We are Ashley and Rachel, co-owners of Southern Belles Boudoir in Norman, OK. Southern Belles is an all female staffed studio that specializes solely in boudoir photography and celebrating women. Ashley and I are both retired Navy spouses, moms and have been friends for over 16 years. We love to empower other women, laugh a ton, travel as much as we can and are completely crazy. We are obsessed with making sure every babe that walks thru the door feels 100% Amazing and Confident!!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Ashley- married 16 years, husband is retired Navy and now works for the US Government. She has 2 kids, 13 and 12. Rachel- married for 14 years. Husband is retired Navy and is also currently working for US Government. 2 kids, 10 and 7.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
The opportunity to work with so many truly amazing women is the best. Also, getting to have so much fun at “work”, setting my own dress code (no makeup/leggings or dolled up, both work:) setting the studio playlist to whatever we want and most importantly knowing both our daughters have moms who are setting examples of being a woman entrepreneur, wife and mother.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Mont, Charleston’s, Volare, Pub W., Othello’s, The Diner….I could go on and on as we both are foodies:)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have both lived in Oklahoma on and off throughout the years. Ashley is a Native Texan (don’t hold it against her) and I went to Westmoore high school and college at OU so I call OK home. We have been at our studio in Norman for 2.5 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Russell Westbrook. I know he is not local anymore but man he did so much for this community and we watched him grow up here.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Greece because neither of us has been otherwise England/Amsterdam because it’s our happy places.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Anything true crime related
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Stop wasting time on what other people think of you, you need to be your best self for your self.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel to South Africa to see great whites jumping
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Eminem/any 2000’s gansta rap
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The University of Oklahoma
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Oprah- she was my first influence of a woman running her own business, the way she wanted too. Plus, she seems pretty funny and would have amazing stories!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people in our community are what makes it so unique. Everyone knows how we are all so friendly and willing to help others
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
We would love to open a second studio location to make a positive impact on even more women in our community
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Neither of us would be on social media if it wasn’t for work. We hate being in front of the camera even though we do it.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
That is so hard! With both of us being military wives we have been stationed in some incredible places. We have traveled around the world Italy, Holland, Hawaii, Japan, England, Mexico and even roadtripping thru the US there is so much beauty to say just one place.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is October. Favorite holiday is Christmas. Our “friends” Christmas party day that includes a feast of food, alcohol and a really fun game of white elephant
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A Mont swirl
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Our children
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Mint or cinnamon
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family and friends, love and Oklahoma
