Fantasy Studios Oasis Empowerment Project

"Chantel has such a special ability to make you feel truly seen, beautiful and worthy. She doesn't just take photos-she captures the way that she sees you and somehow makes you see yourself that way too. 

After surviving domestic violence, I had a hard time recognizing the person I was before everything happened. The Fantasy Studios Oasis Empowerment Project gave me something I didn't even realize I needed: a chance to fall in love with myself again. 

She helped me see the beauty in my smile, my dimples, and all the little things I had learned to criticize or hide. For the first time in a long time, I wasn't seeing everything I had been through-I was seeing me. 

I will forever be grateful for the way she made me feel during that experience. Her work is about so much more than photography; it's about reminding survivors that they are still beautiful, still worthy, and still themselves."

"When I first heard about the Empowerment Project, I was anxious, but Chantel made me feel so comfortable. After receiving the photos I have felt a little bit of my spark come back. After having my children I had not done much for myself so having a chance to get photos done showed me that I am still beautiful. It was a great experience; I often think back and remember how I felt while posing and having Chantel capture photos."

"The Empowerment Project helped me in so many ways that I didn't understand at first because in my mind I didn't deserve to have a photoshoot or have my hair and makeup done. When we first started with the hair and makeup I felt very vulnerable and a little stiff, but by the time we made it to the photos I started feeling a little more confident and comfortable with the idea that it's okay to do something for myself without someone telling me no. 

Chantel not only made me feel safe in her space but made me feel understood, like my words and my story mattered to someone for the first time in forever. The Empowerment Project helped me start rebuilding my confidence and my courage to keep going after such a scary part of my journey. Before the Empowerment Project I was hiding in my house out of fear and now I'm not as scared because I have more confidence than I ever have before.

I cannot thank Chantel enough for creating this Empowerment Project and helping me and other women who have been victims of domestic violence."