Bold Beautiful Perfect: Helen

Bold Beautiful Perfect

 


“We need to take care of ourselves to enjoy this world.” – Helen


Meet our gorgeous Helen!

My name is Helen Stogner. I am 50 years old this year and celebrating my 25th Anniversary with my husband Robert. We have two children and one wonderful little red-headed granddaughter. I am a Broker at Commonwealth Realty; our office is in D’Iberville, MS. I love time with our family and friends, and I absolutely love to travel.

Beautiful smiling brunette woman in pink

How did you come to understand your inner beauty?

Things are different for each of us every day and every chapter of our lives. My nature is to always try to be kind to others and help them. This has pros and cons. I worked hard for our children, my husband, my parents, family, work, and our home, many times leaving myself last.

10 years ago I had a wake up call on my health. It was my son’s senior year, my husband has always been away a lot with work, and I was doing everything to run my embroidery business and gift shop. I was unusually exhausted and just wanted to sleep. On Halloween, my sister-in-law talked me getting my blood levels checked at the hospital.

When I got there, they drew blood (several times because they thought that results were a mistake). I was then sent to Forest General and spent 4 days to getting blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, and lots of medicine. I was diagnosed with ITP. Doctors said that if I would not have come in, I would have died in my sleep within 48 hrs.

The medication caused side effects for months later (some even now). Finally, I was accepted by a doctor in Jackson to give me a complete hysterectomy (I had a 4 1/2” tumor in uterus). Though it took awhile to heal, it made me realize I still exist. I need to live and take care of myself to enjoy this world. We have to remember that we have to take care of ourselves to be good mothers, wives and daughters.

By age 45, I was lucky enough for my husband to treat me to my first flight. He sent me to England and France to see my brother and my sister. (My brother was stationed in England, and my sister lives in South France.) It was an amazing trip! I’ve been very lucky to take cruises and trips with family and friends. I hope to get back to traveling soon!

 

Beautiful smiling brunette woman in blue dress

 

What parts of your story can you share to help women to understand their own beauty?

I was picked on from a young age. I never “clicked” in a clique. I have struggled with weight and never had a positive view of my appearance.

But I do strive everyday to be a better person. So much of my life is unknown to others, and I know the same is true for others. We never know what someone else is going through. We must learn compassion.

When I was told I was close to death, I had many prayers to talk to God to find my way. I learned that I needed to take care of myself because I am worth it. I am important, I am who God created, and I am beautiful.

You may see me at Lowe’s working on a project in paint-stained clothes, but I still feel happy, blessed and beautiful! And I hope everyone can find that happiness and beauty each day – whether you’re getting your hands dirty, you have wind-blown hair, you’re out enjoying the sun, or you’re all dressed up to enjoy a night out. Each chapter of our lives are different beautiful parts.

We are blessed to bring life, and though it does crazy things to our bodies, what a beautiful blessing. You have to love your body for doing that! Later we raise those kids and support our families. During these years our bodies still change, but it allows us do all the things we do. Even when we have those extra pounds, we are beautiful women. We need to support each other to be happy and healthy, because you are beautiful as Brandi says —Bold and Perfectly Beautiful! ❤️

 

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What was your experience with the photo shoot?

This is the first time in my life to have someone pamper me with hair and makeup for photos. I was treated with such love! It was an amazing experience and it took a lot to fight tears of joy to be told how beautiful you are and to really feel it. Brandi Stage and her assistants are so wonderful to work with! If you’re in need of professional photos and have a story to share, I’d encourage you to apply to be part of the Bold Beautiful + Perfect movement!

I feel so blessed to be chosen. It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to share the photos with my family!

 

Beautiful smiling brunette woman in black     Beautiful smiling brunette woman in jean jacket     Beautiful smiling brunette woman in pink      Beautiful smiling brunette woman in black

 


 

White woman curly hair portrait and headshot photographer standing confidently arm on hip wearing black top and earrings

 

Enjoy your life and celebrate existence! You are Beautiful!

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

 

Much love,

Brandi

International Award-Winning Portrait Photographer

White woman curly hair portrait and headshot photographer standing confidently arm on hip wearing black top and earrings

Brandi Stage is an international award-winning portrait photographer based in Bay St. Louis, MS. She creates an exceptional magazine-style photo shoot and timeless heirloom portraits for women, men, children and pets in her studio or on location.