“It was my dream come true. It wasn't being a stand-in to help a MUA friend or a photographer they knew- this was my shot. I had a handful of contract offers based off the pictures that would come from this shoot. Better yet, this photographer was one I considered my friend.
I packed a small bag and headed to his house for hair and makeup, then we would be heading to the location. It was a stunning mansion up north from where we were and was owned by a woman who had many high profile clients. I'd never been around my friend in his work mode so it was exciting to see him in his element.
The pictures were incredible and I could feel my dreams coming true. After about 6hrs of shooting, we wrapped up and headed back to his place. He asked if I wanted a drink but I declined and requested water, hoping to still make it to work. I was a dancer at the time. Little did I know or ever expect, there was something in my water.
Next thing I remember was my body being awake but my eyes still weren't opening. I could feel that I was laying down and someone was touching me in ways I knew shouldn't be happening. Out of instinct I threw a fist in the direction of the touch, heard a grunt, and by that time I could open my eyes. It was him. My photographer and my "friend."
I had no idea why this was happened or what was going on still, but I realized by the blood that I had broken his nose and this was my chance to run. I jumped off the couch and heading towards the kitchen to grab my stuff. Behind the couch in a bag on the floor I noticed a bag of toys. He'd had other plans for me too. I ran out the door and got in my car. The closest and safest place I could think of was my work so I got there as fast as I could, ran to the back where I knew people would be, and mustered up a "help me" before blacking out again.
Fuzzy bits remind me of being in an ambulance, then being in the hospital having staff/strangers taking things from and doing things to me to try to figure out what drug I was given and exactly what had been done to me. He had destroyed trust, and my dream.
The State decided to prosecute him and we went to court nearly 2 years later. This meant I had to see him and basically re-live it all. I wasn't sure I could do it. During the process I discovered he had put other women in similar positions and from the point on, I was determined to take this as far as I could for all of us. The district attorney and the women's advocate are still my friends to this day, even members of the jury approached me after my court fight and hugged me, reminding me of how strong I was and how proud they were. He got 10 months probation, his reputation and career were destroyed, and he's a registered sex offender for life.
I've been living with this hurt and betrayal for over a decade. Just the thought of the experience put me in tears. I was done letting it win! I wanted to change my trauma and change my life with a positive experience that made me feel confident and beautiful again. Irina and Cristy made this happen for me and I'm FOREVER grateful. I felt comfortable from the first conversation I had with them both, and knew this would be a game changer for me. The pictures are indescribable, and the experience and self change are both things I can never repay.”
~ MISS K
Panama City Beach, FL
