Why Stepping Outside the Box Matters
There’s a special kind of magic that happens the moment you step just one inch outside your comfort zone. It’s that warm jolt of something new… something equal parts excitement, nerves, creativity, and power. However in boudoir, that tiny step often becomes the spark that leads women to their most transformative, soul-stirring experiences. Sure, staying in your safe spot is going to make sure you have a safe, enjoyable experience (and that’s great!) But challenging yourself, that’s where you leave with your head high, with self-pride a’plenty. And the truth is, I didn’t create the idea of Cosmic Cowgirl themed boudoir overnight. I challenged myself, I did something I was unsure of and honestly?
A little afraid of.
And the truth is, I didn’t create the idea of Cosmic Cowgirl themed boudoir overnight. I challenged myself, I did something I was unsure of and honestly? A little afraid of.
Then, this theme was born from my own leap outside the familiar. One that taught me firsthand how powerful it can be to trust inspiration, chase a bold idea, and let creativity lead the way. If you’ve been following me on social media this week, you’ll have noticed this sudden reinvigoration rotating around Cosmic Cowgirl. Perhaps you’d like to know why I’m so passionate about this.
This is the story of how it all began.
The Spark That Started Cosmic Cowgirl
Cosmic Cowgirl didn’t start with a rhinestone hat or neon lights or the glitter you’ll see in the final images.
It started with an astronaut helmet. Yep, you read that right.
Not just any helmet- a rhinestoned astronaut helmet created by my favorite boudoir educator, Kait Nuytten of The Envy Collective. She built this unforgettable “Space Cowgirl” set, and the moment I saw it, I swear my brain lit up like a disco ball caught in a sunbeam.
The rhinestones.
The cosmic theme.
The DIY element (she made it herself!)
The bold “who says boudoir has to look one way?” energy.
It lived in my head rent-free for months. I mean, honestly it still does.
However, more than that, it cracked something open inside me. It reminded me that boudoir is art, and art doesn’t have rules. It doesn’t sit quietly in a box. It expands. It experiments. It glows.
That helmet made me want to create something wildly unique for my clients and for myself. Something playful, unexpected, confidence-boosting, and unforgettable.
How Inspiration Became Action: My Journey to Seattle
Admiring that set was one thing… but acting on the inspiration required courage. It required trusting myself and also, pushing myself outside what I was comfortable with. What I knew.
Therefore, I joined The Envy Collective’s photographer education community. (I am SUPER passionate about expanding our education and knowledge as photographers, I even wrote another blog post on that topic.) That one step changed everything. Suddenly I was surrounded by photographers who were willing to dream out loud and build sets that pushed the limits of what boudoir could be.
When I found Kait, I had JUST missed her Space Cowgirl workshop, and I mean JUSTTTTT. Then, in April 2024, I had another opportunity to learn from her. So, I packed my bags and attended her Seattle workshop.
Walking into that workshop was a mix of nerves, excitement, and electric creativity. It felt like the exact place I was meant to be, surrounded by women who took risks and invited others to do the same.
And then I met Kait in person, finally, the powerhouse behind The Envy Collective.
Becoming friends with her made the whole journey even more meaningful. Her artistry and fearlessness reinforced what I’d already been feeling deep down:
Never stop learning.
Never stop exploring.
Never stop creating.
That workshop didn’t just teach me techniques.
It gave me permission to follow the ideas that made my heart beat a little faster.
And that’s where Cosmic Cowgirl truly began to take shape.
The Creation of Cosmic Cowgirl
When I came home from Seattle, I didn’t just feel inspired- I felt charged. Fueled by everything I learned, I decided to create my own cosmic-western world.
It started small:
First, a rhinestone fringe cowboy hat.
Then, Neon lighting.
A glittery backdrop that looked like a comet’s tail.
And as I pieced things together, Cosmic Cowgirl shifted from an idea… to a feeling… to a fully realized set that captured the exact blend of grit and stardust I imagined.
It was thrilling.
It was terrifying.
It was the most creatively alive I’d felt in a long time.
And the moment I photographed the first client in the set, I knew:
I had created something special.
Why Stepping Outside the Box Creates the Biggest Confidence Boosts
Women often come into their sessions with a mix of excitement and hesitation. “I’ve never done anything like this,” or “This is so different for me.” And that’s exactly why Cosmic Cowgirl works.
You don’t have to be a cowgirl.
You don’t have to wear glitter every day.
You don’t have to be fearless.
However, you just have to be willing to stretch yourself slightly beyond what you normally choose.
Because that’s where the magic happens.
I’ve seen women walk into the studio unsure…
and walk out glowing, laughing, flipping their hair, and saying:
“I cannot believe that’s me.”
One client told me she almost didn’t book. She didn’t think she was “cool enough” or “bold enough” for a cosmic western theme. By the end, she was absolutely radiant; proud, confident, and surprised by her own courage. Another client from that first cosmic cowgirl session has turned into a dear friend of mine. She shared with me that the cosmic cowgirl changed the way she saw herself. During her image reveal, she said “I look like a super model!”
Sometimes, all it takes is stepping into a rhinestone hat under neon lights to discover a version of yourself you didn’t know you’d been keeping quiet.
The Transformation: More Than a Theme, It’s a Feeling
I created this theme because it ignited something inside me…
But the reason it stuck, the reason it’s now a permanent set for 2026, is because of what it gives you.
Cosmic Cowgirl is fun, yes.
It’s bold, yes.
It’s visually stunning, absolutely.
It’s fun, 1000%!
But more than that?
It’s freeing.
It’s a reminder that you are allowed to be playful, powerful, glittery, loud, soft, radiant, wild…
all at once.
That’s the heart of boudoir.
And that’s the heart of Cosmic Cowgirl.
Ready for Your Own Cosmic Cowgirl Experience?
If this story sparks something inside you… if you’re feeling that little tug toward trying something new, bold, and wildly fun… then Cosmic Cowgirl might be exactly what you’ve been craving. Cosmic Cowgirl will be a permanent set available to add on to any full boudoir experience. This Black Friday I’ll be announcing a Cosmic Cowgirl boudoir marathon on January 16th and 17th.
Whether you want a themed session “just because,” or you’re preparing an unforgettable Valentine’s Day gift, I would love to create this magic with you.
✨ View available 2026 dates
✨ Follow along with me on Instagram
✨ Or join the waitlist for the next marathon
Let’s create something unforgettable together.
