Meet Martina: a 20-something, first-generation college graduate born, raised and recently returned to the Windy City. In her own words… ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 “I used to think that 23 would be my year… I’d have my own place, own car, be well into my career and finally able to keep a steady gym regimen. I’m 24 now stumbling sloppily into 25 and I’ve achieved none of the later. Fingers crossed for 32. Compared to the average 20-something, my resume may be beefier than some but make no mistake— I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. We are told that these are the best years of our lives but they don’t always feel the best. I think we all hope that this motion of self-doubt will dissipate with age but as I inch toward a quarter-century I am learning to accept that it will be here forever. Am I doing enough with my life? Am I making enough money? Does this outfit make me look fat…and can I really pull off this red lipstick? ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 This confusion around if I am enough in comparison to others is always there behind the surface keeping my nose warm and my eyes alert. I have learned that where self- doubt is constant, self-confidence must be too although it is easier said than done. Switching between the two narratives takes only a minute. So, the next time you are stuck or unsure of yourself slap on some red lipstick and fake it til’ you make it. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 I remember moving cross-country after graduation, my life consisting of two suitcases and a duffle bag. I was ready for the world and surely it was ready for me too. My collegiate success made me overly confident; I thought that I would apply for the job I wanted and that would be it. That was not it. I quickly got used to rejection without being rejected: no email, no callback, only uncertainty, and doubt. That summer I discovered that crying in the shower is best because your roommates are less likely to hear. Instead of waking up proud I woke up thinking, what am I doing? As a kid, I dreamed of the possibilities I could have but as a college graduate, I was overwhelmed by them. One moment feeling like I am on top of the world and can do anything, the next crying in my pool because I am unsure of my place in It. The fear and uncertainty of what to do next and what am I doing right now are constant so I embrace it. I let it excite me the same way that watching a scary movie excites me giving me the rush of adrenaline I need to get out of bed even on the bad days. It is only through fear and uncertainty that I have gotten this far and through the same that I will continue to go further. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.” *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Martina. This year for my birthday , I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 7 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!*** #Dressforsuccess #stories #blogging #52PWP #Photography #Chicago #reflections #Portraitphotography #thoughts #WordPress #amyboylephotography #52PhenomenalWomen

©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Meet Debi (@debililly), we share a mutual love of family, Chicago, as well as magical Nantucket. This Chief Eventeur has been designing perfect events for decades. She has quite the high profile clientele list, but also regularly shares tips on how anyone can take their events from “grocery to gorgeous.” From a very early age, Debi drew her party planning inspiration from her grandmother (Gigi). “My friends would come over, see all our beautiful family celebrations, gorgeous table set for the holiday, beautiful presents overflowing under the tree, and exclaim – ‘I’ve never seen anything like this!’ Gigi always makes everything so thoughtful, full of tradition, and creates moments to cherish.” ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Her career began before Debi even graduated college as she was planning away; sorority sister’s weddings, designing flowers, invitations and more. She loves to weave a creative thread into all the planning and design details – from start to finish. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Born and raised in Chicago, Debi has loved the Hotel InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile for many years. She chose this location for her photoshoot as the beautiful hotel is a family favorite. “Complete with a Great Gatsby swimming pool party vibe and gorgeous family suites we sink in and unwind together. It is rich with gorgeous architecture and full of 1920s history. My kids love to spend the weekends in hotel robes nibbling room service as they pool party, while I throw parties and weddings downstairs in the gorgeous ballroom.” *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Debi. This year for my birthday 🎂, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 6 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!*** #Dressforsuccess #debililly #blogging #aperfectevent #Photography #Chicago #InterContinentalChicagoMagnificentMile #entertainment #Friends #WordPress #amyboylephotography #52PhenomenalWomen

Meet Marcia: (in her own words) I found Pilates twelve years ago after a large weight loss and a stress fracture from running, and knew within months that I wanted to learn it from the inside out. I had done many kinds of exercise before, but none made me feel the way Pilates did. It was as if I were suddenly introduced to dozens of cool relatives I had never met before, and now we were all learning to communicate and get to know each other. My body was a family, there to support me, and I them. In the 5 years we’ve been working together, Marcia has supported me through two pregnancies. During recovery, she helped me reconnect not only with my body, but also with my identity beyond that of a mother. – Ashley (pictured with Marcia below) ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 After a year long training program, I began teaching, and soon after took on a Prenatal class. It was scary at first. The American Medical Association guidelines for teaching pregnant women was a list of “DON’Ts”. But where were the DOs? After all, pregnancy isn’t a pathological condition; why would we treat it as such? After taking further training with a woman named Carolyne Anthony, I realized pregnant bodies were strong, not things to be afraid of, that they had changing needs throughout the trimesters and, equally important, in the first year postnatal. I also realized that the exercise and healthcare communities were failing women on many levels, and that I could help bridge those gaps in information and healing. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Too many of us are tuned in to the external noises that tell us how to look, what to do with our bodies, instead of our internal voice—the collective voice of our body, our family of parts. Too many women live with pain and discomfort. Too many new moms don’t know what to expect of childbirth, recovery. Too many of us don’t know enough about how menopause affects us. Too many of us store the mental and physical scars of sexual assault, or abuse. Too many women settle for buying adult diapers instead of getting pelvic floor therapy. As a Pilates instructor who specializes in Pre and Postnatal, I want to change all that. A few months ago the ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) put out a statement revising their recommendations for postnatal care. In the statement they equated past treatment of pregnancies “as if the baby were the candy and the mother was the wrapper,” thrown away after the birth. We can do better, they said, and I agree. After ten years of teaching all kinds of bodies, and well over five hundred pregnancies under my belt, I can say that I teach Pilates because I believe my job is to educate all people on their bodies and empower them to improve their mind/body relationships. When we learn to listen to our bodies, when we understand those voices, we can advocate for their rights and needs. I’m not just teaching Pilates, I’m building an army of educated, healthy women, and they are ready to fight for what they deserve. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Marcia teaches at Frog Temple Pilates in Chicago Her blog: GreatBalancingAct *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Marcia. This year for my birthday 🎂, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 5 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story! #Dressforsuccess #blogging #Photography #Chicago #reflections #pilates #thoughts #amyboylephotography #52PhenomenalWomen

Meet Dani: We met years ago through our local parish. Both of us were volunteering and supporting our church/community at large. I’ve always been drawn to Dani’s welcoming and supportive nature. She has a smile and an energy level that is contagious. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Dani retired from her position as Mergers/Acquisitions Clearance Director at the law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, after 29 years. Before she retired, Dani’s life was touched by Alzheimer’s over 30 years ago when her uncle was diagnosed with the disease. Subsequently, another uncle, two aunts and eventually her own mother would pass from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Dani joined the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter Board in July 2007 in order to be more effective in those pursuits and to work with the Chapter to further the Association’s mission. She served as Board Secretary, Fundraising Chair and delegate to the Alzheimer’s Association National Assembly. She also is a member of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the Association’s sister organization. In 2018, at the Alzheimer’s Forum, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) named Dani Advocate of the year. Rep. Quigley (@repmikequigley) said his said his “constituent and friend” is an inspiration. Dani was one of the first advocates to join the Ambassador program in 2010. This year, Dani’s walk to end Alzheimer’s coincides with what would have been her mother’s 110th birthday – You may join/support Dani’s Walk to End Alzheimers here on or before October 28, 2018: http://act.alz.org/goto/2018DaniWalk. Last year Dani raised $36,000 and her goal this year is to surpass that! I was absolutely thrilled that Dani wished to shoot her feature at a playground and local garden. We can take ourselves a bit too seriously at times and making time to play and be joyful is a great escape! When Dani is not supporting the Alzheimer’s mission, she volunteers in several ways at Saint Clement Church, including as a member of their Stewardship Council. She enjoys speed walking, swimming and attending theatre. *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Dani. This year for my birthday 🎂, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 4 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story! #Dressforsuccess #blogging #Blog #movie #Photography #reflections #EndALZ #thoughts #WordPress #amyboylephotography #52PhenomenalWomen

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.” – Brene Brown ©Amy Boyle Photography Meet Maria: Q. What is one story you have always wanted to tell? A: I might look okay from the outside, but inside I wasn’t always this way. I’ve struggled with a problem since second grade; a sweaty little secret called hyperhidrosis (excessive uncontrollable sweating). Yep. Who else do you know who can make their own raindrops? But I’m no longer suffering in silence. I started with nothing when I launched my blog, My Life As A Puddle, 7 years ago. Now my advocacy efforts are reaching people all over the world, like 5-year-old Jessica, in the United Kingdom. Today, her story is posted in hopes that it will help others, just like her, who are so little and already hate their sweaty bodies as I once did. Someone has to be a voice for them – why not me? I used to feel like I couldn’t do certain things. My confidence was lacking. But then someone recognized me for exactly who I was and that helped me to remember who I was: brave, vulnerable and fearlessly authentic. I might still be a sweaty mess when you meet me and shake my hand, but I choose to make my mess my message. No matter what you might be going through, the only one standing in your way is yourself. If I hadn’t had the courage to put myself out there last year to be an O, The Oprah Magazine Insider, I might not be standing in front of Amy’s camera today. ©Amy Boyle Photography A photographer and a phenomenal woman whom I am now blessed to call my friend, Amy helps me remember who I am and who I want to be. She asked the right questions to uncover my story and let me convey it soul-to-soul through her lens. Point. Click. Flash. A three-step process that empowers lives. Q: What are you doing now to empower and encourage other women? A. My blog, and I am one of the inaugural Women For One Truthtellers: a speaking tour that empowers women to use their voices and empower not only themselves but others. I’m also known for spontaneously writing and sending letters to those who have made a difference in my life. ©Amy Boyle Photography *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Maria. This year for my birthday 🎂, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 3 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts the of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each others stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story! #Dressforsuccess #stories #blogging #Blog #Photography #Portraitphotography #thoughts #52PhenomenalWomen

©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Meet Meaghan: One year, for my birthday, I experimented with saying “yes” to everything. It started as one of those wishes you make only to yourself as you blow out the candles. Commit to having a little more fun, doing a little more good, loving a little more. I found that I had a lot more “yes” in me when the next birthday rolled around, so I kept going. Truth be told, I was filling my buckets long before then, pouring myself into family, philanthropy, friends, work, working out, going out, and just…going. I live a very full life. More is more. More living, more loving, more giving. I might not be able to say “why” if you ask, but I might say “why not?” I’ll have a story to tell you when I say “Yes!” to your invitation and we chat over cocktails. The next morning, my kids will give me more giggles when they say “Yes!” to sharing the dad joke you told me. Those happy kids will cheer me on in a regatta with my alumni crew team (row a half marathon on the Chicago River with the #NDames? Yes!) while my Superdad of a husband rewards their team spirit with a “Yes!” to ice cream. More sprinkles? Yes! On the subject of sprinkles, yes, I apply the “more is more” philosophy there, too. Extra icing on the birthday cake my neighbor’s sweet boy asked me to bake for him. Extra mini M&Ms tumbling down the mountains of whipped cream on the Saturday pancakes. I wish I had even more time to bake, to read, and to garden, but until that time magically squeezes itself into my days, I’ll enjoy every moment of my busy life, full of recipes to try, books to read, and seeds to plant. I love this life of “Yes!” Is there even time for more baking, more making, more….”Yes!”…? You know the answer is “Yes!” ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 If you could do anything now, what would you do? Why? I’d be a pastry chef. Taking time to craft something beautiful that brings others joy, encouraging people to stop and savor the moment…my life could use more of that. Couldn’t yours? – Meaghan ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 This is part two of a 52 week series. This year for my birthday 🎂 , I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts the of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each others stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story! #Dressforsuccess #blogging #Photography #reflections #thoughts #amyboylephotography #52PhenomenalWomen

Meet Earlene: “Be still and believe God, it’s not going to come on your time.” ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 When Earlene lost her job of 12.5 years as a bank manager she was 50 years old, she was at a loss for what to do next as the options offered by her former employer diminished the time she had served her company. After going on over forty interviews with no job offers in hand, Earlene was eventually referred to Dress for Success. She didn’t have a resume or know who to be competitive in an interview situation. This organization has served as Earlene’s “second family”, a welcoming place where the door is always open to her no matter what. “The ladies at Dress for Success gave me my confidence back,” Earlene said. “It’s not only about the clothes, it’s an organization that believes in you.” No stranger to challenges in life, Earlene found herself as a first time mother at fifteen years old. With the help and encouragement of her mother she was able to get her high school diploma.The road to success is paved with hard work and dedication and after raising her two daughters, Earlene went back to school to earn her bachelor degree in Business Administration after age fifty. When people asked why she’d go back to school at that age, she said it was now, “my time.” “I raised my daughters and it is now my turn.” Earlene not only graduated from Argosy University in Chicago, but was surprised and delighted to hear she graduated with honors as she crossed the podium. Currently Earlene is a retired and grandmother of two. She now volunteers weekly at Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. Sharing her story gives Earlene great joy as well as assisting others. Director of Dress for Success Worldwide Central, Wendy Wilkins, says that Earlene is a true giver. She is always there to help! With the encouragement of her second family at Dress for Success as well as her writing mentor, Earlene has written her first book. Earlene’s Journey is now ready to be published. Earlene and Director Wendy Wilkins ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Deeply rooted in her faith, Earlene is inspired and encouraged every morning when she recites Psalms 23 and 27. They have provided comfort and strength for her during even the hardest times. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Earlene’s attitude about being a continuing student of life is contagious. Her love for her family and community runs deep. All who know her are truly blessed! This is part one of a 52 week series. This year for my birthday 🎂 (It’s today 9/12 :), I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts the of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each others stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story! #Dressforsuccess #interview #blogging #Photography #Chicago #amyboylephotography #inspiration #52PhenomenalWomen

What would happen if we took time every week to recognize and share with our friends/community/tribe someone we think is phenomenal? Just imagine the list of inspiring people we would know at the end of the year. I was thinking recently after one of my photoshoots, that my career lends itself to meeting many interesting and fantastic people daily. What I also realized is that so many of these amazing people are unaware of the subtle thing they do everyday that brings joy and inspiration to others. My ah-ha moment arose after attending a retreat with life coach, Dana Frost. Eleven women had spent ten days together exploring the Amazon and other parts of Brazil. When we were in our last few days together we gathered and shared on paper one key word/quality that came to mind when thinking of the individual we had gotten to know. After circulating the paper to all in attendance the list makes it back to original person and the insights were invaluable. I don’t know about you, but when is the last time you stopped to see, recognize, and honor that goodness that you are? The poem, Phenomenal Woman, by Maya Angelou serves as my inspiration in seeking out and celebrating the qualities that makes each and every woman phenomenal. Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me Now that takes me to the dawn of this project, 52 Phenomenal Women, a year long photo essay by Amy Boyle Photography. I am approaching my 48th birthday and in the effort to grow bolder not older (a fantastic reminder by one off my favorite brands, Chico’s) I have decided to embrace my age, as it is only a number and task myself with the creative project of featuring one woman in my blog and social media channels each week for a year. The best way to describe the project I am embarking on is #womancrushwednesday meets Humans of New York. Why only women? I am continually supported and loved by my husband and four sons, but what I know in my heart is many women are not so fortunate. I want to support women, who whether they realize it or not, are phenomenal. My birthday wish this year is to encourage others through the stories that will be featured in my blog and social channels. To start a dialogue of inclusion, support, and recognition by celebrating the phenomenal qualities within us all. There is no better time than the present moment, (NOW is my word of the year!) to do just that. Thank you for being a part of this year long celebration. You may follow along on this blog in addition to my Instagram, FB, and Twitter. #52phenomenalwomen #52PWP This project will begin on 9/12, my birthday, and continue for 52 weeks on Wednesdays. I have partnered with Dress for Success for the duration of this project. Founded in 1997, Dress for Success has chapters in more than 160 cities in 28 countries and has empowered over 1,000,000 women in their career life goals. My personal goal is to raise $3000 or more for the Dress for Success Worldwide Central chapter. Each featured woman in this project is asked to donate a minimum of $60 to Dress for Success. Envision your contributions at work: With a donation of just $50, you can help another woman prepare for her first mock interview. At the $100 level you can be provide another woman with her first Suiting. You may also volunteer, mentor, as well as take part in their professional clothing drives. None of us would be where we are today without the help and encouragement of others. We certainly are stronger together! I have had the great fortune to meet and work with Wendy Wilkins the director of the Worldwide-Central office and I am eager to support the mission of this organization. “Dress for success serves unemployed and underemployed women at any phase of their employment development cycle. Their services provide pathways to success that reflect the real-life stages of a woman’s journey.” 31% Have never owned a suit before 45% Have children under 18 living at home 83% Live below the poverty level “The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” If you are interested in being featured or would like to support my year long project, please request to join our FB page. With gratitude, Amy #Dressforsuccess #art #stories #blogging #Photography #work #thoughts #amyboylephotography #52PhenomenalWomen