2021 Bold Beautiful Perfect: Lenora
“It was not an easy road, but it was on that road that I discovered my strength and beauty.”
Tell us about yourself, Lenora!
I am a 44-year-old single mother to a 20-year-old son who is absolutely amazing! I am from Mississippi, but I’m currently living in Louisiana, teaching high school English. I have degrees in History and English, and I am almost finished with my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education with the intent to pursue my Doctorate in Administration. I love to hunt, fish, and veg out on a beach. I love to laugh, and I enjoy making others laugh even more! I love to enjoy life!
How did you come to understand your inner beauty?
As a young girl, I was extremely shy and insecure. If someone drew attention to me (especially boys!), I would turn a few shades of red and walk away.
It wasn’t until a failed marriage and two more failed relationships that I truly began to search my soul. Who am I? Who do I want to be? I was a single mom whose life revolved around my son, but I also knew I had to find myself and my own happiness. I began to discover what made me happy, and I did it. I spent more time with friends, went to concerts, began dating, dressing differently, and so much more. Most of all, I embraced my loud and proud personality and my body. I became one with myself for the first time, and I reveled in it.
Today, I am a content, ambitious single woman who strives to climb the ladder. I am truly blessed with a son who has been 100% supportive of my journey. I love myself and my life. I am happy!
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 was in a very abusive relationship for four years (thankfully not my son’s father). He was abusive in every way imaginable. He constantly told me how stupid and dumb I was. He worked hard to make me believe that what he said about me was true. The mental, physical, emotional, and verbal abuse drove my thoughts to places I never dreamed they would go. I was miserable, but I also trapped. He threatened the most awful things if I ever left him. I truly feared for my life.
The last time he beat me, I was broken in more than just my body – my soul and spirit were also broken. I realized that if I did not find a way out, he would kill me. I could not let him win any longer. With the help of God, my family, and my friends, I was able to escape. I realized I was a survivor. I found my inner strength and beauty, and I became an even stronger woman that I ever thought possible. I embraced myself for everything I was. My scars are mine and part of my story.
It was not an easy road, but it was on that road that I discovered my strength and beauty. I felt secure in who I was and who I will always be! God helped me take back what had been taken from me, and I now stand here beautifully broken. I am the beauty in the ashes.
Tell us about your experience with the photo shoot.
I felt so blessed and humbled to be chosen to represent the Bold Beautiful Perfect project! I hope that my story is able to help another woman who may be struggling in an abusive relationship or with finding her confidence.
I LOVED the photoshoot! I had so much fun dressing up, posing, and watching Brandi capture each pose! I felt free, confident, and absolutely beautiful! I could hardly wait to see the images and to show them off to my friends and family. I felt Brandi truly captured my true self.
You are stronger and more beautiful than you know!
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.