BOLD began in 2022, when Lisa Allen from The Pink Ribbon Foundation met photographer Caroline Sikkenk at a breast cancer conference.<\/p>\n
Caroline had spent years photographing women who had experienced hair loss through illness.<\/p>\n
“What struck us about her photographs was that these women weren’t being shown as patients,” said Lisa. “They were strong, beautiful and completely themselves.”<\/p>\n
The first BOLD shoot took place in 2023.<\/p>\n
“What we hadn’t anticipated was that we would create a community,” said Lisa.<\/p>\n
She said the impact often began before a photograph has been taken.<\/p>\n
“We set up a WhatsApp group beforehand, so by the time the women arrive they already feel they’re going through it together.<\/p>\n
“The friendships and support that grow around it last long after the photograph is taken.”<\/p>\n
Both women said taking part in the project had given them a new-found strength and sense of optimism.<\/p>\n
“I feel like my confidence and my positivity just got stronger from the photo shoot,” said Rhiannon.<\/p>\n
“I walked out of there just so confident and I felt so free and just like I don’t have to hide.”<\/p>\n
Gone are the head wraps and proudly showing her shaved head has become “the new normal”.<\/p>\n
For Sam, the photoshoot helped her find self-acceptance.<\/p>\n
“This is me now – I wouldn’t have long hair again,” she said. <\/p>\n
“Hair loss doesn’t define who I am. It’s just a symbol that I’m getting through this and I am strong.”<\/p>\n