All I can say about this session is OMG. Shannon was the lucky winner of my 2020 boudoir giveaway and WOW did she ever rock this session! We have “known” each other for years but never really connected until recently when I took one of Shannon’s workshops that was gifted to me by my dear friend Tegan. Shannon is a Yoga instructor/mentor/speaker/photographer and just all around a kick ass woman. Her workshop was two hours of women letting themselves be vulnerable in a safe space, letting their shit go and supporting one another. Shannon and the other instructor (also Shannon) walked about the room encouraging mindful yoga positions and soothing massages with their gentle touch. Well I had no idea what this session was about prior to attending but my friend got it for me as she knew I was struggling with something but she was even unaware of what it was at the time. Well let me tell you what happened in that session. I let my guard down, cried for 2 hours straight while my partner (a complete stranger) rubbed my arm to console me and the two Shannons massaged my body, wiped my tears away and even kissed my forehead several times. I can not tell you how much I needed this. I had just went through a huge loss in my life that was also traumatic and being around other women in a vulnerable state where I felt completely safe to break down was the beginning of my healing. Shannon, I can not thank you enough for having this space and taking this time to do this for women, we need more of this in our lives and I will forever be thankful for that day. So when Shannon won the session I was super excited, I felt like it was the world letting me thank Shannon for her hand in helping me heal, one she probably didn’t even know she was so profoundly a part of. The day of the session we talked about life and that day of the workshop was brought up. Shannon had told me that on the day of the workshop her world had come crashing down and she had felt like she had no idea what she was going to with her life and how she was going to move forward. She shared her intimate life changing day with me. What Shannon said next I will always remember. She told me that the day of the session when I shared my loss with the group she had a moment of relief. Not that she was not sad for me because she was, and she showed her empathy, compassion and love for me in that session. But she said that she thought to herself if this women can show up, get out of bed and move forward with life after what she went through then so can I. It’s funny how we can attend gatherings, go to events and not have a single clue what is actually going on in someones life. We are unaware that the words me speak and the actions we take can be so helpful or damaging to one at a time of need. With that being said please take the time to try to be the best person you can be. Show up, be there and be mindful your tongue. You never know when your words will impact someones life and possibly help them heal.

Now go follow Shannon on insta because she is inspiring!!! @slhastings @esse.and.elle

Hair and Makeup by @courtneynicolemakeup