You are Beautiful: Toni M.

How the loss of a husband at a young age transformed one woman’s outlook on what’s really beautiful in life

When I started the “You Are Beautiful” Campaign, I primarily thought I would highlight what made women uniquely beautiful physically, but with Toni M., I was taken aback by how her actions are what truly make her beautiful...

Toni is a department head at a retail store, the proud mother of 2, and someone who has the knack for turning negatives in her life into positives. Keep reading for a look behind the scenes of our glamour session and a powerful Q+A about her story, advice for anyone struggling in their life currently, and how it felt to be professionally photographed for the first time.

Maggie: What things have most affected you and the way you look at the world? 

Toni: I lost my husband at a very young age and we had two small children. At that time, before he was sick, everything [I valued] was materialistic – and when I lost him, I sat in my house and I remember having an “Aha!” moment: “I don't need a bigger house or fancy car!” You realize you cherish what is within, and that's the way to this day that I cherish myself and my life. 

M: It’s incredible you were able to look at such adversity in that way. What advice do you have for anyone having a hard time seeing the beauty in their life currently?

T: It all depends on what is going on in your life. Sometimes you have a bad day, and you could have been on top of the world that morning! I work with the public and someone could come in and change your attitude just like that. You have to capture what you had in the morning and bring it back out.

M: To me beauty is a light in the heart! Do you view yourself as “beautiful”? What is your favorite non-physical feature about yourself?

T: That I’m a fun loving, straightforward person!

M: What impacted you the most about beauty when you were younger that you’ve carried with you into adulthood (positive or negative)?

T: People see beauty through your actions. Others are not going to question your integrity and your actions if you are positive in what you do. 

M: Based on your personal experience, what words of wisdom would you like to share with others who struggle to see their own beauty?

T: Love yourself first and be positive. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful - because you are.

M: What made you want to do this session?  Why are beautiful photos important for you right now?

T: You know, I know I was very intimidated going into the session. I went in with a positive attitude, and when it was all said and done, I felt great and beautiful. It was the best thing I’ve done for myself, to see my reflection in the photos – to really see in the photos that I am beautiful.

Check out this Video:

https://animoto.com/play/XjAhZh3iDynWG2cN0kLCJQ

For more behind the scenes on Toni’s shoot, head over to my Instagram.

Interested in a glamour or boudoir shoot to showcase what makes you uniquely beautiful? Check out our Website.

https://www.maggiemesser.com/

💄 Hair and Makeup by Kellie Outlaw with Sparkle Studios. https://www.kellieoutlaw.com/