It’s the final episode of the year and we’re going out sparkly, chaotic, and very on brand ✨ This week, we’re joined by the incredible Melanie Eaton (Helms), Richmond-based luxury fashion, boudoir, and branding photographer, plus ME Program member Hannah, for a conversation about confidence, creativity, community, and taking bold artistic risks.

We talk disposable cameras, Barbie shoots, Vikings, mermaids, snakes (yes, real ones), and why overthinking is the hardest thing to photograph. PLUS—Big Daddy brings us some truly unhinged Bad Santa crimes, and we round things out with high-key and low-key New Year’s Eve plans around Richmond.

💖 This Episode Includes:

• ✨ Main Character vs. Delulu Era energy check for 2025
• 📸 Melanie Eaton’s journey from disposable cameras to high-end editorial photography
• 👑 What confidence really looks like—and how to fake it until it sticks
• 🤍 Inside The ME Program: empowerment, community, and hype-girl energy
• 💄 Barbie shoots, Secret Gardens, Vikings, Sirens, Marie Antoinette, and creative chaos
• 🐍 A photoshoot featuring a REAL snake (and facing fears)
• 🎥 Why community matters more than perfection
• 🏗️ Melanie’s upcoming studio glow-up
• 🎅 Big Daddy’s Bad Santa Crimes (marijuana Santa, chimney Santa, Santa brawls)
• 🥂 New Year’s Eve in RVA: high-key parties and soft-life options

🎉 New Year’s Eve Events We Cover:

High-Key

• Midnight in Manhattan at Harry’s at the Hofheimer (Follow us on instagram for 1/2 off ticket prices on this one!!!)
• Y2K NYE Bash at Ember Music Hall
• Royal Masquerade Ball at The Foundation

Low-Key / Soft Life

• Carytown dinner + stroll
• Wine flights at Brambly Park
• Artsy NYE at the VMFA

🌸 Guest Info:

Instagram: @melanieeatonphoto

Facebook: @melanieeatonphoto

Website: https://melanieeatonphotography.com/

Bookings for 2026 are OPEN 👀✨

As always—thank you for listening, laughing, and being part of our corner of RVA 💕 See you next year, besties 🥂✨ and be sure to follow us!