I’m Korean, was adopted into a wonderful family at the age of 2 months old. I grew up in South America, and most of my life felt out of place because of my Asian looks. I got teased quite a bit, and this is probably why most of my life I have been very insecure, unsettled and not comfortable within my own skin.

Life is a great teacher; friends and family are great influencers. Experiences are even better and thankfully there comes a time when you get thrown into so many that you find the courage to find your standing ground, your own voice and if you keep on listening to your own voice you find that you can block those other voices what were trying to drown your own.

In that moment you feel you can finally confront situations in life you never knew or had the courage to do so and fear begins to slowly dissipate, it’s a Fearless moment! Fear might not disappear, but YOU have found your standing ground through your belief in something. For me its been my faith, and those many learning steps along the way that have kept me from getting lost or giving up.

As to what some of my fearless goals God allowing; the first thing that comes to my mind is getting through the current Covid-19 situation because it has had an impact on every area of my life. Become more outgoing in a caring and helpful way. Look into new ventures and adventures. To not stop at possibilities, rather allow them to become opportunities that could give fruit to endless means.

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post Life is a great teacher; friends a family are great influencers – Eve appeared first on STUDIO81.

Hi I’m Sharnae, South African-born Kiwi, and Mom to a kind and energetic 4 year old boy and to a shy and courageous 2 year old girl – one of my biggest achievements in life has been raising these two as a solo mom. I joined the #IAMFEARLESS campaign to share my journey to overcoming fear and anxiety.

It started with the unravelling of my personal life, more so the relationship with my children’s father. My life as I knew it was unrecognisable, and I was forced to look at myself to see what I had been done to get myself here. As I started to put the pieces back together I realised that I had totally lost myself in the process of having my ‘picture perfect’ family, I had sacrificed myself/soul in relationship after relationship that left me feeling depleted, defeated and unworthy. I had also realised that fear and anxieties of other people’s opinions and fear of failure in my own self critical mind held me to destructive patterns of toxic relationships and self-sabotage. I knew I wanted to flourish but I didn’t know how.

I started to redefine who I am and what I wanted in life by challenging my critical mind, my beliefs and rules that I had limited myself to, I invested time in myself to get to know who I am, what I stood for and what my triggers were. Looking at the past felt like a season of growth and I started to see a whole new woman in front of me, the world with new opportunities started opening up. I found myself, my passions and my purpose, now my life goal is to help others change the relationship they have with themselves, others and food.

 I want others to know that through pain comes strength, power, humility, growth and identity. I want others to know that it takes a village – I had my share of informal mentors that were inspiring fearless women. They helped shape my perspective on being fearless and I will always remember some of those funny but comforting conversations “put those big girl panties on”, “Who cares what they think”. To me being fearless is feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Challenging yourself by taking one small step and overtime you’ll start to feel fear less and less. The commitment to your self and your goals will begin to be the priority.

My fearless goals this year (2020) was to do a bungy jump off the harbour bridge which I did on my 29th birthday. I also wanted to start working with my community of ’70+ Auckland Fearless Solo Moms’ and to start my business in the health and wellbeing industry. Covid this year has made connection and starting a business (Rising Minds NZ) a little more challenging however we are getting there step by step.

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post My journey of overcoming fear and anxiety – Sharnae appeared first on STUDIO81.

Feel the fear and do it anyway!
Inside the comfort zone we remain dormant.
Fear emerges when we make a choice to step outside this comfort zone.

It is here we uncover GROWTH

We gain Knowledge.
We build Resilience.
Standing in a vulnerable place.
Meeting fear with Courage.

It is here we become FEARLESS!

Kia Ora Ko Denise Kingi-Furey toku ingoa.
No Ngai Tuhoe me Ngai Tai raua ko Ngati Mutunga nga Iwi o Aotearoa.
I tipu ahau i Tairua engari ko Tamaki Makaurau taku Kainga noho.

I am 35 years old and blessed with two beautiful tamariki – My son Kaia who is 18 and My Daughter Sharlise who is 10.

I became a young mother at the age of 16 leaving college early achieving only art and Maori in school Certificate.

I was in a long-term relationship with my children’s father around 17 years of my life. This relationship had huge challenges, and I first hand experienced differing forms of abuse. However, I found the courage to stand on my own two feet and break free.

Now as a solo Mother of nearly 3 years I am making leaps and bounds with loving myself in ways I never have before. Becoming the role model I want for my Tamariki, for them to learn that life gives you challenges each day, and it’s how you choose to react, thats where the power lies. That you do have the inner strength to survive the storm, and rebuild your waka to continue sailing on your journey of life.

My Fearless Goals are to:
Continue my Masters in Indigenous studies, become fluent in Te Reo Maori, and develop my identity as a Maori Woman. Run my own Business. Find Balance in My life. Try out for an acting extra! Who knows? Always remember to have fun, stay connected to your Whanau and your Whenua.

Feel the fear and do it anyway!

#lessfear

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post Feel the fear, and do the thing anyway! – Denise appeared first on STUDIO81.

#IAMFEARLESS

Life is tough, particularly when the unexpected happens! So many people have asked me ‘how would I describe myself?’ and I guess I would have to say a SURVIVOR! 

I have no degrees, never attended university, but I have a PHD in LIFE.

 How did I attain this?  Well, I attended the following survival courses:

• Born in Rhodesia in 1958
• “Rhodesian Bush War” which took place between July 1964 to December 1979
• Lioness attack (one of the few people in the world to survive such an encounter) in June 1988
• Single parenthood from 1990 – 1996
• Exile from Zimbabwe
• Transition to United Kingdom
• 4 country moves in 11 years
• Torment caused by depression and anxiety
• Severe major depressive disorder 2016 – 2019
• 6cm meningioma cranial re-section in 2019

Am I Super-woman? Definitely not! I am a very ordinary person like everyone else, but I have had a lot of help along the way. I praise my Almighty Heavenly Father for getting me through each and every one of the situations listed above.

I am not the ‘model Christian,’ BUT God guided me patiently to where I am today. God’s Light does shine through the darkness. If He brought me through the storms, he will do it for you too.

Psalm 30: 11-12 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

My detailed account is available online at 2020-Lighthouse.com

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post I have no degrees. Never attended University. But I have a PHD in Life – Deborah appeared first on STUDIO81.

I’ve suffered from chronic depression since I’ve been kid. It comes and goes a different moments in life, every time it’s a new challenge to overcome. It’s like the “Sword of Damocles”, you never know when it will come. And when it comes, you don’t know how long it is going to last.

There have been times where I could overcome depression really quickly, and have had some long periods of happiness. And suddenly it will hit you without any warning. With the years, I learnt to recognise signs, and try to adapt my life when I can feel a depression crisis is coming. I can be aware of my situation and my mental health, but every time it’s really challenging to face.

The hardest part is seeing the people that love you, hurt by the consequences of the depression. It’s something I haven’t shared with many people, I keep my mental health really private, and isolate myself when I need to overcome some hard times.

I had lost contact with friends and relatives. I have tried to rebuild relationships, until someone (really important in my life) made me realise her side of the story, and how she felt being rejected by me. It was the first time I realised that my depression was not only hurting me, but was hurting others. I have been avoiding building any kind of relationships with people, to avoid hurting them.

Luckily, I have meet a few friends that are more stubborn than me! And I’m thankful for their patience, their honesty, and their friendships. I am the woman that I am now because of them, because they believed in me more than I do.

The last few years, I have been trying to open up to people, and becoming “friendly.” It’s harder than I thought!

Is not easy to open up to people, share pieces of your life. I am always worried about their judgements, their opinions, and the look on their face when you share personal things. But some people are worth to go through all of this, because they make your life better, sweeter and they support you when you need it.

It’s always better to share a bottle of wine with a friend!

I have been trying to be Fear-less, in my daily life. It’s a work in progress, which has been bringing great changes in my life. I cannot wait to see what the next years will bring to me.

Being part of the #IAMFEARLESS campaign was an opportunity to face myself and who I am, or at least try to be. I was scared, but Annalise and Jeff had made everything easy, and fun. I will definitely remember this experience for a while.

Thanks for making me feel special!

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post I can’t wait to see what the next years will bring – Claire appeared first on STUDIO81.

Almost beaten by over hundred thousand dollars of lawyer bills and continuous post separation abuse and control through the family court, child support, and even false allegations being made against me to the police, I nearly ended my life twice.

The frustration that the family court doesn’t recognise and consider abuse, and actually participates in it – shaming, mocking and ordering survivors, including myself, into silence, denying us our voice and any sense of fair process – is the most mind blowing, demoralising and frustrating thing I think I will ever experience in my life. Knowing the people who are meant to help and protect you are participating and prolonging the abuse gets you to a place of complete fear, helplessness, and hopelessness.

There seemed like no way out but to end my life so my kids were not dragged through the system. But, I realised my kids needed me to help them through anything like this in their futures. They gave me a reason to choose life and keep fighting for my freedom. To start raising awareness by defying the silence the courts tried to place on me and speak about it so other women don’t feel alone and by doing so start working to change the system. Hopefully, we get to a place where our voices are united, loud and strong, so society has no choice but to listen to our stories and bring out change to eliminate New Zealand’s terrible record of domestic abuse and becoming a leader in combating this societal problem.

Five years later I own a successful business with a team of six working to strengthen relationships and families. Last year I bought a four bed new house in Auckland city and four offices I rent out. If I can do It, with no past business experience, anybody can! It’s just pure grit, good friends and family support, knowing when to ask for help and a fighting spirit.

As women we are taught that we should only express all the nice caring, gentle emotions: be nice, don’t raise your voice, etc. For many people negative emotions were not allowed to be expressed in their homes growing up.

However, anger is ok! It’s not only ok, it’s bloody awesome! It’s full of energy and let’s face it ladies, energy is something we could all do with more of!

We all just need to learn to channel all anger and frustration into energy to grow things that will improve our lives and the lives of those around us. Embrace it because it’s the feeling that has brought about some of the most positive social changes in the world – Women’s Vote, Freedom for slaves, #METOO, missing kids photo’s on milk cartons.

Anger is like a roaring lion within you. Success comes from resilience and knowing how to stop the angry lion within you from consuming you, instead taming the lion and riding it, full wonder woman outfit and whip in hand ready to take on whatever life throws at you. And after this photo shoot, you will be able to do that feeling as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside.

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post Success comes from resilience – Alanna appeared first on STUDIO81.

Being a Mum is by far my biggest blessing and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m sure all mothers can relate to being a mother, wife, doctor, chef, chauffeur, referee, cleaner, problem solver, organiser, life coach, educator, comforter, entertainer, psychologist, memory maker, and a friend. In keeping up with a busy life, I tend to neglect myself. I forget who I am and what I’m worth, not just as an ordinary mum and wife, but as a woman. This experience has giving me the opportunity to reflect and to realise that even though I might feel ordinary, I am still beautiful, precious, unique and fearless.

My fearless goals are continuing to love unconditionally, counting my blessings every day, to support my family on our new journey, but also to love myself, to be kind to myself, to be brave, to believe in myself and to acknowledge my worth as a woman.

To all women, remember, you are wonderfully made, you are strong, you are beautiful, you give life, you are precious, you give so much while asking for so little in return, you are unique and fearless.

She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post I am Unique and Fearless – Maritza appeared first on STUDIO81.

I am a survivor!

I have been used, sexually abused and taken advantage of.

I am a single parent of 2 beautiful, kind hearted girls.

My family and close friends are my rocks! I love them all! Through thick and thin, they are there for us!

I work full time at a company with beautiful supportive people.

I am struggling at the moment with depression. Issues have come to light recently, and it breaks my heart daily knowing now what I know about it all.

We are getting there. It takes time. Everything takes time. Healing, accepting, moving forward. All takes time.

One daughter has special needs that came from a fall down a step as a 17 month old, ADHD, seizures, global development delay, mentally half her age, the list goes on, yet we don’t qualify for any funding at school as we are not in the 1% of New Zealanders approved to get it. I know I am not alone in this predicament.

Our babies are precious! We are their advocates when they can’t speak. We are their rocks when they need us to be. We are their support in hard times and good. We are them and they are us. We are FAMILY!

We have been through so much, suicidal thoughts, self harming, being abused, disabilities of the unknown. It sucks!

BUT, we are fighters! We are survivors! We will continue to conquer each day, the good, the bad and the ugly.

That all makes us stronger, better people. So we can encourage, teach and support others that are having their own hard moments in life.

We need to teach each other to treat others how we want to be treated, to be honest and to just be there for people.

Always try and find a silver lining, everything has one, we just have to look really hard sometimes to see it.

Learn to love each other, because believe it or not, we love you, we appreciate you for being you!

This experience has been such an uplifting once in a lifetime one!!!

I would highly recommend anyone and everyone that gets an opportunity to participate in something like this. Photos for yourself, do it!

As I gazed upon the pictures in the viewing room, it was like I was looking at myself for the first time. I cried. The person in the pictures looked so beautiful, so strong, so happy!

That person was me.

My FEARLESS goal; to do more that makes me happy, makes my family happy, to keep each other strong!

To indulge more than once in a lifetime.

To live and be grateful for all the small things life gives us. To,

Be brave.

Be strong.

Be you.

Be fearless!!!

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post I am a fighter – Tracey P appeared first on STUDIO81.

Its been a rollercoaster of a ride so far – life’s like that. But, here I am, a mother of five beautiful children, and a budding photographer in Northland living with my amazing partner.

I would love to inspire other women and men to speak up. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There are amazing support groups out there that are willing to help. Please know it is not your fault. You are not alone. We are not our past, we are our Future.

Lets make it count.

Rape crisis free 24 hour number 0800 088 3300

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post We are not our past. We are our future – Danielle appeared first on STUDIO81.

My journey to becoming who I am today began at 51. Previous to this age I developed Alopecia Areata which attacked my hair follicles. In the early stages I wore wigs. It was an emotional roller coaster! Of late I have been sporting the bald look because it is easier. Some days though, I really miss my hair.

Anyway at the age of 51, I found out I am a high functioning Asperger woman. The shock allowed me to understand all the crazy things I did in my life. I was searching for approval for being me.

It was hard to make friends and connect with people. I still struggle today. The news freed me from a life of ‘why’.

In the years since, I’m now 54, I have been on a journey of healing and changing my mindset to that of a being more positive daily. I downloaded Mentemia to assist. I practice mindfulness and deep breathing.

The lockdown also got me out exercising regularly. This new me helps with bonding with my husband and daughter more deeply.

The photography session was a new challenge and got me out of my comfort zone. It was exciting to do. Would have liked to be a lot slimmer but meh!

I have always been Fearless, but this campaign got me to prove.

Hair and Makeup: Annalise
Photographer: Jeff
Location: STUDIO81 Newmarket
Click here to view more stories from #IAMFEARLESS

The post I’ve always been Fearless – Siala appeared first on STUDIO81.