Tanu and I had a portrait session in March and we not only had a great time but we talked about what beauty meant to us. She shared with me a little of her background growing up in India and it made me think about all the things we have to unlearn as we grow into adulthood. Unlearn that you are not beautiful “unless you have these certain features”. Unlearn that you must fit certain “standards” in order to be accepted or loved. When we’re fed these things as children, it becomes a poison that swirls around in our minds. Sometimes it also takes another woman’s influence to help you along the way. Mom, aunt, friend, photographer. But the true antidote, is looking at yourself and acknowledging you ARE worthy, capable, powerful, beautiful. YOU ARE. Here’s a bit of Tanu’s story:

“Growing up in a small town in India, as a child I was told that I was too short and too dark. Later on as a teenager I was too tall and too skinny. No matter how I looked it was never right. Unlike other children I was asked to not play outside in the sun as I was already too dark. My parents were constantly being told, “who would marry her if she is going to look like that”. No matter what I did I could not fit the beauty standards of our society at that time.

Growing up I struggled with low self esteem but my mom really helped me overcome that. She was the one who taught me to love myself just the way I am. Chasing unrealistic beauty standards made me feel miserable. Over the course of time, I learnt that loving and accepting yourself is what brings real joy and happiness.

[Self]-acceptance brought a lot of confidence within me, I stopped thinking about what other people thought of me and that made a huge difference. I landed my dream job as as a flight attendant for Virgin Atlantic Airways and won the title of Gladrags Mrs. India (runners up) North, 2012. Through these affirming events and so many others, I saw my transformation from a nervous, shy child into a confident and passionate woman. Just like my mom. We need to teach our kids to believe in themselves. Teach them that we are all unique and beautiful in our own ways. 

I love being in front of the camera and have worked with many talented photographers. Shooting with such a creative photographer like Veronica was an experience in itself. She helped me prepare for the shoot, we discussed the makeup looks and the outfits. To be honest with you, I was blown away with the results and I would do it again […] in the near future.”

Makeup & Hair by:

Ana Merces / AM Beauty Group

https://www.anamercesmakeup.com