2023 Bold Beautiful Perfect: Tracy

“After many years of questioning my worth, talents, outer beauty, and my ‘different-ness,’ I finally realized that the things that made me different did not make me flawed.“

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Tell us about yourself, Tracy!

I am Tracy Daniel-Hardy; an educator, caregiver, wife, community servant, non-profit board member, story-teller, author, blogger, and self-proclaimed “fixer.”

I am the Director of Technology for a public K-12 school district in southern Mississippi. In my past 28 years as an educator, I have been a middle school teacher, high school teacher, high school guidance counselor, and instructional technology specialist.

I am the primary caregiver for my parents who are in their 80s and have dementia. I share transparent and comical stories weekly on Facebook, Instagram, and my website about my caregiving journey. I am the columnist for the Caregiver’s Corner in Gulf Coast Woman magazine. Outside of working full time and caring for my parents, I make time to serve as board chair of the Gulf Coast Housing Initiative, co-chair of Lighthouse Business and Professional Women, 1st Vice President of MS Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and Vice President of the MS Gulf Coast Alcorn State University Alumni Foundation.

 

How did you come to understand your inner beauty?

After many years of questioning my worth, talents, outer beauty, and my different-ness, I realized that the things that made me different did not necessarily make me “less than” or flawed. I began to embrace my uniqueness. I leaned into my compassion for mankind and my desire to help others improve or simplify their lives or work. (It was the birth of me as the “Fixer.”)

I started to care less about being perfectly poised with every hair in place, and instead began to concentrate on finding and fulfilling my purpose. I began to understand that although I am far from perfect, I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY made and I have purpose (ref Psalms 139). Accepting and living in your purpose is beautiful. How can one dim inner beauty ignited by purpose?

 

What parts of your story can you share to help women to understand their own beauty?

I believe our varied talents were designed for a purpose. Feeling unappreciated or unfulfilled does not mean that we aren’t worthy. It could be that we have yet to locate our sweet spot. That uncomfortableness may exist because we are being stretched, prepared for something greater, and/or may have yet to land where we are destined to be. Trust the process. Accept the stretching and the discomfort for what it is… preparation for more, for better, and for greater.

Be okay with stepping outside of your comfort-zone. There are opportunities and additional talents there. Don’t always play it safely. Be willing to take the risk every now and then.

 

Tell us about your experience with the photo shoot.

The photoshoot was amazing. Brandi’s work speaks for itself; it’s phenomenal. Her quest for the perfect shot is impressive. She didn’t just look for the perfect pose for me, she intentionally took photos that showed my true personality and complimented me. Throughout the photoshoot, Brandi was patient, kind, encouraging, and complimentary while placing me and guiding me to the perfect pose for me. The photoshoot made me feel special and beautiful. (It also made me think for a brief moment that I might be able to model. Ha!)

Being selected for the photoshoot made me feel seen and worthy. The selection helped to affirm that I am on the right track of encouraging others through my journey and talents. I hope that my pictures and my story can be inspire others to start that project they have been sitting on and embrace their inner beauty.

 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Your circle may not understand your vision or mission, and that’s alright. It is YOUR vision, and they may not fit your target audience.

 

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You are 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