Sitting down with Amy Mellow last night on The Red Bra Project live stream was simply amazing. Her loving, calm and sweet energy could literally be felt the instant we met “virtually” through the camera. Amy joined us for a beautiful and vulnerable share knowing that one story could encourage and inspire just the right person at the right time. Which is exactly what The Red Bra Project is all about. We were SO delighted to celebrate her!
Amy is a talented self – taught photographer – completely. She was encouraged by her now husband to take her photography and make it into a business. Amy followed her passion and went for it, figuring it out every step of the way, building a business from the bottom up that started four years ago. Her focus is in wedding photography and at the request of her Clients, boudoir photography – bohemian style as she describes it outside in the great outdoors. Her work is stunning and such a unique way of presenting boudoir for both her bride – to – be Clients and for women to just feel good about themselves. Check out her gorgeous work, here: @lovesundayphoto
In a vulnerable share – Amy explained about how one conversation with someone helped to spark a series of changes that were much needed in her life at that time. Spending six years in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship whilst worrying more about what others thought – she found the strength to break free from the toxic environment she was living in and pushed through all of the fear and uncertainty, one step at a time. She said, “We often worry about how it is all going to play out, but actually, all that needs to happen is the first step and the rest falls into line.” She shared with us a about what really empowered her through a time that was incredibly tough, but so worth it. “I’ve learned a lot of lessons because of this relationship, both while in it and the after effects. I think that most importantly I learned that there is so much out there in the way of living a joyful, fulfilled life, and so it physically hurts my heart to see friends in a bad relationship.” Big changes all start the same, with one step, some courage and often being aware that fear will come along for the ride. Amy can truly appreciate the way Elizabeth Gilbert, author likens it to going on a road trip — fear is like the little kid in the car. It can be there, but is has no say in what gets played on the radio and it absolutely can not drive the car.
The first 30 years of Amy’s life was filled with a LOT of insecurities and fear, however; she now has a different perception of fear and that it is there to inspire us to move forward. That thought is absolutely breathtaking and really puts the thought of fear in a different light. She used to hold back a lot of ideas and personality of being who she was – then she discovered that she actually loved sharing little pieces of herself with the world and people do like her & her style. (Yessss, WE absolutely do!) Joining Crossfit five years ago was something she did without even realizing she was doing something she feared every day. Physically conquering fears everyday helped her to push past fear in other areas of her life, mentally & emotionally.
We all know how powerful a supportive squad can be and Amy isn’t shy about giving hers a huge shout out and showing the love. Meg Thompson (a previous guest of ours), her two sisters and Jenna Kutcher along with her podcast, Goal Digger is soooo kick you in the butt inspiring! Talk about inspiring, Amy gives a percentage of the proceeds from her boudoir sessions to Safe Futures, which is an organization that provides housing and assistance to victims of abuse. Ahhh – mazing!
Amy’s Red Bra Moment: opening up to that ONE person that she did about what was going on in her life was the biggest strongest, hardest decision she ever had to make. But, she did it anyway and if she can do it, ANYONE can do it. From there she continued to make a series of changes that she is so happy she found the strength to do so. Watch Amy’s story, here.
We found out that for a dose of inspiration whenever she needs it, Amy keeps a ton of quotes on her phone to encourage her. One that we thought would be a good addition is: The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on the old, but on building the new
– Socrates
Connect with Amy here, @lovesundayphoto & @thebabefestival or www.lovesundayphoto.com ,www.thebabefestival.com – we know you will fall in love her just as quick as we did!
Thanks for stopping by, you are so appreciated! We hope this story inspired you or someone you know on some level, we know it did, us! Always wear that red bra underneath it all and make sure to join the party over @theredbraproject!
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Much love,
Renee & Shawna