Robyn Barkley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Robyn, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For me, the answer is clear. I’m being called to finally choose myself. After twenty-five years of marriage to a man who never truly chose me, I’ve decided it’s time to walk away. It’s terrifying to say out loud—because for so long, I convinced myself that staying was easier, safer, the “right” thing to do. But recently, when he admitted he thought marriage meant he could “have his cake and eat it too,” and that paying the bills was enough to excuse his lack of love, attention, and partnership, something inside me broke wide open. I realized I had been shrinking myself for decades, and I refused to keep doing it.
Leaving a marriage isn’t just about walking away from someone—it’s about walking toward yourself. It’s standing in the middle of fear and saying, “I deserve more.” I should have left years ago, but I believe every step in my journey brought me here, to this moment where I could finally see my worth clearly. And instead of drowning in sadness, I’m pouring everything I have into becoming the best version of myself. Into healing. Into growth. And into empowering more women to step into their own light.
That’s why boudoir isn’t just photography for me—it’s my calling. Every woman who walks into my studio is carrying her own story, her own scars, her own fears. And when she leaves, she walks out holding proof of her power, her beauty, her confidence. Just like me, many of them are choosing to do the thing they were once too afraid to do: to see themselves fully, and unapologetically, as enough.
Now, as my business grows faster than I ever imagined, I see the beautiful irony in it. By finally stepping away from a love that wasn’t real, I made space for something far more powerful: a community of women who are learning, with me, that choosing yourself is not selfish—it’s sacred. That fear doesn’t mean stop; it means you are standing right at the doorway of transformation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Robyn, the owner and heart behind Robyn Barkley Photography in Bonita Springs, Florida. For over 20 years I’ve been growing as a photographer, but what really fuels me isn’t just creating beautiful images—it’s helping women see themselves in a way they maybe never have before. Boudoir, for me, is about more than lace and lingerie; it’s about confidence, healing, and rediscovering the woman you already are.
What makes my brand unique is that I’ve walked this journey myself. After 25 years in a marriage where I was never fully chosen, I made the decision to finally choose myself. That shift has poured into everything I do—it’s why my sessions aren’t just photo shoots, they’re experiences designed to help women feel powerful, celebrated, and unapologetically enough. My studio is a safe, judgment-free space where vulnerability and empowerment go hand in hand, and where every woman leaves with proof of her own strength and beauty.
Right now, my business is growing faster than I ever dreamed, and I’m expanding so I can serve even more women. I’m working on new projects that focus on self-love, empowerment, and building a community of women who lift each other up. At the core of everything I do is a simple truth: when a woman sees her own worth, her whole world changes—and I’m honored to be part of that transformation every single day.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I’ve been blessed to have so many relationships that have shaped me over the years—family, friends, clients, even people who came into my life just for a season. Each one has left its mark and taught me something valuable. But if I’m being completely honest, the relationship that has shaped me the most is the one I have with myself.
It hasn’t always been easy. There were times I doubted my worth, questioned my choices, or silenced my own needs to keep the peace for others. But through all of it, I’ve always come back to this deep desire to heal, to grow, and to keep becoming the best version of me. That relationship with myself has taught me resilience, self-compassion, and the ability to rise no matter what I’ve walked through.
Every time I’ve chosen to dig deeper instead of give up, to love myself instead of tear myself down, that relationship has grown stronger. And honestly, it’s what allows me to show up for others—because when you’ve learned to stand by yourself, you become a whole lot better at standing beside others too.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You are already enough, exactly as you are. You don’t have to earn love by shrinking yourself or settling for less than you deserve. The voice inside of you—the one whispering for more, for better, for freedom—isn’t wrong or selfish. It’s your truth, and one day you’ll be brave enough to follow it. Trust yourself; you’re stronger than you think, and you’re going to build a beautiful life that feels like your own.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m deeply committed to, no matter how long it takes, is reaching as many women in my community as I possibly can to show them how gorgeous, powerful, and worthy they truly are. For me, this isn’t just about photography—it’s about creating a safe, uplifting space where women can shed the weight of doubt, comparison, or fear and finally see themselves with fresh eyes. I know change doesn’t always happen overnight, but transformation begins with that first brave step. Whether it’s through a boudoir session, a self-love event, or a conversation that sparks healing, I’m devoted to planting those seeds of confidence and watching them grow. This is more than a project—it’s a lifelong mission, and I’ll keep showing up for it as long as I’m able, because every single woman deserves to know her own power.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was genuine, sincere, and full of love. I hope people remember that I showed up authentically, cared deeply, and used my heart and my work to help others see their own worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robynbarkleyphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelashesandlingerie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynbarkleyphotography
Image Credits
Robyn Barkley Photography
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