Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Shrader.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For the past four years, I’ve dedicated myself to The Skirt Project, a passion-driven initiative aimed at empowering women through unique, personalized portrait sessions. This project not only fosters a supportive community but also offers a platform to share inspiring stories. Now, faced with the opportunity to share my own story, I find it challenging. Vulnerability is difficult; there is a constant fear of revealing too much or not enough, and striking a balance can feel impossible.
Despite the difficulty, I remind myself of the importance of honesty and the value of being vulnerable. Sharing our struggles and successes fosters connections and allows others to relate to our journeys, helping them feel less alone.
One of the many reasons I started The Skirt Project was to combat my own feelings of isolation. I’ve been plus size all my life, and for years, sizes above XL were absent from the popular stores where my friends shopped. Each trip to the mall was a painful reminder of this exclusion. As time passed, more stores began to recognize the demand for larger sizes and adapted accordingly. Finally, I could walk in and find cute clothes that fit and made me feel good.
Flash forward to the year 2020. Picture this: I’m browsing Amazon for a skirt, nothing fancy, just something for a family photoshoot. I honestly thought it would be a waste of time—sizes can be so tricky and ordering from Amazon felt like a gamble. But the moment I put it on, something clicked. That skirt wasn’t just fabric; it was a happiness booster. I twirled around like a child, feeling fantastic in a way I hadn’t in ages. It flattered my curvy body and made me feel comfortable in my own skin.
From the moment I tried on that first skirt, I knew I had to share this feeling—I wanted every woman to feel like a princess – a reminder to love yourself and your body and to stop seeing flaws in the mirror. So, I began collecting skirts from Amazon to Etsy, and now I have a collection of over 85 beautiful maxi skirts, perfect for these unique photo sessions!
Let’s fast forward again, to the beginning of 2024. After a season of loss—moving from our home of five years in late summer ’23, closing a photo studio with a dear friend that brought immense joy and fostered a thriving community, enduring another job transition (which, thankfully, brought me joy as I LOVE my new job!), and making the tough decision to close the chapter on photographing weddings after over six years—2023 was overwhelming. It presented numerous challenges, forcing me to step back and pause my photography business dreams and goals.
Despite everything, I find myself exactly where I need to be. I love my new job and this season with my family, which brings new and different joys. I’m continuously working behind the scenes to rebuild the community I’ve poured my heart and soul into for the past four years, so stay tuned. The Skirt Project isn’t going anywhere!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I mentioned in the last question’s response, my journey has been challenging, and I continue to face difficult obstacles. However, my heart remains true to my goals and the women I want to help with The Skirt Project.
Recently, I came across an Instagram Reel with a quote from Matthew McConaughey that resonated deeply with me: “If life was nothing but green lights and we didn’t have yellows and reds, things that make us pause, hardships, crises, times for introspection, then what would it all be for? We need the yellows and the reds. That’s how we evolve. That’s how hopefully there’s some ascension to our being.” This perspective helps me embrace the struggles, understanding that these moments are essential for growth and evolution.
One of the biggest challenges for me in this current season is time. My son is turning six next month, and he’s full of energy, active in sports, and growing into a really cool person—someone I truly enjoy spending time with. Time feels too short. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been in a fog, not fully aware of the damage caused by not paying more attention and failing to work on achieving a better work-life balance.
As I navigate this new season of my life, I am dedicated to finding a better balance. My goal is to emerge from this period stronger and more focused, giving attention to all the things I love rather than fixating on one aspect and neglecting the others. I’m committed to cultivating a well-rounded life where my personal passions, family time, and professional ambitions coexist harmoniously. By prioritizing balance, I hope to enrich each area of my life and ensure that nothing important is left behind.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Seven years ago, I embarked on an incredible journey as a photographer, starting by capturing anything and everything to build my business and improve my skills. Over time, I discovered a deep love for photographing weddings. For the past few years, I’ve truly enjoyed capturing those magical wedding moments. However, I soon realized the immense anxiety that came with being responsible for such a monumental occasion in people’s lives. It wasn’t about doubting my skills, but the pressure to make every moment perfect and not miss a single second was overwhelming.
Amidst my wedding photography adventure, I stumbled upon another love—a passion project that blossomed into a dream come true – The Skirt Project! It started with me photographing women in beautiful skirts I had collected from Amazon and Etsy, aiming to make them feel empowered, confident, and joyful – the same way I did when I tried the very first one on.
My unique approach to empowerment has created a vibrant community filled with women who support and uplift one another. I’m known for my ability to transform a simple skirt into a powerful confidence booster, celebrating each woman’s individuality.
I’m immensely proud of the incredible women I’ve had the privilege to meet and befriend—those who were courageous enough to embrace the mission and share their stories. These friendships I’ve helped foster are the heart and soul of the supportive community we’ve built. Together, we’ve created a space where women feel truly seen, celebrated, and supported. It’s a profound purpose that continues to inspire me every day, reminding me of the power of connection and the importance of uplifting one another. The joy and empowerment radiating from this community are what make The Skirt Project truly special.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is playing dress-up. I loved trying on my costume dresses, especially a Minnie Mouse dress that my mom said I never took off. I remember feeling so carefree—no one judged me for what I was wearing or how silly I was dancing around in a costume. It was pure fun! Recalling my childhood is so heartwarming; the happiness and playfulness, with no worries – those were the days. I suppose I’ve carried that feeling with me into adulthood though. With The Skirt Project, I encourage women to “dress up” in one of the skirts and dance around as if no one is watching. These skirts, which we wouldn’t normally wear, make us feel like princesses—like kids again. It’s a beautiful feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theskirtproject.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskirtprojectcommunity/
Image Credits
PhotographybyJo – https://photographybyjo.net/
