Her voyage home - Nina’s story
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m Nina, born and raised in Belgium (Bruges). With my company Your Voyage Home I love to create moments of connection in times of change. As a doula, bodyworker and harpist I hold space during moments of hope, loss and new life.
What initiated you to do a shoot for yourself?
A few years ago I decided to create space in my life to discover what it is I really wanna bring into this world. I quit my job and house, went traveling and studied arts. During that time I created a performative ritual in which I shared a message with a future child "I let you know that I am here for you. I let you know that you are welcome to come over."
It felt like a special moment in my life, in which I consciously spent time with the stories that were passed on to me and the elements I would love to offer to the next generation. As a cherry on top I became pregnant soon after. An experience that still gives me goosebumps when I think about it. When I lost the child in the womb, it became clear it wasn’t the right time yet. A moment of love and loss that touched me deeply. It felt like this child wanted to give me the chance to first receive this deep love myself, and come home within myself before creating a home for my family.
Many moments I was looking for a sense of belonging. Searching for a way to feel home within myself and within the world. And that's how life has been taking me to the most unexpected places and adventures.
My journey made me fall deeply in love with the beauty of life. With this beautiful movement that change can offer us. In all its colors and shapes. As every stage and story is revealing new pearls of wisdom.
“For me this journey to New Zealand has been very enriching. The photos of our shoot are a beautiful treasure of the special time I have spent in the country.”
Since then I've been going back to my roots, living at my birthplace again and having all the beauty and challenges of being so close to family. Embracing my roots, but also embracing that this isn't the place that makes me thrive.
“Before the photoshoot I wrote - Now it feels like this big period of transformation wants to land before starting a new chapter. Ready to open up for love, ready to open up for a new pregnancy, ready to embody what I’m here for. It feels like a very special moment in my journey that I would love to capture and honor with this photography session. And apparently that leads me to NZ!”
What drew you to book your shoot with Oasis in New Zealand?
When I saw the photos of Oasis with Mae, I immediately felt very touched by the feminine authenticity and the locations of the shoot. There’s an integrity and natural appearance that spoke to me. I secretly hoped to one day be able to work together. So the moment I booked my flight tickets to NZ, there was not much hesitation to follow my heart and contact Mae.
I already booked the shoot when I saw her post; “she doesn’t know it yet, but…” and it made me very curious of how that sentence will be finished within a few months.
Did you have a stand out favourite part of the shoot?
Aaaaah the moment different worlds came together so naturally. I had asked Mae to bring a shell and brought a Rebozo (which is often used during pregnancy). It’s so beautiful and touching to see how it expresses what I would call “embodied poetry”. Expressing the often invisible way to motherhood, including moments of secret hope, silent sadness, soft surprises…
Another moment that stands out for me is when Mae asked me to loosen my hair and with every new dress and outfit I felt another part of myself liberated to express itself. I absolutely loved to move and express myself in front of the camera. It was my first shoot, but it definitely tastes like more…
What were some doubts leading up to the shoot? and how did you feel afterwards?
Picking a location was a bit of a challenge to me. I love to connect with the environment and some of the locations that Mae proposed really spoke to me. I could feel a certain rawness or untamed vibe and I was very curious what it would awaken within me. But not every place that I loved was easy to reach.
In the end we chose a location that turned out to be perfect. It was close to the ocean, I could feel my favorite volcano watching over me and the rocks behind us were absolutely incredible.
Can you share a piece of advice or insight that has been instrumental in your journey of self-acceptance and self-love?
Everything is tidal. The waves of the ocean, our heartbeat and breath, the moon cycle, the seasons. They come and go. So it’s okay that some days our heart opens and other days it closes again. It’s okay that some days we go out and other moments we go in. Trust that natural rhythm that is alive within you.
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?
Yesss, there’s no way we are meant to walk alone. It’s so valuable to become aware of the ways you are already held and where you would love some extra support. Especially in moments where you feel lost or lonely. Those layers of support can be present between your loved ones, professionals, communities, nature and the universe or religion.
Some of the people that inspired me, opened doors within me;
Usha Anandi, Sophie Josephina, Meytal Blanaru, Lily Kiara, Awhitia Mihaere, Anna Verwaal, Tarikura Kapae, Alvaro Esteban, Anne Lepelaars, Abigail Rose Clarke, Atarangi Muru, Azul Anaité, Lieve Blancquaert, The eternal song (docu), …
What advice would you give to other women who are at the beginning of their self awareness journey?
Follow what feels good, what brings you joy, where things flow easily. Notice where your body naturally opens up, where your breath deepens. And trust that this will lead you to where you need to be. Sometimes it can take a while to discover what brings you that sensation.
Would your younger self be proud of the woman you are today?
Absolutely! She would be mesmerized, proud and a little intimidated hahaha.
