Bold Beautiful Perfect: Kim
“My beauty is not attached to the face I see in the mirror.”
Tell us about yourself, Kim!
I was born in El Paso, Texas but raised on the Mississippi gulf coast. I graduated from Biloxi High and went to Delta State University as a piano major. God blessed me with a talent for piano and I have spent the majority of my life blessing others with my music. I started playing the piano in church when I was 12, and I still play for church at 59. Behind God and family, music was the most important thing in my life and the main way I worship. I would have loved to play for some of the gospel quartets over the years, but the opportunity never presented itself. I have played keyboards for several musical theaters up and down the gulf coast, conducted the band, and I still play for weddings and funerals.
How did you come to understand your inner beauty?
It was a long time coming. I knew as a child I had a special gift for playing the piano, and I received constant praise for my music. But as far as my appearance, I did not feel like I was anything special. I’ve struggled most of my adult life with feelings of insecurity because of my weight, and I never felt like I fit in with the crowd.
In 2018, I remember looking in the mirror and hating all the lines, wrinkles, and sun damage that I saw. I got connected to Rodan and Fields through a friend of my aunt’s, and I fell in love with the results. I became a consultant after about a year as a customer. I love making new friends while helping them feel better about themselves. Helping and uplifting other women is something that’s in my heart; it’s my mission.
Whether I’m playing the piano, worshiping God, holding my grandson, or helping someone feel better about looking in their mirror, it makes me feel beautiful inside; I feel like I finally found my mission. In order to serve others we need to put them first – behind God, but before ourselves.
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?
It took many years to realize that my beauty is not attached to the face I see in the mirror. It’s okay for women to do something for themselves, whether it’s a hot bath and a good book while your husband watches the kids, a quiet walk on the beach, headphones on listening to your favorite music, having the right skin care regimen, or even spending a day being pampered with hair and make up and photography that makes you feel stunning. That is worth all the money in the world and leaves you feeling beautiful on the inside, where it truly counts.
Tell us about your experience with the photo shoot.
The photo shoot empowered me; I was able to see another dimension or layer of Kim that I really did not know existed. It wasn’t just the make up or the amazing photographer; it was the whole experience. As Brandi explained to me what the project was about and what her goals were for uplifting women, it touched my heart. God has her doing something important for other women, and that was a surprise to me. To hear her talk about what she wants to accomplish was touching. It made me feel special that I was selected to be a part of this project.
I had a wonderful experience with the photo shoot. It was the first time in my entire life that I had professional make up, and Kasper did a wonderful job. He made me feel comfortable and beautiful. He loves what he does, and I recognized his passion for his work. I’m so glad that he listened to his heart and followed that path, because he uses his talents to change the way women feel about themselves when they look in the mirror!
Brandi was amazing, so knowledgeable, and very calming and reassuring to help settle my nerves and put me at ease. She gave clear direction on what to do, and she was constantly encouraging me throughout the entire photo shoot. Afterwards, she was patient with me as I looked through the images to select my favorites. I would 100% recommend her to anybody that needs a professional photographer. It was an amazing experience that I will not forget!
Anything else you’d like to share?
There’s really nothing I would change about my experience with Brandi and Kasper. It was 100% positive from start to finish, and I was walking on clouds the rest of the day. To see that woman looking back at me from the computer screen and to realize it was me gave me a whole different perspective of my inner strength, and yes, my beauty.
Let your inner beauty shine!
To book your own fabulous Portrait Session, contact us through the inquiry form below.
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.