Positive self image is something that is very important to me. Being in the industry where looks are everything, I tend to see what people strongly dislike about themselves. We typically put on a mask every day of our lives so that we can portray the image that we want people to see. 

After hearing two different adults call a child ugly, this triggered a project that I knew I had to take on. I want to know at least three words/phrases that were said to you that hurt you, and what is your physical flaw. I said that I wanted to start the project with myself because I wanted to be open and transparent through it all. 

If you have read any of my personal blogs, you already know that my flaw is my scars. That is probably my biggest flaw, but another flaw that I have is my weight. My jr year of college, I decided I wanted to get healthier. My family has so many health issues that I knew that I had to do something different so that I could live a long life. I’m definitely not at my ideal weight, but I am at a great place where I can love myself in the skin that I am in.  It’s always fun to go shopping for new clothes a size smaller. I’m okay being a plus size woman. I just want to be a healthy plus size woman. For about five years, I wore two girdles almost every day. If you have ever worn one girdle, you know that is uncomfortable. I thank God that I was able to work on my weight and accept me for who I am and how I looked. I love my girdle free days now! 

My prayer, as I shot my photos, was to make it without crying. I MADE IT, until I sat down to upload the images to my computer.  Words hurt a lot more than we realize. Once they are said, they can’t be taken back. My prayer is that through this project, you will watch the words that you say on a daily basis. Watch the words that you type online and on comments to post, pictures, and videos. If you don’t have anything positive to say, then don’t say anything. 

The number one word/phrase that hurt me for so long was being called "scarface" and the guy thought it was funny when he said it. I will never forget that day and the pain that came with those words. I already hated my scars and tried to hide them.  The second phrase that hurt me for a while was “You will never get married with scars on your face.” For so long, I said I would never get married because of the way that I looked although that is my dream to one day be a wife and a mother. The third phrase that hurt me was a close friend telling me that I wouldn’t make it in photography industry. I then realized that you can’t tell everyone your dreams. 

Words Hurt. I had to get all of those things out of my head, and realize that I AM ENOUGH! We all have flaws, but we are enough. So to empower and uplift others, my friend Trasheda Toliver and I pulled together to create a company called Impact 320 LLC. We want to impact the world while standing on the scripture Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” 

Check out our t-shirt line at Impact320.co. We want you to know that you are Destined for Greatness and You are Enough. Excellence requires Discomfort, but He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. You are Anointed for the Assignment, just put Faith over Fear. Although We are Flawed Beauty, we are Not Photoshopped, because We are Enough! Imperfection is beauty, and We Walk by Faith not by Sight.  We are More Precious than Rubies, and we will make our dreams come true of being a Future CEO. 

I can’t make this project happen without YOU! I am looking for individuals who are willing to be open and transparent about their flaws and the words that hurt them. I want to capture your flaw, through my eyes. If you would like to be a part of this project, email us at [email protected] so we can set a time to do your quick session. I have no requirements on your outfit for your session. You will receive 10 digital images from your session.