Bold Beautiful Perfect

Krissy, Gulf Coast

 

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“I no longer spend my energy on frivolous things like comparing myself to others or feeling guilty for not meeting impossible standards.” – Krissy

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Tell us about yourself!

My name is Krissy and I’m a wife, step mom, dog mom, hairstylist and big hearted Cancer soul from Diberville, MS but I currently reside in Biloxi.  I work for Chuck Kelly salon in Gulfport and have been there for 12 years.  I have one older brother and several nieces and nephews!

I have always marched to to beat of my own drum and have been told I never meet a stranger.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and have always been one to carry others heartache as my own.  I love to listen to others and help guide them to the best resolution I can but I’m also there to help pick the pieces up when things don’t always go according to plan.

What advice can you share to help women to understand their own beauty?

I would have to say that finding my inner beauty did not come easy for me.  I went through phases as many young girls do where I had so much inner anger toward myself that I would be hurtful with my words to myself and others to try to heal what was going on inside.  I have always been a good friend to many but I didn’t always receive the same gracious behavior I exhibited to others which led to much frustration and distrust for others.  This lead me to not always be that amazing friend I was capable of being.

Finally when I was in my mid 20s after not being kind to myself and others I met someone who would change the trajectory of my life… I met my husband.  At the time I was not ready to receive anyone’s love because I didn’t really love myself.  He took me by surprise for sure I had never met someone that looked at me the way he did or spoke to me from a place of honesty ever in my adult life.  He became my best friend and biggest supporter.

Once I was truly happy I was able to accept myself for who I was internally.  It didn’t matter anymore to me if I looked perfect all day everyday.  I wanted to be the best version of myself because he showed me how beautiful I was inside and out.  Since then I continually strive to be a example to others, a supporter of my fellow human, and an inspiration to live your most authentic self whatever that means to you!  I no longer spend my energy on frivolous things like comparing myself to others or feeling guilty for not meeting impossible standards.  I have gotten back to that little girl who marched to the beat of her own drum and never apologized for being herself!

 

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“Our imperfections do not define us.” – Krissy

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“I never dreamed that a miscarriage would be part of my story”

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a mom.  Anyone who knew me as a child or teenager would tell you I naturally gravitated towards being a caregiver.  I loved babies and kids!  I never dreamed that an unexplained miscarriage would be part of my story.  As a woman, I feel I should be able to bring a healthy baby into this world because it is part of what God created my body to do.

It has taken me several months to get to a place where I can even speak about it without tears but I want every woman to know who has experienced this or who may unfortunately experience in their lifetime… YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!  Often women do not speak about these subjects out of embarrassment or guilt. Love yourself in knowing that you are not responsible and that your precious child was just too good for this earth!  Your baby knew a love like no other could ever give them because you loved them so selflessly.

I want people to look at me not as a victim of my circumstance but as a warrior.  I have faced some of the most unspeakable things in my 33 year of life, but I have faced them with grace and I will continue to do so.

 

Learning to Love Yourself

Another subject that is close to my heart is body positivity.  I have spent too many days screaming at my reflection.  Why am I so ugly?  Why am I so fat?  Why isn’t my skin perfect?  Why do my thighs have dimples?  I loathed what I saw in the mirror.  Meanwhile, I always had a smile on my face because I would never let anyone know how I was struggling.  It was one of the lowest points in my life.

Learning to love my physical self was a very gradually process.  Slowly I started embracing things that I had hated for so long.  For example, I have keratosis pilaris on my arms and legs, so I would never wear shorts or sleeveless tops in front of anyone.  Eventually I decided to wear both, and guess what?  No one made fun of me or made nasty comments.  I realized that being ugly and repulsive was only in my head and that my imperfections do not define me.

Gradually I started trying new things like that.  I realized it’s ok not to be everyone’s cup of tea.  It’s not my responsibility to fit into someone else’s standard of beauty.  I love myself and I think that is magnetic.  It has attracted the type of people I want in my tribe.

 

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“Brandi made me feel so comfortable and encouraged me the whole time.” – Krissy

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What was your experience with the photo shoot?

The photo shoot was incredible – it meant the world to me!

Nothing can compare to being in a space with women who have such light that just radiates from them!  Haley listened to my thoughts about my makeup and literally delivered something I could not ever have imagined!  She made me look as good as I feel inside!  Brandi literally has such a presence and light about her.  She made me so incredibly comfortable and coached me the whole way, encouraging me the whole time.  It felt so good to hear someone tell you how beautiful you are!  I felt like I had known her forever.

Growing up, I never saw girls in magazines or TV who looked like me, which led me to try and shove myself into this tiny box I thought I had to fit in.  If I can inspire just one girl or woman to love themselves inside and out I will feel like I have hit the lottery!

 

Any closing remarks?

I hope that people read this and realize that I’m human just like them.  I have days where it’s hard to quiet the negative self talk.  With a lot of practice and patience, I’ve learned to forgive myself for the bad days.  Negative emotions can be powerful, so don’t let them take control and destroy your day or week.

Remember to be kind to yourself!  When you are kind to yourself, you will be kind to others.  It costs you nothing to be kind!

When I feel like nothing is going well for me, I try to do good for someone else… that could be anything from a genuine compliment or a cup of coffee.  It takes being generous sometimes to put things back into perspective.  Someone is always going to have it better than you, but someone also probably has it a whole hell of a lot worse.

One of my favorite quotes are from the amazing Rachel Hollis: “Someone else’s opinion of you is none of your business!” and “You want to be more confident? Hang out with people who are.”  I have these displayed next to my 2020 vision board.  One of my goals was to be a inspiration for body positivity and healthy mental well being!

 

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I hope Krissy’s story was an encouragement to you!  You ARE beautiful!

To book your own Portrait Session, contact us through the inquiry form below.

 

Much love,

Brandi

Award Winning Portrait Photographer