Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Jockers.
Hi Gabby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Though I went to school for business, it took me 8 years to start my first business because I had no clue what to do! Turns out that was for the best because I needed the next few years of self-discovery to start MY business. I knew I didn’t want to run a business for the sake of running a business. But I didn’t feel passionate about any of the business ideas I experimented with. And I knew that passion was going to be essential to sustain me through a challenging entrepreneurial journey.
Long story short, I ended up starting a boudoir photography business and now live with complete & utter certainty that this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing.
Those years of self-discovery took me through yoga, mindfulness, trauma awareness, and their ability to help us connect to our bodies and create a better relationship with ourselves. I use intention setting, guided meditation, breathwork, and more to help my clients get out of their heads and into their bodies so they can have a positive & embodied experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I thought I was prepared for the bumpy ride of starting a business, but I had no idea! This journey has tested my commitment to my why and the positive impact I want to make in this world.
I quit my job in the summer of 2019 to start my business and as soon as I launched my first marketing campaign a couple of weeks before the first Covid shutdown. I had to cancel over 10 photoshoots until who knows when. Nothing to kill your new-business momentum than a good old pandemic shutdown!
So I adapted, I ended up pivoting my business, and I dove into online marketing.
For a portrait modality that is quite intimate, boudoir requires a lot of trust, comfort, and connection between subject & photographer. And I think it’s really hard to get a sense for that online!
In-person people can get such a better sense of who I am – my passion, my energy, my attention. I find it SO much easier to connect with people and when I click with someone, it is so much fun. I’m sure there are readers can relate to this!
Now that covid restrictions are over and I’m vaccinated & boosted, I’m excited to dive into the real world through art events, festivals, and just growing my community in Colorado!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
A lot of people think of boudoir photography as sexy but classy photography for women.
I’m bringing mindfulness & yoga practices into the boudoir experience so clients have the opportunity for a far deeper experience than simply seeing a picture of them looking hot.
So much of our self-criticism, body image struggles, and hiding our bodies comes from disconnection.
When we’re disconnected, we’re *thinking* about our bodies (while looking in the mirror, trying on clothes, sitting down, etc.) more than *feeling* and *being in* our bodies.
When we connect to our bodies – aka getting out of our heads and into our bodies – we quiet our inner critic. Confidence, self-love, body appreciation, etc. is a LOT easier when that inner critic quiets down.
To help clients connect to their bodies, I lead a guided meditation before the shoot and I’m directing their attention inward toward their experience, directing breathwork, and coaching for full posing guidance with body language,
Before the shoot, we also discuss intentions (“I want to feel confident & like myself again after a difficult breakup” or “My body has changed and I want to learn to accept it and see it as beautiful again” or “I want to feel sexy”).
I find that setting an intention and then HOLDING that intention, my clients feel a deeper sense of transformation and peace.
Anyways, I believe photography & boudoir are about MORE than just the body. I believe photography is an incredible way to showcase a person’s spirit.
It’s about the heart!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My commitment to my why, values, and dharma (purpose).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://embodiedartboudoir.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedartboudoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodiedartboudoir/
- Other: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/630050670e625a4a90535361
Image Credits
Embodied Art Boudoir Headshot was Shay Walker
