Bold Beautiful Perfect: Keri

“I have come to terms with the fact that I will likely stay a curvy women, and I am beautiful just the way I am. It’s not the looks that make a person, it’s what on is inside that makes a person, and that shines right on through for others to see.” – Keri


 

Tell us about yourself, Keri!

I am 53 years old and I have been married for 29 years! I have spent my life working in non-profits, giving back to others, and helping individuals and families thrive. From working with at-risk youth, helping children from single-family homes gain a mentor and friend while making a huge impact on their lives, to helping individuals with special needs by improving the quality of life through therapeutic activities with a horse.

My husband and I moved to the Gulf Coast almost 6 years ago and we LOVE the sun, water, and sand! Moving away from family and lifelong friends was difficult and I decided to give Real Estate a try. Without having a network in place like I did back in Kentucky, breaking into the market was definitely a challenge. But I have never been one to let grass grow under my feet. I love my career because I am still helping people. It’s the best feeling being able to be a part of one of the biggest decisions of a person’s life.

We miss our family and friends back home, but we have a great group of neighbors and friends that have become family here, our three fur babies keep us busy.

 

 

How did you come to understand your inner beauty?

As a borderline diabetic for years, I finally lost the battle and crossed over to a Type 2 Diabetic on daily insulin. After being diagnosed, I struggled to accept features about my body that I didn’t like. It’s easy to say, “just lose about 20 pounds and you can be healthier and happier with yourself,” but once you hit that 50-year milestone, that is so much easier said than done. I have worn styles and sizes to help hide the areas of my body I don’t like. I have seen clothing and thought, “How cute! But it won’t look right on me.” I have avoided two-piece bathing suits (or even one-pieces) in preference to swim shorts and tankinis.

But I have come to terms with the fact that I will likely stay a curvy women. If I am being honest, I like to eat and I sometimes cheat on the diet I am supposed to follow as a diabetic. But I have managed to achieve consistently with my sugar levels, and THAT that in itself is an achievement.

I may not return to my “preferred weight/size,” but I proudly wear short and sleeveless shirts over the age of 50 – hello heat and humidity of MS! I am beautiful just the way I am. It’s not the looks that make a person, it’s what on is inside that makes a person, and that shines right on through for others to see.

 

 

Tell us about your experience with the photo shoot.

I applied for the Bold, Beautiful, Perfect project thinking it would be fun to do, but I never expected to be chosen. What was special about me?

After meeting Brandi and learning more about the project, I felt blessed to be able to help other women feel empowered and beautiful. Women are hard on other women, whether we are talking about other women or are secretly judging them, women can be downright cruel. I want women to know that not everyone is like that. I want to be a woman who helps other women see their beauty from the inside out.

I was very nervous, hesitant, and uncomfortable getting my hair and make up professionally done. I prefer more of a natural look and I am not big on wearing make up; however, I know that you need more for photos.

When I first caught my reflection in the mirror, all I said was, “oh wow,” and just kept looking at myself in amazement. Kasper did an amazing job! I have never seen myself like that. As the photo shoot started, I was still feeling nervous and uncomfortable being in front of the camera, but the more time that went on, the more comfortable I became. Brandi and Kasper helped me become more comfortable, for my walls to come down, and for my personality to shine though. I had fun, and I was a little disappointed when it was over! The entire time, Brandi and Kasper were professional, patient, and encouraging. I fell in love with my images and I cannot wait to show them off! ❤️

 

 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Here is to loving ALL of yourself: the good, the less than desirable, and the worst parts of you. Every day is a new challenge, and life is too short not to enjoy it. If my story helps just one woman to see that she can love herself, no matter her self-body image, I would do it a million times more.

 


 

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

 

Your size does not define your beauty or worth!

To book your own fabulous 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.