“It Was Like Getting to Step Back and See Myself Through The Eyes of Someone Else.”

Diva Stories
Written By Jo Menneer

What is your name and age? Tell us a bit about you!

Maya, 25, from Edinburgh, Scotland.


When did you come in for your first Boudoir Shoot? What made you decide to book?

I came in for my shoot in April 2025. I came across a form to save £500 on the experience and the questions really resonated with me and spoke to the personal journey I've been on. I've been a boudoir admirer for some years, but never really thought it could be me. The questions, personal journey and being selected for the experience really made me ask myself a question: why not me?


What did your Boudoir experience unlock, or help you recognise or celebrate in yourself?

I think I've always compared myself to the "should be", "want to be" and "was" when it comes to self image. The experience really helped me feel like I am enough as I am now. Something I've been coming to terms with is change can be good, but loving yourself regardless needs to happen first. Otherwise, even if you are the "perfect" thing, you'll never feel it.


Tell us - what was the moment you saw your photos for the first time like?

I imagine it's the same for a lot of people - but I was a total wreck!

It was like getting to step back and see myself through the eyes of someone else. So so many gorgeous shots.

It was almost hard to believe it was me. I don't think I've loved a photo of myself more.


Did you find that your discovery calls helped you prepare for your day with us?

Every time leading up to a discovery call, I would start to feel increasingly nervous. I was doubtful if I was doing the right thing, asking myself whether I could really do it. I kept thinking, “have I just went nuts?”. But then every time I finished a call, I was so excited, so looking forward to my experience and so sure this is absolutely the right thing to do.

Everyone I spoke to was so friendly, welcoming and masterful at putting you at ease. Hearing and relating to their own experiences really helped too.


Confidence is a big thing - in fact it is everything. How has your confidence elevated who you are in different areas of your life - for example has this confidence affected your relationship or your career?

So far the biggest difference I've seen is actually having the confidence to speak up for myself. I've been struggling for some time with setting boundaries with people. Too worried about upsetting others, making them feel bad or even just "taking up the space"! It's something I'm still actively working on and still find challenging but my experience has given me a huge boost in the right direction.

What stood out or surprised you about this experience?

Oddly, just how comfortable I felt throughout. Obviously the nerves were there, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming it really eased that apprehension. There was a really warming blend of professionalism and familiarity which is so unique.

I'd say this was partially thanks for the discovery calls, it was so nice meeting the people I had spoken to.


How does your artwork make you feel?

I see the person I want to be, that I am.

The cheeky glint proving all that self doubt wrong.

There's no hiding in naked photos of yourself on the wall - there's so much love and acceptance that comes with getting to look at it every day.

I feel so empowered looking at them. Sometimes, even when I'm having a rough day I'll listen to the song that played during my reveal, and it all comes flooding in.


Do you have any last messages you’d like to add? What would you like to say to any Divas considering booking?

Before my experience I was so nervous. All I really wanted was one picture that I liked.

I'd honesty say, this experience isn’t something that can be conveyed in words. It is so personal and so overwhelming emotional you really do have to experience it for yourself. Dare yourself! Treat yourself. Take the risk. I hate being in front of a camera. I always clam up as soon as the lens is pointed in my direction, and this was one of the huge ways I was pushing myself with this experience. Leading up to my shoot I was super nervous and insecure about how much I struggle getting my picture taken at all.

I was all booked in. Our trip was planned. I was determined not to let the nerves win so I gave myself a big ol shove. Every single thing I've heard about people doing boudoir shoots they've all said the same kind of things - I just need to trust that I'll feel it too. Going into my shoot my aim was for just one image. One shot of me that I liked and I'd be content.

Of course, then I went and it's nothing like I worried it'd be. It's so perfect.

A bundle of nerves but the whole shoot was amazing. Then when you see your photos - what an experience itself!

No more was I worried about finding just one photo I liked. Now I'm worried about narrowing it down to a handful for my art work!


I think a lot of Divas struggle with embracing and accepting who you are. What would you say to any Diva who is struggling to feel confident in who they are?

You show yourself who you really are down to the soul with an experience like this.

I hold so dearly a specific moment in my shoot where it felt like everything just clicked into place. It was like an out of body experience where I saw me, doing something so impossibly brave for myself. In that moment I felt this is who I want to be - this is who I am. This gorgeous courageous woman that was so empowered, exactly where I was meant to be.

Jo Menneer
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