Violet Studios - "Confidence can take years to build and seconds to be destroyed"

I've been a bit quiet for a few weeks whilst I was dealing with some personal problems and a big time case of the winter blues,

but in early January I got a phonecall that kick started me back into bopo and proactivity. After entering a competition on facebook, I won a photoshoot with Violet Studios in Sheffield, and they were particularly interested to work with me due to my blogging. The day was set to include hair and makeup by a professional team, drinks, the shoot, and a high res image.

Violet Studios offer a variety of packages, including boudoir, beauty, portfolio, fashion and family photoshoots. Upon arrival I was given a drink and asked to fill in a form with regards to what I wanted to get out of my day. Having my hair and makeup done by professionals

was amazing and made me feel like a million dollars. Whilst I wouldn't want to spend an hour and a half on my makeup everyday, or even once a week, I loved how to look turned out. Hardly recognising yourself when you look in the mirror is a strange feeling, but this level of makeup is about the experience and artistry more than changing how you look in my opinion, and I take my hat off to the talented MUAs at Violet.

The shoot itself was a quick one, but we got through three outfits and there's plenty of backdrops to choose from. The whole afternoon was really smoothly and professionally run, and I felt totally comfortable at all times. Something like this is perfect for someone just starting out, or wanting a special day of pampering that's a bit different from a spa day. And hey, your makeup will be on fire for that night out later! I had to take the opportunity to have dinner and drinks with a friend so as not to waste my full face on a lonely night with netflix.

When I spoke to the studio's manager, she was really excited to hear about my body confidence work. The studio's mission is to give back, and once a month they give someone the opportunity to win a free shoot to build their confidence, often working with cancer patients and women with other health issues.

For my main outfit, I wore the Curvy Kate Ellace Mulberry set sent to me by brastop, a soft and stretchy set made from luxurious and perfectly fitting material. I also wore a River Island top, and Playful Promises bra of my own.

Shoots like this, in environments like this, really can do wonders to increase your confidence, and I'd recommend that anyone and everyone gives it a go. You've got nothing to lose, and having images like these to look back on on bad days is pretty special.

Visit the Violet Studios website here, where you can also find links to their social media.

The Ellace Mulberry set is now in brastop's sale too, link to their website here!

I hope everyone's had a happy January, and I look forward to writing about more projects throughout the coming year. 2018 is going to be my best year yet! I'm now involved in the running of my univeristy's Feminism Society and Womens Liberation Committees, and have joined a women only contemporary choir. Look out for more on these subjects!

Gabby xxx

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