The Story Of you.

Content Warning: These stories contain mentions of body dysmorphia, body image struggles, and gendered violence. If you find any of the below triggering, please find a list of helpful and free resources below:

DV/SV: 1800 RESPECT

Mental Health: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues: Butterfly Foundation 1800 ED HOPE

We finally have Kathleen. Her journey is one marked by profound resilience and an unwavering spirit. Kathleen told us she ‘wanted to start seeing her body in a different light’ which luckily is right up our ally!

We wee moved by her story and how strong she has realised herself to be. She so bravely shared her story from being abandoned at just a few days old in her birth state New South Wales which is something that carries with you, often your whole life. In her body, the man she believed loved her subjected her to relentless mental and physical abuse, leaving scars that went beyond the physical. and endured ridicule by a society that was unforgiving of her body. Because of this, Kathleen's self-image and confidence took relentless hits. Comments like “You’d be so beautiful if you lost a few kilos” and “No guy is going to want you looking like that” chipped away at her sense of self-worth.

Life dealt Kathleen another cruel blow when she suffered a stroke in her sleep, resulting in the loss of her left peripheral vision in both eyes. She then endured two more strokes within a short span, plunging her into a dark abyss of self-hate and despair. However, Kathleen’s story does not end in defeat. At the start of January, a spark of hope ignited within her, propelling her on a journey of self-acceptance and healing. Despite the adversities, she has always been a beacon of support for those around her. She raised nearly $2000 for the Stroke Foundation and opened her home to her daughter's homeless friends, providing shelter and support in their time of need.

Before her shoot, Kathleen was filled with apprehension and self-doubt. She second-guessed even applying, feeling like a nervous wreck. Never having seen herself as beautiful—strong, yes, but not beautiful—she feared disappointment with the photos, convinced they would only highlight her perceived flaws. However, the experience turned out to be beautifully transformative.

The conversations she had whilst getting her makeup done by Emma from Base Beauty helped ease her nerves, and she felt an unexpected comfort during the shoot. Despite not knowing how to pose, the guidance and support she received made her feel confident and comfortable within herself. This marked a significant shift in her journey toward self-acceptance.

Kathleen chose a tattoo that holds deep personal significance, representing her life’s journey and her recent diagnosis of Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD). The tattoo depicts a body covered in bandaids, symbolising the self-healing she has had to undertake throughout her life. The flowers emerging from the neck represent her FMD diagnosis, with the dissections in her carotid and vertebral arteries causing her strokes. Despite these challenges, Kathleen believes that from the "shitty things" in life, beauty and growth can emerge.

This photoshoot was a pivotal moment for Kathleen, helping her to appreciate her body, broken bits and all. It’s a long road, but one she is now walking with her head held high. She expressed her gratitude for being part of the experience and for the support she received, which has been instrumental in her ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-love.

Thank you so much Kathleen, your story is truly moving and reflect how strong you are, we hope sharing your story can inspire others.