Meet Camille Parsons | Single Mom, Server, & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camille Parsons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camille, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I would have to say overcoming my addiction and maintaining sobriety for the last 4 and a half years has been the best and most vital thing in ensuring my son has a fighting chance at a highly successful and fulfilling life. I’m very determined to break generational cycles in our family. I’m also focused on just equipping him with knowledge and tools to help him navigate this world when he’s presented with challenges and making choices. I don’t feel like I had that growing up. I was very naive to a lot of things. I think I could’ve avoided some traumatic experiences and possibly my addiction to alcohol, had I been better equipped.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As many of us do, I’ve struggled with body image all my life. I didn’t love what I saw when I looked in the mirror and was always ashamed. By the time I reached my 30’s, I was just done hating my body. I was seeing big, beautiful women posting online and thought to myself, I want their confidence. I want to be happy in my skin. At that point, I began searching for creative outlets that might help me achieve this. I booked my first private boudoir shoot in 2021. I was super shy and awkward in front of the camera at first. But I was loving the images I was getting back! These photoshoots were definitely boosting my confidence. As nervous as I was, I began posting some of the images on my social media and the response was more positive than I ever expected.
As I got better at modeling, more and more photographers were reaching out to me to shoot. This allowed me to gain connections, and get more practice to hone in on my craft. By 2023 I had signed with a startup agency in Denver and in the last year, I’ve focused more of my efforts on runway. I will be walking in Denver Fashion Week for 3 different designers this spring. My son has even showed interest in modeling and will also be walking with me in Denver Fashion Week!
Being a former plus size (now midsize) model who’s in her mid thirties isn’t something I really ever saw for myself. I wouldn’t have ever imagined that I’d have the confidence to do so.
It’s amazing too, that my content resonates with so many other women. I will receive messages from strangers sometimes, telling me that I’ve helped them feel more confident in their own skin and see the beauty within their own bodies. These messages warm my heart and empower me to continue doing the work. Finding genuine self-love and happiness in your own skin isn’t an overnight process. It’s something you have to continually work on. This world is designed to make us hate ourselves so they can sell us all the products needed to fix ourselves. But thick thighs, cellulite and stretch marks don’t make us broken. The media and the unrealistic beauty standards being shoved down our throats is what needs to be fixed. So I will always support and encourage people, especially women to show up in their unique and beautiful bodies, however they may look.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I was born and raised in Colorado Springs and know Colorado well!
I would definitely have to get my bestie outdoors, weather permitting. Iykyk! We would go for a hike through Garden of the Gods, see a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and a game at Coors Field for starters. I’d also want to eat at some local restaurants like The Rabbit Hole, Voodoo Doughnuts, and even my work, Denver Biscuit Co. We would relax at the Sunwater Spa in Manitou and maybe spend a day at the hot springs in Pagosa. We’d make a pitstop in Breckenridge to either hit the slopes or ride the Alpine Slide a time or two, depending on what time of year it is. And we’d grab crêpes from the crêpe truck after! We’d go shopping at all the shops in each of the towns and discover local favorites. And at least one of the nights we’d have to lay out under the stars. If you haven’t seen a Colorado night sky full of stars, you just haven’t lived!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My son, Roman is the driving force in everything I do. He’s not only helped me get my life back, but is the only person in the world who can immediately put a smile on my face when I’m sad or feeling down. I’m so proud to be his mom and love him more than I can even express in words. So I would like to dedicate this to you, Roman. My sweet baby boy. You are my everything.

Instagram: @_capturing_camille

Image Credits
@theangelsedgeofficial – Leopard Print

@threeofakindphotography – Green Lace bodysuit

@soulstruckstudios – Red Lace set

@pursuitofcreation_ – Red Dress

@sunflowerlense – Denim Vest/Leather Skirt

I don’t have full names of most of the photographers. Only IG handles. If those could be used instead to credit their work, that’d be awesome. Sorry and thanks!