followers. Is there anything else you want me to know? I’m very excited about this process and also quite nervous. At first I was just looking at the photo shoot as the means to the end (getting the photos), but then I started realizing that it is an opportunity for me to let go, have fun, and shed some inhibitions. I like your way of helping your clients get prepared and I’m looking forward to the process. Looking at our shared Pintrest inspiration board, I can already see the evolution she’s going through, with her first few pins being of women covered by sheets or sheer fabric with a flirty essence to them, to the most recent images of women gracefully topless who command the viewer’s attention not in a pornagraphic way but because they are a woman who should be seen. I believe Miss M. is a combination of both and I cannot wait for her in-person consult so we can talk at length on all of this, strengthen our game plan, and rock her session next month. Until next time, Shannon Shannon Hemauer

OK. OK. I know you can apply your own makeup, but having a professional makeup artist apply your makeup for your boudoir or glamour session just makes sense—their understanding of how to highlight cheeks to slim a face, make eyes pop, and find that perfect shade of lipstick for your skin tone takes the guess work out of the equation for you, not to mention their high-quality products they use have staying power to endure the session. Plus, they know how to put on false eyelashes, which in my opinion, takes that sensual factor to a new level. If you know me, you know I love helping others succeed in life and because of this, I want to help get the word out on the vendors I work with who I personally feel are a true gem. To start out the Vendor Interview Series will be professional makeup artist Nath Mau. I had the pleasure of working with Nath (pronounced “Not”) on a session I did in May—not only is Nath a sweetheart, but damn, did she make Kelly Belle look flawless. Nath doesn’t just do boudoir makeup, but bridal, waterproof tattoo cover up, Halloween/costume makeup, body painting, and special FX. This chic knows her stuff and has the portfolio to prove it. Let me help you get the word out about what you do—what is your business website, Facebook page, G+1, Twitter, etc.  My website is NathMao.com and if you like my work you can like me on my Facebook page.   What is the best way for people to get a hold of you?  The best way to reach me is through email vanity@nathmao.com. Unfortunately, people don’t get married everyday so I still have my full-time job during the week.  It’s much easier and faster for me to email than to make a

My New Logo is Complete! I present to you my new logo!   I love it! I worked with the professional graphic design team Amy Mummert and her man Brandon (Whose last name I’ve never been told nor could I find it listed on her Facebook page. He must rank up there in the graphic design world like Cher does in the music industry, where a first name will do. “Who did your logo? Brandon! Cool. He, like, rocks.”) Anyway, I emailed the duo Amy and Brandon my crude drawings explaining what I was looking for—a shapely women in my chosen color…a few days later they sent me a few design samples, we tweaked a bit, and I was soon the proud owner of my own logo. A sincere thank you to Amy and Brandon for their time—I can now order business cards! Until then, Shannon Shannon Hemauer