On Confidence

On confidence - by Sarah Baiden 

In my 32 years on this planet, the journey of building confidence has been a profound and continuous one. The older I get, the more I ponder it, observe it, and strive to nurture it within myself. When people-watching during my daily routines or travels, I am drawn to the way others carry themselves—their walk, talk, and the energy they exude. To me, it’s a silent indicator of how they may see themselves which I find fascinating as confidence is a trait I’ve had to diligently cultivate over the years.

Growing up in the '90s, confidence didn’t come easily to me. As a highly melanated woman with tight curls and a curvy figure, I faced colorism, texturism, and fatphobia. I once believed that confidence was an innate gift bestowed upon the lucky few, but life has since taught me otherwise. Confidence is a skill, honed and refined over time, through perseverance and self-love.

An ex used to say to me, 'You’re like fine wine... you get better with age.' This sentiment has always stayed with me because it reflects my evolving relationship with confidence and, consequently, myself. My confidence now stems from a profound understanding of who I am in which each life experience I have, every book I read, and every person I meet contributes to this ever-growing well of self-assurance."

Recently, I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone by indulging in a photoshoot at Candid and loved every moment of it as I embrace what I am calling my "spicy, sexy, cheetah" era as I feel the 30s deserve just as much respect as the 20s, and I’m here to celebrate them.

Candid is a sanctuary. The concept of self-portraiture is not just about capturing images; it provides a sacred space to express facets of myself that often remain hidden.

The studio’s ambiance, combined with the incredible women behind it makes it the kind of place where you can reconnect with your true self, embrace your uniqueness, and let your inner cheetah roar.

Go Candid!