When One of Wales’s Strongest Women Came for Her Boudoir Experience: On Learning To Accept Yourself

Diva Stories
Written By Jo Menneer

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

I’m Sioned Halpin, and I’m now 35. I believe everyone has a journey and it’s up to you on how to navigate it. I’m happily married to my husband Scott and we’ve been together since we were 19. After loosing our first over 13 years ago, I recently became a Mother to my little boy, Griff. (When I say recently I mean two years ago!). I’m a complete and utter foodie, but with a passion for strength sports.  A little about myself, I’m fluent in sarcasm, and I’m a fun loving, cow obsessed, cigar smoking, normal woman!

You’re officially crowned as one of Wales’s strongest women… Can you tell us more about your journey to get to that point?

In regards to strongwoman, back when I was aged 30, I’d never stepped in a gym! Having said that, in true Sioned-like fashion, I though f#*k it and wanted to challenge myself. In doing so, I ended up entered my first competition…and won. My passion grew from there, and my aim was to podium in Welsh strong sport. I was always motivated by being the underdog! I put the hard work in, and it just went wild. I came third that year against the now titled world’s strongest woman. (So I’m pretty damn happy with where I placed!). The community is caring and yes, we’re rough around the edges, but I’ve formed some amazing friendships from there. After this point, I went forward to competing in the Welsh, British and Europe’s strongest women competition, and ‘podiumed’ in all! The journey was never easy, but my coach believed in me and pushed me to my ultimate limits - not only mentally but physically, and it worked!

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

As I said previously, I’d booked years ago and never actually turned up to a shoot - I properly chickened out 😂. But this time, I had to follow it through. My aim was to see myself in a different light, to do something way out of my comfort zone that would push me mentally and physically.

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

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a natural. I’m straight-talking, not exactly a fluid mover, shall we say…just a little rigid. Never in a million years did I expect to see myself in that light. I’m an ice queen and rarely get emotional, but when I first saw the slideshow I was taken aback; words couldn’t even explain it. I genuinely celebrated the woman I’ve become today. I’ve been through some serious trauma, and it’s shaped who I am now. But my god, I looked good!!

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

The calls were definitely a help, we built a relationship before I even arrived. Don’t get me wrong, I was still nervous, but who wouldn’t be?

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?

I’ve never had confidence, and that might surprise people because I probably come across as the opposite. But growing up, I found it hard to figure out who I was. It wasn’t until I was about 25 that I could express myself and feel even remotely comfortable or confident. It started with fashion, then hair, and now makeup. And now I’m completely obsessed with shopping, much to my husband’s disapproval!

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

Just bloody do it! Don’t overthink it like I did. I’m a bigger woman, and I’m all for body positivity, especially since I grew up with none of that around me. I love how women get the spotlight these days, and that’s exactly what happened. You won’t be disappointed with the outcome. Let your inner queen come out to play.

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?

I’m still learning to embrace my body, and this was a massive stepping stone towards something special. Don’t get me wrong, I think I’ll always have moments where I struggle to accept myself, but now I’ve seen what I’m actually capable of. Bring on the challenge!

Jo Menneer
Next

I’m Alice, I’m 59 years old, and my Boudoir Experience Gave Me Back My Self-Esteem