PROJECT BEAUTY 2018 | YOUNGSTOWN, OH
Project Beauty | Ashley Nicolle Photography | Soap Gallery
The goal of Project Beauty started as this exciting, empowering idea that I wanted the girls to gain so much from. I hope each participant left with renewed confidence and a stronger voice against those who feel a woman’s worth lies within her makeup bag or on the labels she wears.
More information on the details of Project Beauty can be found here, but the premise of the project required the girls to show up completely natural. No makeup, natural hair, and basic black and white minimalist clothing.
Much thanks to Chandler for creating this video and capturing the essence of the project!
When the shoots began I spoke with the girls on the subjects of beauty, makeup, confidence, etc. And I learned that this generation of young women far surpasses my own! They’re so much more self-aware than I ever was at their age. They know where beauty & confidence truly stems from and look to strong role models in their lives for that guidance. They know that a woman is so much more than just her appearance, but don’t discount how fun it is to go full glam for a night for no one other than yourself.
To say I learned some valuable life lessons during this project would be an understatement! I could not be more proud of these young ladies!!
From their perspective:
Beauty is unique. Its finding the light in places that seem dark. The media has a warped image and people feel forced to follow that image, especially girls. Beauty is everywhere, and anything -you name it. Its even on the inside.
Beauty to me is kindness. Its what is on the inside that matters. Loving yourself so you do not have to judge others in order to make yourself happy.
“Beauty to me is confidence. I always wore make up from 6th grade until midway through high school. It wasnt until I realized that makeup wasnt a part of me and to feel my own beauty I needed to not wear it. I now feel more confident with myself. Beauty is whatever you want it to be, its different for each person, whatever makes that person feel confident. Its not tangible and you cant see it; its a feeling.”
Beauty to me is being yourself. Its living the life in which you are at your happiest state!
In those perfect moments you find beauty you never knew existed. You find yourself and your friends all over again, you find something to fight for, something to love. Something to show the world.
In those perfect moments you find beauty you never knew existed. You find yourself and your friends all over again, you find something to fight for, something to love. Something to show the world.
From their perspective:
Beauty to me is being comfortable in your own skin, being genuinely you, and being proud of it.
Being beautiful means being you and being confident in yourself. Beauty comes from the inside and is portrayed by how we treat others and ourselves. Be bold. Be confident. And be you. Be beautiful!
Beauty to me is what we can give to others. I always think that the most beautiful people are the ones that use their words & actions to uplift others. People that love others unconditionally & let that show are always most radiant. Their positivity & kindness always give them that shine of someone who is truly beautiful.
True beauty is however YOU define it. Theres no need to follow a standard or trend. If you like what you are doing and feel inspired, keep doing it!
True beauty is on the inside. Being kind to everyone even when its hardest. It means having integrity, courage, and faith. Beauty is standing out from the crowd.
