When Liz Hansen stepped in front of the camera for her own boudoir photoshoot nearly a decade ago, she had no idea how profoundly it would change her life. That transformative experience—breaking free from what she calls "good girl syndrome"—inspired her to create Chicago Boudoir Photography, a studio where women could discover their own power through the lens of a camera.
Liz takes us behind the scenes of her photography sessions, revealing how she guides women through a carefully crafted experience. From professional hair and makeup that helps clients see themselves in a new light to the powerful moment when they view their unedited photos, each step is designed to celebrate women exactly as they are. These sessions become more than just photoshoots—they're opportunities for women to tear away limiting beliefs they've accumulated throughout their lives.
Running a boudoir business comes with unique challenges in a society that still considers female bodies taboo. Liz shares how she's navigated everything from social media bans to credit card processing restrictions while building a thriving, 100% female-staffed studio. During COVID-19 shutdowns, she pivoted to create an online community that now connects 10,000 local women through daily conversations about confidence and empowerment.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Liz offers hard-won wisdom from her journey—including the 19 months she worked without paying herself a single dollar. Her advice centers on finding purpose beyond profit and recognizing that your unique perspective is what will ultimately attract clients to your work. Most powerfully, she reminds us that our worth isn't tied to our accomplishments, appearance, or relationship status: "You are inherently worthy and valuable, just as you are right now."
Whether you're considering starting a business, struggling with body confidence, or simply curious about breaking through your own limiting beliefs, this conversation offers practical insights and profound perspective shifts that will help you see yourself—and your possibilities—in an entirely new light.

Get to know Liz:

Website:

https://chicago-boudoir.com/

Social Media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagoboudoir

VIP Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VIPChicago

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicago.boudoir/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicagoboudoir

LinkedIn:

Welcome to The Thrive Mindset Podcast! Your host is Carrie Dahle, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Author, Manifester, Mindfulness Practitioner, Productivity Strategist, and Motivator. Carrie was inspired to start this podcast so that she could empower others around the world to achieve the life of their dreams. Carrie will share how she has accomplished her goals and dreams, her mistakes along the way, and strategies we can all be doing to manifest the life we want.

To learn more about The Thrive Mindset Podcast, visit us here: www.thrivemindset.io.
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Learn more about the work she does in the world by visiting ThriveMindset.io. And if you are looking for great tools to help you manifest the life of your dreams, check out her helpful planners and journals found on our website.