Born out of frustration with the way women are portrayed in the media and the negative impact this has on women's self-perception.
The most important thing for The Hourglass is to reflect the variety of shapes, sizes and ages in normal, real women. Nobody is perfect...but nobody is imperfect either!
The Hourglass wants to show women how beautiful they really are.
And here are the women that make it all happen:
Photo by Gothx
Nicole has worked in all those fields for the past 20 years. She fully trained as a hair dresser/stylist and as a make-up artist in Germany.
Nicole also did a fair amount of work in front of the camera and on stage. She gave her first stage performance at the age of 16 as Magenta in an amateur production of the Rocky Horror Show.
A life-long passion for erotic art and pin-up, the knowledge about make-up, hair and photography as well as the familiarity with standing in the spotlight gave her the final inspiration to create the Hourglass. This and believing that every woman deserves to feel good about herself.
Nicole can also be seen performing burlesque under the name Nicole A Lure
After helping out on a couple of shows Louisa was officially 'crowned' the Hourglass secretary in February 2008 and is now Nicole's right hand woman for all shows and events.
Her background of music management and promotion have proved to be an irreplaceable addition to the Hourglass, just as much as her friendly and open nature.
Not to mention her ever increasing popularity as a curvy model named Miss Loula Cherry and her amazing talent as burlesque usherette.
Here is what women say about us:
"If you are looking for a way to bring some glamour into your life, or you simply feel like an instant confidence-boost, I can't recommend the Hourglass enough"
Lucia Whittaker for Scarlet Magazine
"Before my experience with the Hourglass I had never had the confidence to have a professional photo shoot, but Nicole made me feel super-gorgeous and sassy and I had more fun than I could have ever imagined during my day. Since then I have felt so inspired by the fabulous images that we created the day that I have worked with the Hourglass again on several occasions and even been part of their calendar!"
Hourglass Girl Hollie aka Miss Golden de Licious
"I don't think I can praise The Hourglass highly enough! Nicole was the first photographer I worked with and the reason I have continued to model. Not only is she a fun and fabulous photographer, she is also a highly skilled make up artist and a lovely person too. Every shoot I have with The Hourglass gives me such a confidence boost, I can't wait until my next one!
Hourglass Girl Stephanie (St Clair)
"Nicole is great - she makes you feel relaxed and glamorous and is very encouraging while she works with you. She gives direction, too, so there's no need to worry that "I can't pose!" She has creative, inventive ideas for outfits, poses and sets, and if I was very rich, I'd hire her as my live-in hair and make-up artist. She's very friendly and in no time at all you'll be prancing about in your frillies without a care in the world!"
Hourglass Girl Helen
"Being involved with The Hourglass has helped me develop the ability to accept myself, including the not so nice bits. To play up the things I love about my body, and play down the ones I don't."
Hourglass Girl Kitty
"Nicole makes you feel like a million dollars!"
Maria