THIS IS ME CAMPAIGN FEATURE: ROBIN

FILLED IN: THIS IS ME

Have you ever struggled with the idea of conventional beauty?

Yes very much. Society has warped the idea of what true beauty is. So yes I have been skinny and heavy and felt not beautiful because either I’m to skinny or to big never a medium.

You are looking for women between the ages of 30-40 but I am 45 but would love to be considered for this opportunity. I have struggled with true beauty for most of my life but I am learning beauty isn’t just physical. It’s also your soul, heart, personality and how you show your beauty to the world. I am a mother of four children, 22, 20, 15, and 13. I was married for 21 years and now am divorced for 3. Going through that made me have to look into myself to see what was wrong I had to learn to build myself up that things went wrong but that doesn’t mean I am a bad person or an ugly person. I am still learning to love myself and learning to accept my flaws and my strengths. I have learned I am much stronger then I ever thought I was. This year 2019 I purchase my forever home all by myself. It’s been a long road to show myself that I can do whatever I put my mind too but I’m getting better at that each and everyday. I have been through the darkness and now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. True beauty comes from within and we all just have to dig deep and find it within ourselves. That is what I’m learning through this process of loving ones self.

Is there any advice you would like to share with others who struggle to see their own beauty?

Dig deep. Find one thing that makes you unique. Look in the mirror and tell yourself everyday that one thing that makes you unique and walk out in the world with confidence because there is only one you and you are one of a kind. -Robin R.

THIS IS ME FEATURE: MAKEBA

"I read one that perfection is the highest form of self abuse; however, I believe that we are perfectly unique. I see beauty in everything and everyone that I encounter." -Makeba

INTERVIEW WITH MAKEBA

Have you ever struggled with the idea of conventional beauty?

Honestly, I thought far skin and light eyes were considered most beautiful. I never received brown dolls as a little girl. I was conditioned to hate myself due to the constant reminder that I was too dark to be considered attractive.

Tell me your story!

Unfortunately, my mother passed when I was an infant due to an inoperable brain tumor. I have only one picture of her that I hold close to my heart. I look exactly like her! What I'm ultimately trying to say is that people have told me that I'm beautiful inside and out. It was difficult for me to believe because of the way I've been treated. Through all of that, I've received a formal education. I have a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from FPU and am currently enrolling in the Forensic Psychology Program in Bakersfield. It has been a long, hard road; however, I have been strengthened by it.

Learning about beauty from a young age... I was raised in a town that was predominantly Caucasian. I attended Catholic school from Kindergarten until 8th grade. I was bullied and teased because of my skin. "Burnt toast" and "Raisin" were my bully's favorites. I completely stopped talking especially in class because I loathed the attention. All attention that I received was negative because of the way I was born. My teacher called my father and told him that I was mentally challenged. What she didn't know is that I was reading books at age 2.

Precious Memories of Benét

This is Jacquelyn here. She was 27 weeks pregnant at the time I photographed her. She brought her fiancé & her mom, who was not feeling well, because she wanted to celebrate and cherish this moment. We had such a great time together while doing her maternity photos. I love how this soon-to-be momma specifically wanted a studio shoot because of its timeless & classic look. Nine days after her shoot, I sent Jackie a message saying how excited I was for her reveal session. But I got a message from her saying that the baby passed away due to some complications.

I was surprised, shocked and devastated. In my mind, I asked, How can it be? How is this happening? They are supposed to see their beautiful maternity portraits and now the baby is gone. Benét was supposed to see these photographs while she was in her mommy’s tummy when she was big enough. She’s supposed to see all these photographs of her mom and dad so happy together.

Today, Jacquelyn would have been around 34 weeks pushing so close to Benét’s arrival.

I’m still in pain, sad and will forever remember Benét and her family. And I will forever believe in Psalm 37:5. God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will.

Benét means blessing in French.