How It All Began…
Hello, I’m Christel King
I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, and photographer specializing in Boudoir and Portrait Photography. I’m a late bloomer. I didn’t pick up a camera until I was well into my 40s. Once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I was incredibly shy growing up...to the point that I didn’t speak much and didn’t have my first real friend until I was 7-8 years old. My shyness resurfaces from time to time so I combat it by ignoring my insecurities and making sure the people surrounding me are comfortable and at ease as well.
When I turned 50, I found myself not only knee-deep in menopause but quickly approaching an empty nest. It was a triple whammy to my well-being. I had to learn who I was again, how to make friends, and reset my focus, but I didn’t know where to start…until I spoke candidly and openly about it.
It’s taken me a long time to learn to be comfortable in my skin so I am a fierce advocate and slightly obsessed in supporting and helping women get there too. It is in this journey, I’ve learned that my love language and purpose is reminding you of your power.
Every girl should have a trip like this…
I was 25 and had taken the scenic route before graduating from university and obtaining my degree. This was a last hoorah before I hunkered down and got serious about life: career, settling down, you know…adulting. My girlfriends and I backpacked across Europe for 5 weeks. That trip was everything! We laughed, ate, and shopped our hearts out. We were spontaneous. Brave. Adventurous. Powerful. Outrageously flirty. We made memories that still warm my heart to this day.
Now that the kids are grown, goals have been conquered and surpassed, and careers have been achieved….it’s time for dreams to be chased and wanderlust to be quenched. It’s time to laugh, make new memories, and feed our souls.
Meet the Haute Girl Team
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Heather Bruce
Co-Host, Party Girl, Instigator, Your New Best Friend, and Owner of Built for Everybody.
As a wife and mom of 3, Heather is well versed in the art of pivoting at a moment’s notice. When she isn’t tending to her family and her zoo of animals, she is a full-time Fitness and Nutrition coach with clients across the United States.
“Like everyone else, my life has taken so many detours. I always dreamed that I would be a big deal in the corporate world. I imagined myself skinny with long hair and living in a NYC penthouse. Now in my 50’s I live in the suburbs, battle my weight, and find myself balancing motherhood, career and menopause. I would never change thing. I do have long hair though!
I am a fervent champion for women empowerment of all ages, but especially young women. I strive to help women find their voice, take their space and live their best lives through health and wellness. I believe that all bodies are beautiful, and there is no one-size fits all health and wellness program. Helping women create healthy minds and healthy bodies is my mission. “
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Maria Canchola
Co-Host, Stylist, Event Planner, Transportation Coordinator, and Professional Cat Herder
Maria is a mother of 2 and the owner of OneEleven Media. She is is an avid golfer, beach bunny, and absolute sport fanatic.
When she isn’t tending to her family, you will find her heavily involved in her community’s business chamber, supporting corporations and small businesses alike.
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Joy Somerville
Co-Host, Den Mother, Therapy Person, All the Small Details Handler, and keeper of the Get Outta Jail Card
Joy is a mother of 3, grandmother, and dog mom to her trusty companion, Ru.
She is the Owner of Somerville Gardens, a modern botanical design company. She also is a beloved instructor at the FIDM, a leading private college leading the Fashion Industry.
Word on the Street…
Let’s Chat!
So how do you know if this is the right adventure for you? Traveling to a foreign country is already daunting + meeting new people? Well, that can be downright intimidating.
Let’s jump on a call and have an open and honest conversation if this is where you should or need to be. This is a vibe check. Not a sales call.