The Confidence Campaign
2024-25 participants

"When people think about having their photo taken it is often the case that they are filled with anxiety and even fear. I did not know when I first became a photographer that the most important skill I would need is to instill confidence in others. This starts before I even take a photo. I first have to see the for their beauty and character and then I can capture it. I have to try and let them see themselves through my eyes. That is what this project was about. An invitation to feel amazing with a great portrait to serve as a powerful reminder and testiment that they are incredible human beings. Join me in praising them for all that they are and the shining examples they set for others in the Billings community. Please enjoy their portraits and the words of wisdom they have chosen to dig deep, be vulnerable, and share with all of us.

Thank you for coming."

-Arica Lipp

Rena Murillo

"Confidence is using your wisdom from past experiences and future excitement to share your gifts with the world. It's very important to get you through the seasons of life, both tough and rewarding. It's using a faith muscle to know things will work out, even if it's not your plan A. Advice i would give others is to surround yourself with a girl gang that has both cheerleaders and action takers. You need to be with people who believe in your until you can believe in yourself. They need to be crown- straighteners!"

-Rena

William Breon Henry

"Confidence means that you have done the appropriate work and prepared in accordance with your goals. It assures me that I have done the work! It is a measure of preparedness. You find your confidence by doing the hard work. Prepare, practice, and find your purpose!"

-William

April Clark

"Confidence to me is knowing I am versatile enough to handle anything that comes my way because of this, I will always bet on myself.

Life is a cruel mistress and confidence allows me to navigate all trials and appreciate all the blessings.

As for advice, no one can find your confidence, It. starts with you!"

-April

Sandra Gebhardt

"Confidence means refusing to apologize for who you are—especially when the world tries to convince you you’re “too much” of anything. It’s walking into a room without shrinking, knowing your voice matters and your ideas are worth saying out loud. Confidence isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about being the realest. For me, it’s the daily decision to be boldly myself, share my faith, my awesome shoes...stories and all.

Confidence has been everything for me. Without it, I would’ve stayed shoved in that tiny “box” they tried to put me in when I was young. You know the one—be quieter, smaller, nicer, more palatable. No thanks. Confidence is how I built my business, how I speak on stages, how I parent, and how I show up online. It’s not optional—it’s the fuel behind everything I’ve done that has made a difference.

Start by unlearning the junk the enemy is telling you about yourself. That voice in your head that says you’re too loud, too quiet, too bold, not bold enough, too emotional? That’s not your voice. You are fearlessly and wonderfully made. Embrace that! Then surround yourself with people who fan your flame, not smother it. And most importantly—take action. Confidence doesn’t come from reading quotes or waiting to feel ready. It comes from doing the thing, scared and sweaty, and proving to yourself that you can."

-Sandra

Akvilina Kazenaite Reiger

"I am still defining this concept in my mind as I go through different “seasons” in my life. There is a confidence of youth that in my case was followed by diminished sense of confidence as I was starting to realize that I “don’t know everything” being further followed by learning about myself and growth period. One of the key pieces to being confident is being comfortable with being my authentic self. It is not an easy task, and it takes growth and not being afraid to constantly learn and be open minded.

It is one of the more important traits. It allows for trust in my decision making. To be confident, to me, means that I have figured out what my core traits are and that would be my overall guide in all decision making. It reduces doubt and overthinking.

Start by spending time in analyzing yourself, your actions, especially your behavior traits, patterns. See where and why you lack confidence and determine from there how to build it? Is it lack of knowledge? If so, you can concentrate on how to fill that gap through education, experience, etc. Is it some trauma, past response, history etc. that should be addressed in some way? Perhaps professional, medical, mentor or guide can assist with that?"

-Akvilina

Neil Beyer

Jennifer Larson

"Confidence, to me, means acknowledging and understanding my strengths but also my shortcomings. Being confident gives me strength to ask for help and rely on other's strength when my own isn't enough.

Confidence is very important. It drives me to have the courage to step outside of my comfort zone.

If someone were looking to find more confidence, I would first encourage them to begin with a thankful mindset. Thank God for the abilities He has given you. Thank Him for helping you achieve what you can't on your own.

Sarah Meyer

"For me, confidence hasn’t always come naturally. There were seasons of my life where I second-guessed myself, worried what others thought, or felt unqualified to step into big opportunities. What shifted everything was learning to trust myself—even when I didn’t have all the answers. Confidence, to me, is being willing to walk into the unknown and say, “I’ll figure it out.” It’s showing up for my family, my clients, and myself with the belief that I have something valuable to give. It’s what allows me to stand tall in tough conversations, to make bold moves in my business, and to keep going when life feels overwhelming. It is top priority in my life. Without it how do we move through our day, parenting, business, relationships? Gaining and building confidence is crucial to sustaining a balanced life and should be worked on daily.

My advice for building confidence: • Keep promises to yourself—small wins build trust. • Do hard things daily—every time you push past fear, you grow stronger. • Surround yourself with encouragement—the right people will remind you of your strength. • Celebrate progress, not perfection—confidence grows in the process, not the finish line. True confidence is quiet, steady, and deeply rooted. And once you cultivate it, it becomes one of the most powerful tools you’ll ever carry with you."

-Sarah

Heidi Stevens

"Confidence, to me, is the quiet strength of knowing who you are and standing in it without apology. It’s the ability to walk into a room without letting fear or nerves take over, to speak up and share your truth with honesty and sincerity. Confidence is being proud but not prideful — feeling at peace with both the inside and the outside. Some people only find one or the other, but true confidence is when both come together.

For most of my life, confidence wasn’t important — and the truth is, I wasn’t confident. If it ever looked like I was, it was just an act. I thought I had to be funny or the center of attention to seem confident, but inside I often felt ashamed, small, and less than. Over the last few years, though, I’ve grown. I’ve started to look and feel better on the outside, and that’s given me the courage to be more authentic and real on the inside. Confidence, for me now, isn’t about pretending — it’s about finally becoming comfortable with who I truly am, and allowing myself to step into the life I was meant to live.

My advice is this: real confidence doesn’t come from money, status, or even beauty. Those things might help in small ways, but true confidence comes from being content and happy with your actions, your abilities, your thoughts, and your behavior. It comes from knowing who you are and who you want to become. Spend time with yourself. Ask yourself the important questions, and be honest with the answers. If you don’t like what you find, use that as a chance to grow — to learn, to improve, to be kinder. Confidence is love and understanding — both for yourself and for others. And even if you feel different or out of place, remember you are not alone. There are people who will see you, support you, and celebrate you. That’s where strength begins. Ultimately, confidence is knowing who you are — and who you are not — and being okay with it. Owning it, and doing the best you can in that moment. That’s where real confidence lives."

-Heidi

The Confidence Campaign 2024-25 participants