In her own words

True Beauty- True beauty is loving yourself and the skin you are in. It is finding joy in the person you are and allowing yourself to be happy. True beauty is the kindness that shows through in your eyes and the passions that are revealed in your smile. True beauty is knowing you were made perfect the way you are.

How did not wearing any makeup make you feel?

Not wearing make up was an uncomfortable feeling. Even though I stopped wearing make up that often after high school it took a long time to be comfortable and feel pretty without it. I used to never be being willing to have my picture taken fresh faced without being embarrassed or feeling ashamed. Taking these pictures though I felt free from forced unrealistic standards and felt beautiful just being myself.

Thinking about it, what did your session mean to you?

To me my session represented the liberation I feel from my past demons. After suffering for years with an eating disorder and depression I am finally able to look in the mirror and love what I see. I am able to be confident in myself and happy with my life.

What are your thoughts or how do you feel about Project Beauty?

I adore project beauty. Everyone needs a reminder that it is okay to love yourself.

Has this experience changed how you see yourself?

This experience hasn’t changed how I see myself but it has strengthend my new found acceptance of myself and has allowed me to celebrate who I am.

Testimonial. Could you share your testimony?

I have always suffered from body image issues. I hit my growth spurts early so I was taller and more muscular than everyone in my class including the boys. I was always embarrassed of my body. I remember that I even got a pair of jeans I loved in 7th grade because they made my legs look short. Can you believe that?! My shoulders are wide and my thighs are big. I used to hate that, but now I realize my muscular legs allow me to run miles and ruck with the guys. My shoulders let me lift weights and do the sports I enjoy. My body has taken care of me and kept me alive multiple times through multiple illnesses. I spent years suffering from depression. Most days are good, but some are bad and very few are very very bad. The bad days are getting less and less though. I have learned that life isn’t always going to workout the way I planned and there is nothing wrong with that, and there is nothing wrong with me. Through the grace of God and the love I have received I have grown to accept and love who I am. For the first time in a long time I can look in the mirror and know that I am truly okay. I am happy and grateful for the blessed life I have been given.

Project Beauty is a no makeup no edit project designed to help girls see themselves as being beautiful just the way they are! Just follow the link to find out more about Project Beauty and how you can take part in this!