About Liz Hansen
Liz Hansen is the owner and photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography, a studio that empowers women to feel confident in their bodies, relationships and lives. Liz opened her commercial studio in 2018 and has since photographed more than 2,000 women. She has been featured on the TEDx stage, on National Public Radio and with the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. Liz holds a BA in Art and an MA in Education. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two teenage daughters.
About the Episode
In this empowering episode, Liz Theresa welcomes Liz Hansen, founder of Chicago Boudoir and a boudoir photographer with over ten years of experience. The conversation dives deep into what boudoir means today—not just sexy photos, but a transformative experience for self-love, confidence, and celebrating milestones.
Key Topics Covered:
- Origin Stories & Magic Moments:
Both Lizzes reflect on a decade in business and fun milestones, including Liz Hansen’s birthday (Valentine’s Day!) and how the “Liz on Biz” name came to be. - Boudoir as Empowerment:
Liz Hansen shares how her own boudoir session completely changed her perspective—not just as a photographer, but as a woman, mother, and business owner. She discusses how boudoir photography helps women shed shame, practice self-acceptance, and see themselves in a new, powerful light. - Body Neutrality & Gratitude:
They explore the journey from self-criticism to body neutrality. Liz Hansen offers actionable advice: shift your mindset from “I hate my body” to “I have a body,” focusing on gratitude for what your body does for you. - Breaking Free from Body Obsession:
A candid conversation about society’s thin-obsessed culture—including personal stories about weight, cancer, and how our value isn’t in a number on a scale. They debunk the myth that happiness or sexiness is tied to body size. - Raising Confident Daughters & Real Experiences:
Liz Hansen discusses raising two teenage girls, how her work has influenced her family, and why real, tactile experiences are more important than ever in the digital age. - “Sexy is an Attitude”:
Redefining sexiness as openness to pleasure, possibility, and experience—in business, body image, and life. - Business & Growth:
Owning a business is compared to raising a child—it’s about change, resilience, and integrating all parts of who you are. - What’s Next for Liz Hansen:
She shares details about her upcoming empowerment book featuring 365 daily body practices, and resources like body love meditations and dirty talk guides available on her website: chicagoboudoir.com.
Free Resources Mentioned:
- Body Love Meditation
- Dirty Talk Book: 101 Phrases for the Bedroom
(All available at chicagoboudoir.com)
Memorable Quotes:
- “You’ll never shame yourself into improvement.”
- “Sexy is not a size—sexy is an attitude.”
- “Move from ‘I hate my body’ to ‘I have a body.’”
- “If you’re not enjoying your business, why are you doing it?”
Connect with Liz Hansen:
Website: chicagoboudoir.com
Loved this episode?
All resources, links, and goodies are in the show notes. If you’re in the Chicago area, treat yourself to a session with Liz Hansen—she’s truly worth the trip!
Thanks for listening to Liz on Biz. Be gentle with yourself today—you’re worth it.
