Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Woodley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi, I’m a Boudoir Photographer located in Bay City, Texas.
Ever since I was young, you always caught me with a camera, it was a dream of mine to be a Glamour Photographer. My husband bought me my first “real” camera, haha, 12 years ago… it stayed in a box for almost a year. I started photographing weddings, families, children, it wasn’t until 5 years ago when I found my niche of boudoir photography. Once I knew boudoir was what I wanted to specialize in, I shortly took a leap of faith and open my first storefront studio. I soon grew out of the space within a year and a half and jump into a bigger space, better location, on the square, and my business was doing great… up until Harvey showed up last year. Harvey devastated me, I lost everything I own – from backdrops to furniture to photography equipment. One thing about Houston and the photographers from Houston, they all came together to help us rebuild. These ladies were amazing, donated props, and raised money for each of us photographers who lost everything.
Fast forward to today, I am now in a new location, still a storefront, which I wouldn’t want it any other way, and finally have room to photograph boudoir again. Boudoir is my passion, I carry my heart and sweat, and tears to build up my clientele. I have met so many incredibly amazing women. They have taught me so much and have helped uplift me thru the most difficult times in my life. I love my job. There is just something unique and special when it comes to photographing a brave lady.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, not at all.
I use to have photographers down me because they didn’t believe one should photograph such a thing, they couldn’t understand the relationship that was being built with these ladies who were my clients.
They all have a history and they all are here for one another, kinda like a tribe. A tribe of women who are here on earth to inspire, uplift and celebrate each other thru the good times and bad times.
And, well, of course, Harvey was a struggle, I had to rebuild my entire business since he came thru.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Michelle Lee Boudoir – what should we know?
I specialize in Boudoir photography. I have, what you may call a motto, and that is “Be Brave.”
Most think that when I say “Be Brave” is that I am telling someone to be brave to book a session, but in reality, I’m here to encourage all woman, to be brave in everything you do every day. Don’t be afraid to start something new or end something that is bringing you down. Brave the storm. This is your life and you only get one shot at it, so go out there and do what you want your inner self to do, don’t look back, failure is only not going for your dreams.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Wow, I can say, I study a lot of Jen Rozenbaum’s work. Her workshops rock! She has been a huge mentor in my business. I have so many cheerleaders in my life from, first of all, my husband, biggest supporter of all. Having God and my husband, hand in hand, I could not go wrong. My best friend, Marty, always picking up the pieces for me when I fall.
Being involve locally with the city’s merchants is always a huge plus.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1820 6th Street
Bay City, TX 77414 - Website: http://memoriesbymichel.wixsite.com/boudoirphotography
- Phone: 979-557-3511
- Email: memoriesbymichel@aol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memoriesbymichelle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MemoriesbyMichelle/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
