

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Brie Pereboom.
Hi Brie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Opal Hour Photo specializes in destination boudoir photography! I’m a women-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and friendly business here in Salt Lake City, Utah. Boudoir photography has been a creative outlet for me to practice self-love for my own healing journey. I’m so honored and privileged to work with clients who trust me to hold space for them.
I’m a licensed cosmetologist turned free spirit. I decided to unsubscribe from the societal expectations and beliefs around beauty. I used to do a full face of makeup every day, change my hair monthly, and get my nails and lash extensions done religiously. It was a full-blown addiction, under the influence of chasing perfectionism, and no matter how on point my beauty regimen was, “I was never good enough.”
There are SO many external and internal sources that contribute to a similar belief for so many people, but I felt very alone. I slowly but surely started reducing the “beauty” services that I was receiving. I started coming back to myself and recognizing the person that I saw in the mirror. I then utilized beauty services as an art rather than an obligation. Boudoir photography has been a way for me to document my journey. Having the photos of my different life chapters has helped me to see the progress that I’ve made.
My hope is for clients to make their own reflections through the boudoir process. I hope that their images serve as a reminder of how incredible and powerful they are. “Sexy” is not a one-size-fits-all. This is a space to explore what sexy looks and feels like for you.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Absolutely not, LOL. I’ve learned that very few things in life go exactly as planned, but with enough hope and trust, the universe has a serendipitous way of providing things that are even better than we could have imagined.
I still feel like I’m in the early stages of building the foundation of my business, but I’m blessed to have the support and resources to be so meticulous about all of the little details. Creating meaningful work and art that is inclusive, sustainable, and profitable is one of my biggest challenges, but it’s also one of my biggest goals.
I would say the biggest struggles have been reframing my own negative beliefs and educating myself on all of the business and financial necessities. Neither of these areas comes naturally to me and has required a lot of practice, patience, time, and self-trust.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Opal Hour Photo?
I specialize in artistic boudoir photography and empowerment portraiture. Unlike many boudoir photographers who place the focus on boudoir as a gift for others, I welcome all individuals who are looking for a way to embrace their full self and explore the art of boudoir as a gift for themselves.
This is a creative, collaborative place to TAKE UP SPACE exactly as you are. Skin smoothing, body alterations, and body shaming comments are not welcome here. This is an opportunity to curate a cozy celebration of yourself, from the comfort of your own home to an adventure outdoors! I love curating experiences that are unique and special for each client.
Are any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes! So many!
But first – therapy! (And I want to acknowledge that therapy is a HUGE privilege, so if this is currently inaccessible to you, I’ll list more cost-effective options below).
Therapy was a word that triggered me for so long. I had some really bad experiences. It was expensive. I felt “broken” or like something was wrong with me for needing therapy. Then, I learned about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). I wasn’t aware of these treatment techniques in my previous therapy experiences, which had all been “just talk therapy.” I found myself complaining the entire session and usually left my sessions feeling worse than when I came in.
Once I understood that there were different therapy treatments with helpful tools that I could practice outside of therapy, I felt like I was able to get more out of my sessions. I’ve noticed myself challenging my beliefs and actively working to improve my thoughts and behaviors. EMDR has also been an incredible tool to help me with reprocessing negative beliefs and overcoming traumatic events.
Individual Therapy Alternatives:
Group Therapy – A Google search in my area helped me to find a skills group for DBT, which was a really great resource and a more affordable therapy option.
Al-Anon – I heard that Al-Anon is a helpful sharing group for people who have codependency challenges. Attending meetings helped me to feel less lonely. Even if I chose not to share during the group sessions, I still found the benefits of attending.
Podcasts:
This Is Important – Listen, not everything needs to be that serious, and this is one of my favorite ways to laugh and feel like I have hilarious coworkers on those boring solopreneur days.
Business Made Simple, Donald Miller – Such easy, actionable tips! He also has great books and online resources.
In Sight – This is a heavier therapy podcast, but it can be a great way to realize that you’re not alone and gain insight into some therapy terms.
Books:
The Artist’s Way – My favorite book! Even if you don’t identify as an artist, I think every human is creative in one way or another. I work through this book about once a year or grab it when I’m feeling stuck.
Free Resources:
The Library! – Books are expensive; remember, you can rent them!
Maven Create – Just follow them. They have so many resources and amazing women-owned businesses as part of their collective. I could rave about them all day!
Find others who you can collaborate with, co-work, and bounce ideas off of! This has been one of the biggest elements that has been encouraging me lately, especially as a solopreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.opalhourphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opalhourphoto
Image Credits
Yadel and Tish