The Story

The 100 Moms Project was born from a heartfelt conversation between Jill, a Boudoir Photographer and Relationship Coach and Courtney, an Esthetician at Natura Skin Boutique. As they caught up over coffee, they reflected on a shared truth—too many moms pour endlessly into others while neglecting themselves.

As mothers who work in the self love space, Jill and Courtney, know firsthand that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. So many moms put themselves last, whether by default or circumstance, without understanding the compounded weight of responsibility, the power of self-investment and the belonging and community it can bring as a byproduct . A mom who feels supported, cared for, and empowered shows up differently in her life. She cultivates a growth mindset, radiates confidence, and elevates those around her. That realization sparked a bigger vision—to create something tangible for the women of Western New York.

The 100 Moms Project is the first step toward that mission. This initiative will help fund To the Roots, a nonprofit dedicated to providing self-care services and luxury experiences to moms who need them most. Because when moms thrive, families and communities do too. Join us in making self-love accessible to every mom.

Why This Project Matters

When we support the mother's in our community, we aren't just supporting her, but every person that woman touches. Her children, her partner, her friends, and coworkers.

When she is supported everyone in her life feels the impact.

Photography in itself is a time stamp. It gives us the ability to mark a moment that you may look back upon with wonder, excitement, and transformation.

This project to photograph 100 women is to give them that experience of being seen for who they are right now- not who they used to be or who they will become but for all that they are right now!

The mission of this project is twofold, give moms a change to give back to themselves with self care and connection while also support future moms do the same for themselves.

And the bonus we also are support our own woman owned business here in Western New York.

When mothers are supported, they are
more likely to be engaged in their communities, volunteer, and contribute to local economies
(UNICEF)

Moms who prioritize self-care
experience 40% lower rates of anxiety and depression, leading to better overall health (National Institute of Mental Health)

Kids with moms who practice self-care are
more emotionally secure and resilient
because they model self-worth and emotional regulation (Harvard Center on the Developing Child)

Pick Your Date & Location

May 3rd

Saira Studios

Step inside a working artist studio located at the Niagara Food Terminal. Saira will dazzle you up with fairy hair right before you jump in front of our lens.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Location: Saira Studios

Time: 2:00-4:00

Cost: $150

May 4th

Golden Days Studio

Enjoy a 45 minute meditation inside the beautiful Golden Days Space followed by a 15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Location: Golden Days Studio

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 5th

April Spencer Floral Design

April has arranged a beautiful floral design set for us to create the most unique images. Each photo session will take place every 15 minutes with Jill from Bare By Barrile. Each mom will also receive a small bouquet to take home with them to remember this special occasion.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Address: April Spencer Floral Design

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 25th

Soul Healing Center

Enjoy a 15 minute Reiki Session with Lana at Soul Healing Center followed by a 15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile.

A portion of the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the western New York area!

Location: Soul Healing Center

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 26th

Bare By Barrile Studio

15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile right inside her Larkinville studio! Here, you will be able to Bare it all during your portraits session!

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Loaction: 567 Exchnage Street, Buffalo NY 14210

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 31st

the Bodhi Tree Holistic Spa

Enjoy a 15 minute massage to relax and rejuvenate, followed by a 15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Address: The Bodhi Tree Holistic Spa

Time: 10:00-12:00

Cost: $150

A joyful mother laughing while holding her child, radiating warmth and well-being, symbolizing the ripple effect of self-care.

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

May 09, 20253 min read

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

Why Self-Care and Self-Love Aren’t Just for Her — They’re for Everyone

We often hear that “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” and nowhere is this more true than in motherhood. But in a culture that glorifies selflessness and sacrifice, many mothers are made to feel guilty for prioritizing themselves. The truth? When a mom is well-cared for, everyone around her thrives. Self-care and self-love aren't luxuries—they’re essential acts of nourishment that ripple out to children, families, and entire communities.

Here’s what happens when a mother begins to pour back into herself:


When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

1. Her Children Flourish

Children learn through observation. When a mother models self-worth, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries, she gives her children permission to do the same.

  • Kids of moms who practice self-care tend to be more emotionally secure and resilient.

  • Studies show that lower maternal stress improves childhood brain development, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

  • A mom who loves herself raises kids who understand self-worth and are more confident navigating the world.

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

2. Her Relationships Strengthen

When a mom nurtures herself, she shows up with more presence, compassion, and capacity in her relationships.

  • She experiences less burnout and resentment, creating more ease and joy in her partnerships.

  • Moms who have space for themselves are more emotionally available, which deepens intimacy with loved ones.

  • Her friendships and support networks grow stronger—because she has the energy to invest in them.

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

3. Her Mental and Physical Health Improve

Taking time for herself doesn’t just make her feel good—it changes her body and brain chemistry in powerful ways.

  • Moms who prioritize self-care report 40% lower rates of anxiety and depression.

  • Practices like rest, movement, creativity, and pleasure reduce stress hormones like cortisol, preventing long-term health issues.

  • Self-love—through journaling, therapy, affirmations, or quiet joy—increases life satisfaction and personal empowerment.

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

4. She Becomes a Pillar in Her Community

When mothers feel fulfilled and supported, they naturally pour that love back into the world around them.

  • A thriving mom is more likely to contribute to her community, support other women, and engage in meaningful ways.

  • She becomes an example of what’s possible—for her children, her neighbors, and her peers.

  • She breaks cycles of burnout and depletion by modeling a new way of living that honors both giving and receiving.

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

5. Her Career and Confidence Expand

Self-love isn’t just about bubble baths—it’s about knowing your worth and living in alignment with your desires.

  • Moms who practice self-love tend to set better boundaries and make more empowered decisions in their careers.

  • When she’s nourished, she becomes more creative, productive, and impactful—whether she’s working inside the home, running a business, or climbing the corporate ladder.

  • Self-care gives her the clarity and confidence to pursue her goals, dreams, and financial freedom.

When a Mother Thrives, the Whole World Benefits

The Big Picture

When a mother is supported—mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually—the whole ecosystem around her transforms. Her well-being becomes the soil from which her family, relationships, and community grow strong and vibrant.

So the next time you see a mom taking time for herself—whether it’s going for a walk, journaling, resting, saying “no,” or dancing in her kitchen—cheer her on. She’s not just caring for herself. She’s tending to the future.

Because when a mother thrives, everyone benefits.


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Jill Barrile

Buffalo Ny based photographer and intimacy coach

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567 Exchange St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA