Have you ever met someone and instantly admired them?
That was me with Holly.
She graduated one class after me in dental hygiene school so, of course, I saw her around from a distance.
Oh my goodness, just realize I seem like a stalker. Hah!
Let me quickly get to the point here: I continued to admire her kindness and really blown away by her beauty.
Our friendship truly started to develop on a dental mission trip to Belize in 2014, which was life-changing to say the least.
And y’all, the more I got to know her the more I just fell in love with her!
I think what I loved most (on the mission trip) was her strong faith and how she gracefully carried Him in her heart and through her actions.
To put it simply, Holly’s beauty was much more than skin-deep. It flowed to her core and I just marveled at it.
And I continued to do so through good ole’ social media–she resides near Jackson, Mississippi.
So imagine my complete surprise when she began to document her struggles with her body in the past and present.
She also started sharing her journey with fitness and a healthier lifestyle, which is amazing and inspiring to say the least.
She documents it all (good and bad) but in a way that motivates you to not only improve your life and body, but your mind too, which is so so important.
To not judge your progress by the numbers loss alone, but by celebrating the confidence and fearlessness gained.
But still, I was over here in Charlotte still utterly shocked by all her insecurities and flaws she saw in herself.
Now I don’t want to come off as dismissing her opinions and emotions.
Because I did not.
In fact, I tried hard to see what she saw and instantly knew(like when I first met her), in return, I wanted to show her what I saw in her: all that confidence and fearlessness.
A different perspective from someone on the outside.
I wanted to show her through my eyes all the absolute beauty she holds.
Hence this photo session we did in the wee hours of the morning.
It was the best time.
Coffee seemed like a good place to start at the super cute Cultivation Food Hall.
We got right down to business!
Who are we kidding?! There were lots of giggles!
I mean y’all, how does one go about looking so freakin’ gorgeous in athletic wear?!
The lighting here wasn’t ideal, but it says “step into the light” to me. Or dance into it (her last name is Dancy too)!
Holly,
Thank you thank youuu so much allowing me to capture you and your journey.
My hope is for you to look at these photos and marvel at your beauty inside and out.
You’re an absolute gem.
No matter where you go in life, heed no fear because for you my sweet friend, God has wonderful and beautiful plans for you.
All my love.
Thank you for reading and following along
with me,
Jules.
Postscript: If you yourself are looking for a team to not only hold you accountable, but to motivate and inspire you towards a healthier body and lifestyle, then check out my girl Holly, who I know will lead you towards your goals and so much more!
Here are her Instagram and Facebook pages! And if you’re ready to get started here’s the direct link to join her tribe!
I am so proud of my beautiful daughter, but more importantly, Holly is a Daughter of The King! She has always had a tender heart toward Jesus and invited Him to live in her heart at age 8. Your lovely words describe Holly so eloquently and perfectly! The photos are beautiful.
Oh gosh, thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot especially coming from her sweet Mama!