This guest post was written by Ria’s Assistant, Allie

If you know anything about Ria Rouse, the boudoir photographer and creative director of Ria Rouse photography, then you know she’s always doing something. This week, I was able to snag her and ask her a few questions about her life and how she manages to do the amazing things she does.

Q: You’ve been in photography for quite a few years now, and exclusively doing boudoir for the last two years. Why is boudoir your passion?

Ria: Boudoir is my passion because of its artistic therapeutic qualities. I love watching women light up when they see their pictures. The amount of confidence they leave the studio with makes everything worth it.

Q: Your studio has cultivated a process to help clients feel comfortable and ready to love themselves. What’s your favorite part of your studio’s process?

Ria: My favorite part of the process is the image reveal! The mouth drops, the squeals of joy when they see their pictures on the screen- I LIVE for it!

Q: Earlier this month, you launched your lingerie boutique. Congrats? What led you to offer this service?

Ria: In all honesty, it was my clients who led me to offer it. They always ask if I sold lingerie, and believe me when I say I’ve seen everything out there. And I thought it would be nice to have sexy pieces in the all the sizes on hand. After being asked multiple times by clients, I went ahead and took the leap.

Q: Anything else we can look forward to that’s coming up?

Ria: This Saturday is our first Pole Dance Party! It’s going to be so much fun learning how to dance with some amazing ladies in our Facebook VIP Group! We also have the 40 over 40 Gallery Showing in October. I can’t wait to celebrate this year’s participants. They have been bringing the FIRE!

Ok, enough shop talk. Let’s get to know you a little more!

Q: As a small business owner, I know you always have a million things to do. What’s your go-to song to get pumped up?

Ria: I have so many! But my main one is “Made It” by Teyana Taylor.

Q: Are you are heading out for the day, what’s the one thing you won’t leave your house without?

Ria: My phone! I have to constantly be in reach of my team and clients if they need me.

Q: Summer is here! Do you have a summer obsession?

Ria: I love Unseen Sunscreen. Gotta protect all this work my dermatologist did to get my skin together. I also bring my Chanel sunglasses everywhere. I have to protect my eyes.

Q: What’s one of your favorite things to do when you’re not working?

Ria: My favorite thing to do when I’m not working is to spend time outside and just enjoy my surroundings and the people I’m with.

Q: I know you also love traveling in your free time! What’s your dream place to visit?

Ria: My dream place to visit is Fiji! I can’t wait to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Q: Self-care is super important. What do you prioritize when you are focusing on yourself?

Ria: I love to pamper myself. Getting my nails done, massages, hair done, etc.

Q: And last question! What’s something surprising that people might not know about?

Ria: Hmm… most people don’t know that I’m technically an ordained humanist minister! I can shoot your boudoir pictures AND get your hitched.

Want to get to know Ria even more? Join the Boudoir by Ria VIP Group on Facebook. Interested in working with Ria? Sign up for a free consultation on a boudoir session.