“I wasn’t even starting over when we divorced, I was starting to love myself from scratch,” I reflect. Learning to craft my own version of happiness meant giving myself grace when I inevitably made mistakes along the way.
“The ideal Black woman who’s ready for reinvention is scared. She is scared of staying in situations and with people who don’t see her worth. She is also bold enough to choose herself. She is ready to define her pleasure and understands she doesn’t have to earn anything, but self-love. She is ready to put in the work to be her favorite and most loved self.”
“Olesha Haskett is the healer, connector, and photographer behind Oh Experience, the studio guiding Black women to honoring themselves with a self-empowering twist on traditional boudoir photography. The Maryland-based artist has spent over a decade building a business and platform of healing for Black women to show up authentically, exploring their sensuality in front of the lens.”
“Above all else know you are never alone. That will always be number one. When I felt alone in my journey all I had to do was look around me. There was always someone willing to help or listen. Even if it was my therapist who I paid.”
“I am most proud of creating a safe space for us and about us. Black womxn’s bodies have always been policed by society, the government, and the Black church. Our platform is a revolutionary act letting Black womxn know however they show up is beautiful. Just showing up is enough and doing a boudoir experience for yourself is an act of self-love. Also creating the space for Black boudoir educators and speakers to showcase their knowledge.”