Sarah Lawson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sarah, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think most people in the current world really struggle with loneliness. In a world where everything is online, it causes so much disconnect that people don’t know how to be around people anymore. Which is one of the biggest ways we learn how to be a good person, how to serve, how to care, how to have empathy, how to truly uplift and support! When there’s a huge disconnect there, it becomes hard to make friends, uncomfortable meeting new people, awkward sitting in a waiting room without being on your phone… and it’s finding its way into our homes and our families. Then when hardship happens, we crave support, love, understanding and companionship, which doesn’t come our way. Not by anyone’s fault! Just because of how society is today. Genuine and real is hard to come by. I think a lot of people are looking for that depth and that companionship without knowing how to find it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Sarah Mich, a fine art boudoir photographer in Palm Springs, CA. I currently have a studio space, but soon will be a full time traveling boudoir photographer and I’m SO excited for that change.
In a very long story short, I didn’t choose boudoir, it chose me. I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years and have always had a special place in my soul for others journey’s and situations. I’m a personality enthusiast and LOVE hearing about other peoples passions, hardships, strengths… what makes them tick and what trips them up. Basically all that went into making them the person they are today! Through some difficult patterns that took place in my life, I went through my own moment of personal growth about 7 years ago when I discovered I’m extremely codependent. I realized I was unintentionally enabling the horrible behavior that had completely shattered who I was. I researched, I learned, I worked hard, and was able to heal immensely while learning how to rediscover myself (that was the fun part). Shortly after that, and through my most supportive companion in life, I realized I had been through an experience a lot of people are dealing with! Losing themselves! Mix that urge to help others with my passion for the human body and all it’s beauty, and BAM. My boudoir business was born.
I have now expanded into doing fine art nude in nature imagery, as well as luxury boudoir and fine art nude underwater imagery! I love what I do and I am so passionate about expressing through art. I always leave sessions feeling a deep connection with my clients and love being a part of their journey in this way!
Non-business related, I have two amazing little girls, I’m married to my best friend for life, and have two dogs that keep my energy in check 🙂 Life is pretty great.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
“The luxury boudoir photographer”. This whole year has been a huge transformation for me internally, and the luxury studio setting just isn’t doing it for me anymore. Entering into a new space every session, with a new client, with whatever vibe/storyline they want to portray?! That really fulfills my creative brain. I am huge on the fact that every client is different! So why have them all in the same studio? It no longer makes sense to me the way I want to capture my clients.
Helping clients feel free in their bodies, reconnecting with nature, making THEM the artwork in their home…. that’s a type of self love that everyone should aim for.
In June next year, my physical studio will cease to exist, and out into the world of possibilities we go! I absolutely loved my time in the studio and all the incredible women I was able to meet and inspire! It’s time to spread my wings, so we close that chapter with a huge love and appreciation. <3
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I’m going to overemphasize this because I literally cannot say it enough. THAT YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY GOING THROUGH.
Like… I could do a year long podcast on this topic. When I was going through my worst of times, ALL I WANTED was for someone to just show up, and exist in that moment with me. Just encourage me to feel through it and know that I’m not there alone. Stop trying to fix your friends pain, or distract them from it. I know it’s uncomfortable to sit in silence and to exist without “hosting” the interaction, but sometimes that’s all that is needed most!
And start showing up for your people!! I was miserable at home, but put on a damn good “fine” face while I was out. I never told people the depth of what was happening because I didn’t want to hear their response, which was always “well then just leave??” or “it’ll all be ok, just have hope”…. and that was repeated. It didn’t help, it felt like nobody understood what I was going through, so now I’m truly in it alone.
Because of that, I treat my friends and family the way I needed and never got. I ask deep questions, I pick up on their stale “I’m doing great!”s, and I ask. I talk to them, I show up when they didn’t ask me to, I encourage them to feel their way through it and don’t stifle it. Most of the time, when we’re in the middle of darkness, we don’t even know what we need. Be the friend that just supports. Show up, throw on a movie, and sit in the same room with them. Invite them to coffee on your dime. Invite them to a rage room! A wacky art activity that helps get out emotion. Show up in a way that you’d want them to. Stop judging their situation and assuming their emotions, because even if you’ve been through a similar situation, you’ve never been through THEIR version of the events.
And now I’ll end my rant lol
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I spent too many years trying to keep it separate (during my worst times..) and it’s exhausting! Once I was able to rediscover my true self, who I wanted to be, and find my voice, I promised I’d always be genuine with people. How can I expect people to be genuine and real with me if I’m not that way with them? I can’t. Especially in this passion of boudoir, my clients are trusting me so whole heartedly with their confidence and vulnerability, the LEAST I can do is provide them with the same. This experience is meant to go both ways.
I wear everything on my sleeve, no hiding for me 🙂 It’s been so freeing and truly exciting to live that way.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Oh my gosh I would rid my life of electronics so fast (all except my TV)! Don’t get me wrong, I love my tiktok doom scroll when I’m bored, but looking at how much time is actually spent on a screen…. I mean I’d want to soak up every second I had left and not waste any time! Which is why I wouldn’t get rid of our TV. Our family are HUGE movie buffs, and I love me a good snuggle time and movie night moment. But cell phone? Gone. House phone only. Social media? Gone. I would breath deeper and love harder and adventure more! Oh my gosh I would literally take my family everywhere! I’d want to see everything while also having those still, quiet moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boudoirbysarahmich.com
- Instagram: boudoribysarahmich + fineartbysarahmich
Image Credits
ITLA Photography, Boudoir by Sarah Mich
