One year on, Angie looks back at her boudoir experience at Foxlow. So much has changed in 14 months! She’s seen beyond her insecurities, embraced her femininity and fallen in love with a wonderful man. It’s hard to believe this incredible woman ever doubted herself or her beauty.

“I think of myself as a really shy person with no confidence at all. I was in a controlling relationship for 14 years with the father of my son. If I was to get dressed up I would be questioned and challenged about where I was going and what I was doing, so I didn't bother. I didn't want the hassle when I returned home.

“I don’t think people look at me as a lady”

I’ve been active from very young and always played sports that are often considered “manly” like football and kickboxing, so I don’t think people look at me as a lady. I certainly don't think of myself as feminine or attractive. If someone complimented me I would say “that was cheesy” or “he's only after one thing” and walk off with an attitude.

I'd always liked the idea of a Boudoir photoshoot and I wanted to do it before I was 40. After losing my 20 year old niece in an accident, I had lost most of my hair. I was just getting over the alopecia and really needed something to make me feel good again;

“I didn't have too much time to worry!”

When I stumbled across Foxlow on Facebook I booked in rather quickly. There was a last minute appointment available the following week so I didn't have too much time to worry! I read their advice, raided my wardrobe and put everything in my bag that I never thought I'd wear.

The day of my shoot arrived and I found myself feeling terrified as I drove myself to Foxlow’s studio in Wirksworth. At this point I was scared thinking “what if I don't wear these things… I won't have anything to wear!”.

“Louise styled my hair and makeup to perfection”

I walked to the door where I was met by Danielle and we headed up the stairs. I was still terrified, but as soon as I met Louise and settled down for a friendly chat and a drink of Prosecco I relaxed totally. Louise styled my hair and makeup to perfection and before I knew it I was ready for my shoot.

I was feeling a million dollars, but the minute I stepped foot in the studio I was totally terrified again. I kept thinking “I'm going to have to take my clothes off” but Jon and Danielle were in no rush. Danielle and I looked through the clothes I’d brought and we decided what I’d wear, hanging them up in the changing room for me. Then she explained what would happen next: I was to put on the first outfit then I could come out with the robe on and take it off when I was ready.

“I was dancing and singing behind the curtain”

Whilst I was getting changed, Danielle asked what music I liked and soon the playlist changed to Meatloaf and Bon Jovi. That totally relaxed me, I was dancing and singing behind the curtain and then I was ready.

I came out with the robe on still singing, laughing and joking. I was ready, the robe came off and I was loving it in no time! Jon and Danielle both made me laugh in most of the photos, which made my experience so much better and definitely a day not to be forgotten.

“I was so amazed I could look like that”

Jon showed me a sneak peek on the camera during the shoot and I thought “that's not me, I have footballers legs!”… I was so amazed I could look like that. When I went back to view my photos, I couldn't choose from the selection. They were all fantastic and totally not what I had expected of me.

Now I have a couple of my favourites framed on my bedroom wall and I show people my box of mounted prints any chance I get! No-one can believe I did it and how good I look.

“After being single for 10 years I've finally met someone”

A year has passed now since my photoshoot and I've felt so much more attractive and confident. After being single for 10 years I've finally met someone that thinks the world of me! We went back to Foxlow for a photoshoot together, which I loved and he did too - even though he wouldn't admit it.

“You've changed my life”

Thank you Danielle, Jon and Louise - you've changed my life. Not only did I find confidence in myself, but I also found love.”

Angie