Bold Beautiful Perfect: Kristen

 

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“Discovering your inner beauty doesn’t happen overnight. It is a daily task to remember that we’re still here and we are worthy!”

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Tell us about yourself, Kristen!

My name is Kristen Schmitz. I have 6 children: 4 with me and one looking over me. I am strong, dependable, and also sometimes very vulnerable, but I have learned to overcome some enormous obstacles. My amazing husband has taught me what a healthy relationship is all about. He pushes me to do better, lets me get to the edge of the cliff and the helps me just when I need it (and not a second sooner!). He believes in me and helps me to believe in myself.

18 years ago, I lost my son at birth. He was full-term still-born due to a cord accident. I was lost. My world was upside down. I still hurt for that loss today, but I have started a support group for families who have lost a child. I went back to school and got a degree in psychology. I’m currently working towards non-profit status for my organization to be able to fund helpful products and spaces for families as they go through the grieving process. I am also working on a book to tell my journey, and I hope it will help others who have traveled similar paths. I am strong because God made me this way!

 

How did you come to understand your beauty?

It took me such a long time to understand inner beauty – and my inner beauty, specifically. Truthfully, I still struggle some days. For someone who has been beat down a lot in life, discovering my inner beauty didn’t happen overnight. It is a daily task to remember that I’m still here and I am worthy!

Turning 40 and getting a divorce was the biggest turn around for me. I finally decided I was worth happiness and worth more! Though I still struggled, I began to learn what I liked and who I wanted to become. When I looked in the mirror, I learned to smile, seeing a woman who had overcome so much. I lost a son, I lost my father (who I felt I never really had anyway), I got divorced, I had to move my children to a different city and start all over. I decided that I am strong and I can do this!

 

This project is all about inspiring women to see their beauty. What parts of your story can you share to help women to understand their own beauty?

At first, I tried to find my worth, beauty, and importance based in someone else’s opinion. But finding beauty is not something you find from anyone else! After years of negativity and feelings of worthlessness, I decided I had to stop and find myself. I cried a lot and I spent lots of time alone but it was the best thing for me. I let go of that little hurt girl and I found a strong woman who believed in herself, a woman who could look up with strength and encouragement. Life is hard, but it can also be absolutely wonderful! Take the risk, jump when you’re given the chance, and make memories! It will not always be easy, but you will never get anywhere if you give up on yourself!

 

What did the shoot mean to you? What did it feel like to be selected?

I remember the day I sent in my application. I sent it in without asking anyone’s opinion about if I should or not! Sharing my story and helping other women who feel (or have felt) down and worthless is something I really wanted to do.

I was so excited when selected. If my story helps just one person grow stronger and take the leap, I’d be thrilled!

At the photo shoot, I felt so beautiful! All day I felt like a model! Brandi and Kasper were amazing; their presence was uplifting.

 

What did the shoot mean to you? What did it feel like to be selected?

Being a woman is hard. There are so many expectations, yet so many unsure answers. Believe in yourself. Be kind, generous, and proud. I am still here; God is not done with me yet!

 

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You are worth celebrating!

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

 

Much love,

Brandi

International Award-Winning Portrait Photographer