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

woman posing against wall in lingerie, moody indoor boudoir photography

Why You Still Don’t Feel Confident

April 29, 20263 min read

woman lying near window in lingerie, natural light boudoir photography session

Confidence Isn’t in your Mindset—It’s Nervous System Safety

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought,

“Why don’t I feel confident, even though I’ve done the work?”

This is for you.

Because confidence isn’t something you think your way into.

It’s something your body allows.

woman wearing glasses in black lingerie, intimate in-home boudoir photography

The Lie We’ve Been Sold About Confidence

Most people believe confidence comes from:

  • Positive thinking

  • Affirmations

  • Changing how you look

But if your body is in survival mode—none of that sticks.

You can say “I’m confident” all day long…

But if your nervous system doesn’t feel safe being seen, expressed, or desired…

You’ll shrink anyway.


woman lying on bed in black lingerie, moody natural light boudoir session

⚡ What’s Actually Happening in Your Body

When your nervous system is dysregulated, it’s scanning for danger.

And guess what feels like danger?

  • Being seen

  • Being vulnerable

  • Being desired

  • Taking up space

So instead of expanding…

You:

  • Overthink

  • Shut down

  • Disconnect from your body

  • Avoid visibility

  • Start Fights

Not because you lack confidence—

But because your body is trying to protect you. It doesn't feel this way is safe, maybe because you never felt that way before. That’s ok! Because the important thing is, we have the ability to reprogram the way we see ourselves. And it doesn’t necessarily involve making changes!


woman sitting on floor in lingerie, soft window light boudoir portrait

🔥 Confidence Is a Somatic Experience

Real confidence feels like:

  • Relaxed shoulders

  • Open breath

  • Softness in your body

  • Presence in the moment

  • Pausing before responding

It’s not loud. It’s not forced. It’s safe.

We often see confidence portrayed as that woman that has it all- a rocking body, the career, maybe a partner and family. It looks “perfect”. And sure for her, maybe it is. But this is just our projection of what’s real for her.

Finding what feels confident for ourselves is the journey and you might find confidence for you that looks like messy hair, mismatched earrings, and a quiet calm. You know you have found it when the body says, YES and your heart feels open.


woman reclining in low light wearing lingerie, cinematic boudoir photography

💋 How to Start Building It (For Real)

Ok, but how do we get to that place of internal confidence and not mirroring what we are told confidence looks like. Here is what we are going to do.

Instead of asking:

“How do I become more confident?”

Ask:

“Where do I feel unsafe being fully expressed?”

close-up of woman’s body in lingerie on bed, soft natural light boudoir detail

Then start here:

  • Slow down your breath- see how deep you can take air into your body. Notice is this is challenging to do or easy to take a full breath.

  • Move your body (dance, stretch, touch). Go where your body wants to go, don’t think about it, just go there.

  • Practice being seen in small ways- putting your art on display, sharing your ideas, attending a luxury event, having a photoshoot (This is such a great way to be witnessed)

  • Let yourself feel instead of perform- when you find yourself responding quickly, over thinking, thinking what is going to please this person the most. I want you to pause, take a breath, and ask yourself what do I really want? What would feel good for me? Then respond. Maybe, even ask a question back. Like, That's interesting you say that, can you tell me more?

And remember nervous system regulation for confidence is a practice!


woman stretching arms up in lingerie, empowerment boudoir photography session

📸 Where Boudoir Comes In

Boudoir is so powerful. It is truly a unique space where you get to be seen for all that you are. Boudoir you get to creatively play, move like your body has never moved before, and be witnessed in your vulnerability.

The shoot is the action and the photos are the reminder everyday how powerful you are!

It’s teaches your body:

👉 “It’s safe to be seen.”

👉 “It’s safe to take up space.”

👉 “It’s safe to feel sexy.”

And once your body learns that it’s safe to be in your body. Confidence won't be something you chase anymore. It will be something that you are.


close-up of woman in glasses lying on bed, intimate boudoir portrait

✨ Ready to Experience It?

If you’re craving a deeper, embodied version of confidence…

This is exactly what we create inside my sessions.

Lets get your on the calendar:https://barebybarrile.com/intimacycoaching

Want to talk it out book a Discover Call: https://link.alphaleads.marketing/widget/bookings/discover-call-2025

nervous system and confidencehow to feel confidentnervous system regulationconfidence and anxietywhy don’t I feel confident even after self workhow to regulate your nervous system for confidenceconfidence and nervous system connectionhow to feel safe being seenboudoirphotographyintimacy
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Jill Barrile

Buffalo Ny based photographer and intimacy coach

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567 Exchange St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA