055: A Nonbinary Participant’s Empowerment Experience: Identity, Community, and Self-Discovery

In this episode, my lovely cohost Rachael and I talk with Sarah Staat (yes, they're back!) about their journey with the Empowerment Studio -- from their first photoshoot to going all-in during the Empowerment Experience.Sarah grew up in a very religious environment where a lot of life decisions were already mapped out for them. Over time, especially after a divorce, they began the long process of figuring out who they actually were outside of that structure. They first found the Empowerment Studio through one of our selfie challenges, and over the years became a deeply involved part of the community.During the Empowerment Experience, Sarah used the space to explore identity more fully -- including trying out they/them pronouns and embracing the full range of their masculine and femme expression. By the time we photographed their big Empowerment Experience shoot, they were stepping into that range completely: everything from a suit, to a bikini, to a flannel-and-axe lumberjack moment in the woods.One of the things Sarah talks about beautifully is how the program gave them a place where they didn’t have to edit themself. Over the six months, that practice of simply being themself started to carry into the rest of their life too.We also talk about the community side of the Empowerment Experience -- the group photoshoot, the friendships that form, and the way people witness each other’s growth over time.Sarah describes the whole experience as an investment in themself, and as a way of capturing the moment of who they are now.PS This episode title is reductive for sure -- but I wanted all the cutie enby folks who might be podcast browsing to know that they've got a fun episode to tune in to. It's nice to know when something is extra perfect for you!🤳🏼 Get our FREE selfie guide: https://empowermentphotographer.com/selfie🔗 Sign up for the #SelfietoSelfLove Challenge: selfietoselflove.com📸 Follow us on Instagram: @empowermentstudio__🌐 Learn more about our boudoir sessions and Empowerment Experience: empowermentphotographer.com👥 Join our Facebook Group: The Empowerment Studio