1. How old are you?
36
2. What do you do for a livining?
Art Director for Foreign National (DC) – restaurants + creative
3. What made you decide to take a leap of faith and do a boudoir session?
My sister forwarded me along one of BLB’s IG stories about a model call and I didn’t think twice about responding with a “girl raising her hand” emoji and, as they say, the rest is history.
4. Did you have any obstacles or fears about boudoir?
Besides the “I’m a photographer, not a model” and “Omg what do I do with my hands?” nervousness, I was very excited about working with Rami. I think that women are (rightfully so) learning to be comfortable in their own skin, and I squashed any nagging fear or insecurity I had and went for it.
5. Was the session different from what you expected it to be?
I didn’t really know what to expect, but I loved every minute.
6. What was your favorite part about the entire experience?
Honestly? Just chatting and getting to know Rami more. I think we clicked pretty quickly, and in no time at all we were exchanging photographer stories and she was telling me family anecdotes. If it wasn’t for the fact that she was holding a camera and I was sprawled all sex kitten like on a bed, you’d never know.
7. How did you feel when you saw your photographs?
Beautiful. Powerful. A little awed too.
8. Any advice for women interested in their own boudoir session?
Life is short and you should do it. You are amazing, sexy, and the only person you need to prove it to is yourself.
©black Lace Boudoir
9. Did anything change about the way you see your own beauty as a result of the session?
It’s made me a bit braver if that makes sense. Not necessarily re: my own beauty, but I feel confidence in the other aspects of my life: art, work, personal, etc. 2020 is the year I’m taking command of my own life: doing projects that have been on the back burner of my mind, trying to stay on top of my game at work, and generally just being a better me.
©black Lace Boudoir ©black Lace Boudoir
10. Share your story here:
Hmm, I’m not really sure if you mean the day of the shoot or general life story, so I’ll try to sum up both: Me: Hi, I’m vina. I’m the art director for a creative/restaurant group in DC, which means I run social media, photography, graphic design, PR, hell – I’ll even host or barback if you need me to. My days are long and I have piss-poor sleep and general health habits. I, however, love what I do because I get to create every day and each day is different. I’m surrounded by strong people, people who are dedicated and passionate about their roles in the company, and each day I strive to be better. I’m single, a little scared to mingle and, while there are parts of my body/health that I don’t love, I’m happy with who I am, where I am, and who I want to become. I write a lot of lists, wear a lot of dresses, and one of my favorite things to do is explore Asian grocery stores and farmers’ markets. I wish I could write something lovely and eloquent about the actual photoshoot, but here is a series of random memories I have of the day: – The wallpaper is gorgeous and halfway through I realized I have a dress that matches it, and it would be fun to stand in front of the wall and blend in like floral camouflage. – Hair & makeup with Nicole was so much fun, and I tried not to fidget the entire time. – Having Rami demonstrate each pose was SO MUCH HELP for me and I could have done it all day. – The golden coconut story. I wish there was a short film about it. – I’ve purchased a considerable amount of lingerie since our shoot and have found some amazing pieces through the BLB Facebook group – I love how everyone in there is basically a group of strangers who all uplift and root each other on about everything. – I always think of you when I see chicken burritos on a menu now.
