I've called Zeeland home for most of my life, and one of the things I love most about living in a small community is the variety of events and festivals. When I heard about the Avenue of Art seeking sponsors, I knew I had to get involved!!
When I heard about the Avenue of Art seeking sponsors, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to showcase Crystalized Photography.
After connecting with Lynette, the festival organizer, I was presented with three options: a princess, a prince, or a storybook.
Inspired by my purpose statement, I knew a storybook would be the perfect fit. It would allow us to tell a unique and captivating story, showcasing the power of self-love and empowerment.
I put the decision to a vote in my boudoir group, and the storybook won by a landslide!
Sara, Erica, and I joined forces to bring our storybook vision to life. Erica even recruited her talented sister, Rebekah, to join our creative team!
The first step was crafting the story. We knew we had to keep it concise due to space limitations, but thanks to Sara's incredible writing skills, we managed to weave a captivating tale in just 100 words or less.
"Once upon a time there was a girl named Crystal. Crystal always felt different and a little out of step from the rest of the world. Prom was coming and Crystal really wanted to go. She stood in the mirror looking sadly at her reflection, the dress an affordable second hand, wasn't what she always dreamed about.
Her mom came in and seeing her daughters face said, "Sweetheart, I know it isn't your dream dress, but maybe we can get it closer", pulling out her scissors and tape.
Together they worked and when Crystal stepped in front of the mirror again, she finally felt like herself for the first time, it was magical!
The Crystalized Effect: loving, accepting, and embracing your true authentic self. "
I always have grand ideas, but I'm also a realist. I didn't really know how I was going to do it, but I was determined to make it happen.
We started with a blank canvas. We then painted it white for the pages and a sparkly gold cover.
Rebekah took on the task of printing the words onto hot pink vinyl, adding a pop of color and personality.
My talented friend Krystal, one of my photography besties, went above and beyond to find the perfect images for our storybook.
We were searching for a powerful image of a marginalized woman looking in the mirror and radiating self-love. Krystal did an amazing job finding several options that captured that essence.
After much deliberation, we chose the perfect image to feature in our storybook. We then printed a 16x20 print to add to the pages.
Originally, I planned to use spray paint to waterproof the storybook. However, after a few failed attempts, I realized I needed a more durable solution.
Luckily, I found the perfect fix: an epoxy sealant!
Creating our storybook wasn't without its challenges, but we made it happen and the final product is truly amazing!
Not only was our storybook displayed downtown Zeeland for the entire festival, but this year they added the Artist Walk, giving us the opportunity to interact with visitors and share our story.
Sara, Erica, and I were thrilled to participate in the Artist Walk. We prepared a brief speech about our storybook and its inspiration. However, when we arrived, Lynette surprised us with a request to read our speech aloud for everyone to hear!
While I was initially taken aback, Erica stepped up and delivered a beautiful and heartfelt reading. I'm so grateful for her quick thinking and support!
Thank you, Erica! Your ability to think on your feet and share our story with the audience was truly inspiring.
At Crystalized Boudoir Photography, we believe in the power of self-love and embracing your true, authentic self. That's why I created this storybook - to inspire others, especially little kids, to be themselves and embrace their uniqueness.
As a minority plus-size woman, it was important for me to see representation in the stories we share. I hope this storybook helps break down barriers and stigmas, empowering others to embrace their own bodies and identities.
Seeing my storybook with my name on it downtown, inspiring hundreds of people, truly means the world to me.
Together, let's continue to spread the message of self-love, empowerment, and embracing our unique beauty.
#boudoirphotography #selflove #empowerment #representationmatters #bodypositive
Once again, a HUGE thank you to these beautiful ladies who helped me create such an amazing art piece!
Erica, Rebekah, and Sara, thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication on this, I could not have done it without all of your help!!!
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