Laura is one of our hair and makeup stylists at the studio and here is a little bit more about her. Mother, wife, hair and makeup artist and coach. Life as a busy mum is often challenging and it's all a balancing act.
Please follow Laura - her Reels are very helpful.
Hi Laura, tell us a bit about your work - what do you do right now?
I help mainly women who have been trying to 'hate their bodies thin' to build trust with themselves by changing their eating psychology and learning to feel good about their bodies in the process.
Have you always done this? - tells us about your journey to this point.
I was one of the few who lost weight during lockdown - since then I realised how much emotional eating was happening to the people all around me (and all over the world!) and made it my personal mission to show others what I'd been doing.
Why do you want to do this?
I've always enjoyed helping people believe in themselves. I've been a make-up artist by trade since 2009, so I've seen thousands of times the effect the external transformation can have on someone. To be able to do that for someone internally is even more special, and lasts a lot longer than a face of make-up.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love being able to change someone's beliefs about themselves. My clients are often, people-pleasers who talk rubbish about themselves all day (and eat about it). Seeing them realise how much they can do with their lives, shed emotional pounds in the process and ultimately love themselves is a huge part of why I love what I do.
What would you say is the most challenging thing being a working mum?
The work I do has pushed me to become a better parent, which can at times be really challenging! Being able to understand my kids' emotions and the reasons behind why they're behaving the way they are instead of using traditional parenting methods like punishment or bribery can seem like the hard way through, but it's always worth it. The adults I work with have often not been taught how to process their emotions as children, and so they do it with food. I want better for my children and all of the next generation, so for me, the real work never stops.
What's the most rewarding part of your work?
One of my love languages is Words of Affirmation - I like to be told I'm loved. So when clients tell me how much I've helped them see themselves differently, I do find it rewarding. Even if I don't hear it every day, I can tell myself how proud I am of myself, which is something I encourage everyone to do. You feel your best when you remind yourself how capable and fantastic you are.
Tell us a bit about your life outside work! Family? Pets? Hobbies?
I am so lucky to be married to my gorgeous Welsh husband who I met in Ibiza in 2006, where we later got married, and with whom I have two amazing children. The one thing that's missing from my life is a pet dog - I would be the best doggie mother! The reason why we don't have a dog (yet!) is because our main hobby as a family is traveling. I also love yoga, walking and having a good chat on the phone with friends and family!
What do you like about studio days?
We make the time a client has in the studio all about them. Often, women don't prioritise themselves, but a day in the studio is like time has stopped - they don't have to think about anyone else for those precious few hours - and that really is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. The best thing is, you then get to keep the memory when you get the photos back and remember how it felt.
Have you had your own photoshoot - and if so how did you feel before hand?
Before my own photoshoot, I was the most awkward person in front of a camera. I didn't know where to look, how to move and was very stiff!
How was it (we won't tell Kate!)
One of things I love most about Kate is her direction, down to the last millimetre of the position of your hands. She has a great sense of humour, and every detail matters to her so you'll be confident that you'll get the best images. I felt particularly fabulous when Kate gave me my Beyonce moment when she put the fan on my hair!
How did having professional photos make you feel?
All the things every woman wants to feel. Safe, loved, and confident in myself.
How can people get in touch with you?
I answer all of my DMs on Instagram, which is mainly where I hang out! You don't need to be a client to talk to me about your struggles with eating/dieting/your body thoughts - I love to hear from people. You can find out more about the programme we offer by visiting the creator, Leslie's website: www.lesliehooper.com.
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