Tina, thank you. From the first moment we connected over the phone I knew this would lead to great things, we were both on the same page and you knew what you wanted from our session. I absolutely love your straight shooting, no-BS demeanour and how freaking powerful you are. Thank you for letting me create some amazing images for you.
What made you want to take part in the Love Me True Campaign?
When I saw Jessie's campaign pop up on Facebook I was drawn to it immediately. Divine timing, meant to be...I recently delved into holding space for women, bringing them back to essence, empowerment and into deep self. So this resonated and I filled out the questionnaire with the first things that popped into my mind.
I would love to know your story!
I’ve always been a wild one, close to nature, free-spirited and stubborn. I’ve always felt like I don’t fit in. As a result I’ve spent most of my teens and young adulthood trying to succumb to the status quo...do what everyone else did...settle down with your high-school sweetheart, have 2.5 kids and build a house in the same village as your parents. Then I started travelling - a lot - and after chasing a job in Dubai in 1998, I got a job offer in NZ, packed up my life in Germany and backpacked the Pacific Islands before settling in Auckland.After 2 years I realised that I belonged here and couldn’t go back if I wanted to be happy. 20 years later I’m still here, married to a Tongan with a son.What made me what I am today is listening to my gut instinct and intuition - being true to myself, even if that is not always the easy road, and trust in the journey.
What does it mean to love yourself?
Don't follow trends, be wild, be difficult, hold your head up high. Ignore the media, don't fall trap to Instagram perfection. We have dark & light sides, good & bad days, despair & happiness...just like the moon we go through phases, always present - embrace ALL of it and make peace with it. Self love is the most important gift you can give yourself and don't give a shit what others think of you!
What do you remember learning about beauty from a young age? What impacted you the most that you have carried throughout your life?
That beauty can’t be bought and that you don’t follow fads but develop your own style...whether it’s colour or style I do buy what suits me and that style and fashion does not need to be expensive
Have you ever struggled with the idea of conventional beauty?
Yes - the standard barbie cookie cutter model is so boring...
What is your favourite physical feature about yourself?
My eyes
What is your favourite NON physical feature about yourself? (After all, beauty is not only on the inside!)
My creativity
Is there any advice you would like to share with others who struggle to see their own beauty?
Never compare yourself and don’t care what others say - be you
How did you feel during the experience?
I loved it...the initial consultation felt like an easy chat and the location Jessie picked was perfect for the 'mood' I was after for my shot. Not the pretty corporate studio shot, but out in nature playing with props, backdrops and natural light.
How did this experience impact you? Have you noticed any changes in yourself, be it your self-confidence or anything else since your session?
Reassurance of the path I have chosen and a deep sense of grounding.
What was the best part of the experience?
Seeing the finished images & connecting with two amazing creative women who follow their true passion.
What advice would you offer to other women who are considering taking part in the campaign?
Be yourself and allow your true divine being to shine through. Free from conditioning & expectations that society has put on 'beauty'.Go ahead and do it. Be wild, be woman and be seen and enjoy your true self being captured in images that make you go 'Wow - this is me!'
Is there anything else you would like to share?
If you have a shoot make it yours. Don't do it for others and be larger than life!
Last question, would you do it again?
Yes - absofuckinglutely!
