2021 Bold Beautiful Perfect: Nancy

“Physical beauty changes as you go through life, but inner beauty is eternal.


 

Tell us about yourself, Nancy!

I am a child of God, daughter, mother, and friend. I am blessed to have been given such a wonderful life! I am a single mom of two wonderful boys. Avery (22) is my oldest and Cody (12) is my youngest. They’ve made my life full of adventure, blessings — and most of my grey hair! — but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I am an only child and was raised by the most loving parents a girl could ask for. They taught me love, discipline and how to take care of myself. Professionally, I am a Senior Account Director for a biotech company. I’ve been in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry for over 20 years and have loved every minute of it. I love to read, travel, photography and spend time at the beach. Most of all, I am a woman of 52 years who treasures each day God gives me. My life has not been perfect or a bed roses, but it has made me the person I am today.

 

 

How did you come to understand your inner beauty?

Learning to understand my inner beauty came from my mother beginning at a very young age. She always said that beauty wasn’t just on the outside…beauty radiated from within us. My mom explained that beauty was how you spoke and treated others. She always said that you can be gorgeous on the outside, but if the spirit that comes from inside was ugly – that cancelled out your physical beauty on the outside.

I read a quote from Liv Tyler that summed it up nicely. “There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone’s spirit coming through, something unexplainable, that’s beautiful to me.”

 

 

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’ve gone through many phases in learning to understand my own beauty. Over the last 52 years, I’ve loved myself more at certain points than at others. I believe all woman compare ourselves to others; it seems that we always want what someone else has. I have naturally curly hair that we cut when I was young. It took forever for it to grow out and during that time I looked like I stuck my finger in an electric socket! Add that to my freckles and I felt like I looked like Howdy Doody! That was definitely my awkward stage. On the other hand, when I was pregnant with my children, I felt radiant and beautiful because I was creating life inside me.

What I’ve learned is that physical beauty changes as you go through life but inner beauty is eternal.

Audrey Hepburn had something great to say about inner beauty vs outer beauty: “The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

 

 

Tell us about your experience with the photo shoot.

I was honored to be selected for the Bold, Beautiful and Perfect Project and even more blessed when I learned the story behind how it came to be. During my 52 years, I’ve struggled at times with feeling beautiful. Different life events can cause you to doubt yourself, your worth, and your beauty. Being a part of this shoot reminded me of what my mother has taught me since I was a little girl: beauty is not just what’s on the outside; it’s what’s on the inside and how you choose to represent yourself. Beauty is taking whatever happens to you and using it for good. Beauty can be different things to different people so… be your own kind of beautiful!

From the moment Kasper opened the door to greet me to when Brandi said goodbye, it was comfortable and fun. I felt an instant connection with them, and our day spent together was such a blessing to me. Kasper is phenomenal when it comes to hair and make up; I felt like a model when he finished. He stayed around and touched up as we took pictures. Brandi has such a talent when it comes to outfits, backgrounds, and poses for the photoshoot. During the shoot, we shared stories of our lives and how they’ve made us into who we are today. We discussed our faith and love for the Lord and how the name of the project came to be. I loved the story behind how Brandi came up with the name of the project.

Brandi and Kasper listened intently to me and what I wanted out of the photoshoot. In December 2019, I lost my mother. I’m an only child and she was my best friend. I inherited all of her jewelry when she passed. There were about 7 pieces that she wore daily and I wanted them showcased in some way. Brandi did a fabulous job of choosing just the right pieces for the outfits.

Taking part in a photoshoot has always been a dream of mine and Brandi Stage Photography made that dream a reality. I will forever be grateful.

 

Anything else you would like to share that may be helpful?

My favorite bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Quote: “Get up, suit up, show up, do the NEXT right thing, and trust God with the results.”

 


 

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

 

You are beautiful!

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.