Entering her 30s with intention - Jordyn's story
Tell us a little about yourself.
Staying grounded and genuine is very important to me, I do this by seeking advice from my parents and close friends to help shape the future I would like to create for myself.
I'm interested about my whakapapa which has strengthened my curiosity for travel and to acknowledge other cultures in their history and customs, and has influenced my own journey in re-connecting with my own heritage in Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands.
Along with travel, I find joy in creative projects such as crafting, drawing, or DIY projects, and challenging myself to reshape fabrics to a new purpose. I take similar thinking and skills to my film work, as I support a team of artists to create spectacular VFX for films. The past few years, I've gotten closer to becoming the person I want to be by listening to the things that make me smile and feel joy in and challenging myself to enhance my growth.
I believe that these are steps to really cherish life and to look back on knowing I've done those things that make me closer to the person I'm meant to be.
What drew you to book your shoot with Oasis?
Since deciding that I wanted to make this experience a reality, for a few months I had been researching photographers near Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Although the photographers I found weren't hitting the story of how I wanted to see myself, I wanted to shine a light on my femininity and confidence as I've gotten older.
I extended my search and Oasis appeared!
I felt a connection through Mae's imagery, spirit, and impact that she is having on the community. That feeling was immediate as I connected with her work.
What initiated you to do a shoot for yourself?
I've admired others that I've crossed paths with, friends, family, or people throughout my travels who have captured beautiful moments.
There's always been a curiosity of being in front of the camera and it's been on my wishlist for many years.
I believe I had finally gotten to a state of joy and comfortability in my own skin after many years on the move, that it was time to do the things I have always wanted to do but had always pushed down the line.
This is my 30th year around the sun, every year I have enjoyed getting older as I feel I get better as the years go on, so it felt natural to capture this moment and create a piece of sentimental art to look back on.
What were some doubts leading up to the shoot? and how did you feel afterwards?
The main doubt before the photoshoot was if I could be photographed in this way, it's a new experience for me to be directed to pose in these beautiful, unique garments and locations.
Typical photos I'm captured in, like many of us, are casual and social and not focused on yourself. So, it was hard for me to picture myself in this bold and empowering way the closer our shooting day came.
Afterwards, I was giddy with excitement, we had the full energy of the winds and helped to give life to the photographs! Getting more comfortable throughout the session felt freeing, I allowed myself to become more comfortable and Maegan's presence and acceptance was a welcoming energy.
My younger self feels incredibly proud and when I think about this experience, I can't help but shine a wonderful big smile!
Did you have a stand out favourite part of the shoot?
My favourite parts of our shoot was standing in the sea and creating fluid shapes and lines with my arms and body while the sun was rising up behind me.
Throwing water around and letting my body flow with the water and wind made me feel more connected to the elements.
The other was standing next to the tree on the edge of the quarry, the wind was rushing past creating movement, waking up the environment and myself! I felt lifted and wild!
Can you share a piece of advice or insight that has been instrumental in your journey of self-acceptance and self-love?
The piece of advice that has stuck in my head and is what has fuelled me to pursue such things like this photoshoot is that in the moment we may not feel our best or feel like we look our best, however your future self will not be as critical as you are now.
Your future self won't remember the small details, they will only remember the best parts. So, let yourself be and experience what you have to offer at this moment.
Are there specific people, role models, or communities that have been influential in your journey back to self and body love? How have they supported or inspired you?
Specific people that I admire would be my nana and mum, I've noticed they can be very hard on themselves and they have generally put others before their own needs many times.
In recent years they both have made actions to do things for themselves that have helped improve their well-being and life immensely, and they wish they had done so sooner!
This has really stuck with me in how I approach my own well-being and aspects of life, as it is important to do the things that you will find benefits from sooner rather than later.
What advice would you give to other women who are at the beginning of their journey to 'coming home' and embracing their bodies?
Give yourself space to grow, make mistakes, experiment, and play. Slow down and take it all in. Have conversations with people and learn to be more comfortable discussing deeper topics as this will lead to strengthened relationships with others and with yourself. It will allow you to peel back the layers and to look at life with a new perspective.
Would your younger self be proud of the woman you are today?
I believe she would be proud of the woman I am today, I know that there are more things that she would like me to do as we have a very full life to live.