Gwen McTavish Photography:Unique Images Photography

A PASSION for instilling self-confidence in young women has resulted in a Lethbridge woman creating a powerful self-awareness program called Beauty from the Inside Out.

The 10 week course is for 12 –18 year old girls. In those 10 weeks, creator, Renae Peterson, R.N., B.N., says they explore a wide range of topics, “The science of modelling is taken from a kinaesthetic view point. Getting in touch with the core of their body and what it can do and who they are, instead of just feeling like objects. 

The art of communication looks at how words can hurt and how they can make lasting, powerful impacts.” Renae says they also talk about deconstructing the media, integrity, kindness, the art of graciousness and the true definition of beauty; “People don’t remember what you look like when you walk in a room. People remember the energy you bring to the room, the kindness of the spirit that you leave there.” They also talk about hair care, makeup and clothing styles.

As a former model and pageant participant in her teens, Renae says she created Beauty from the Inside Out because of a need for more positive mentorship, “We have all the Hollywood drama and it’s just not positively influencing our young women. I wish I had been mentored differently. Beauty should be about who you are. How society defines beauty needs to be challenged.” As a result, Renae has built the concept of Beauty from the Inside Out on her own personal experiences, her academics, her research and professional experiences as a registered nurse. Renae says the difference in the girls from the start to the end of the course is truly magical. “The girls change. They posture differently at the end; the look in their eye, their sense of self, the words they use about themselves. It is magic to get in tune and in touch with who you really are and who you’re meant to be.”

For the full story pick up the current issue of Lethbridge living Magazine