Bold Beautiful Perfect: Dolly
Bold Beautiful Perfect: Dolly
“I am not perfect, but I am perfectly imperfect. My eye strays a little from retinal surgery, my tummy has stretch marks from carrying the gift of life, my skin sags from weight loss, my hair is thinning for age, but all of these have made me who I am. I love my stretch marks because they remind me of how strong I am as a woman to carry and birth my children. My straying eye is a reminder of how lucky I am to be able to see the faces of my loved one every day. All the other “imperfections” is what defines my beauty because it is simply me!”
Tell us about yourself, Dolly!
I am a mother to 4 amazing children, a wife to my wonderful husband of 10 years, a nurse, a woman of God and a strong independent woman!
How did you come to understand your beauty?
As I have gotten older I have realized that my inner beauty – that is, my confidence – is all I need to be beautiful. My body has changed so much over the years, from weight loss to weight gain, to having children, and everything that comes in between. However, my inner beauty is something that has never changed because I never stopped loving myself. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. I know that God doesn’t make mistakes; they way I am, whether it be for a month or for years, is exactly how I was meant to be. That is beautiful.
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?
I see beauty as confidence. You have to learn to love the body you have while working for the body you want. I am not perfect but I am perfectly imperfect. My eye strays a little from retinal surgery, my tummy has stretch marks from carrying the gift of life, my skin sags from weight loss, my hair is thinning for age, but all of these have made me who I am. I love my stretch marks because they remind me of how strong I am as a woman to carry and birth my children. My straying eye is a reminder of how lucky I am to be able to see the faces of my loved one every day. All the other “imperfections” is what defines my beauty because it is simply me! I hope other woman learn from my story that what they see as flaws other women see as beauty or strength. You have to love everything about yourself because it makes you who you are. You are a WOMAN; strong, confident, and beautifully made!
What did the shoot mean to you? What did it feel like to be selected?
Sometimes the world doesn’t see beauty in being a bigger woman. However, you can’t tell me I’m not beautiful because I see me just as God has made me. It was such an honor to be selected to share my story and show the world that beauty is confidence.
I have never in my life felt like my personality was captured on film. Having a pretty face is one thing, but seeing my confidence in these photographs was amazing. I’m usually hiding behind my children or the one taking the pictures. In front of the camera, I was able to let my guard down and let the world see me as I see myself: BEAUTIFUL! Never in my life have I had complete strangers shower me in compliments and make me feel so beautiful. I felt empowered, beautiful, and strong in a way I have only ever felt when giving birth.
Be confident in who you are and how you were made. God doesn’t make mistakes!
Anything final words you’d like to share?
As a mother, wife, nurse, Christian, and all the other things, I am first and foremost a woman! I am strong. I am confident. I am independent. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. I am a child of God. I am me and I would not change a thing about myself. If you look at yourself for all the things you are, then you have no choice but to be confident.
You are perfectly imperfect!
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Much love,
Brandi
International Award-Winning Portrait Photographer
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.