Meet Emma Jaye

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Jaye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, how do you think about risk?
Risk, to me, is the price of living a life that actually makes you feel alive each morning. Every defining moment in my life and career has been divine direction disguised as a major leap into the unknown. Leaving the safety net of a “normal” career and a “conventional” life left me with no roadmap to the success that I envisioned for myself. However, it was a bold step in designing the life I had always dreamed of, and taking those risks taught me lessons that I never could have learned if I had played it safe. From touring the country as a photojournalist in the music industry to launching a boudoir business with the love of my life – that centers authenticity in a world obsessed with perfection – I have learned this: if something scares the hell out of me and sets my soul on fire, it’s probably a door worth kicking down. Because the best moments in my life never came from certainty.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sanctuary Boudoir is a Couture Boudoir Experience. Simply calling it a photo studio would miss the point entirely. It is a deeply intentional space co-founded by myself and my partner. Together, we’ve built something that blends artistry and luxury into an experience that’s as empowering as it is transformative. We have created a safe space for women to reconnect with themselves on a soul-deep level while capturing both body and spirit in a way that feels as individual as the woman in front of the lens.

What sets us apart is the passion behind our business. Every detail of the Sanctuary experience was carefully curated with purpose. From the handcrafted sets to the fine art posing direction, from the celebrity-style hair and makeup to the conversations we have before a client even steps in front of the camera – everything is designed to make women feel seen and powerful, regardless of what inspired them to book a session with us. That way, our clients leave not only with breathtaking images but with a deeper sense of self.

In this venture, I’m most proud of the way we’ve turned our personal values into a professional vision. Michael and I are both artists at our core, with very different creative journeys that ended up aligning in the most unique way. Having a career that spans the globe, collaborating with world-renowned talent in the music, art, tech, and fashion industries, Michael is a visionary who knows how to create worlds. My path began when I studied photojournalism and fine art in college and across Europe. I began my professional career shooting and writing for top music publications and documenting artists on tour. I learned to tell stories in the quiet, in-between moments that reveal more truth than anything posed ever could. That foundation of intimacy eventually pulled me towards boudoir. After working with one of the industry’s most respected studios and fine-art nude photographers, the love for the medium fully took root. From there, Michael and I’s shared love for art, music, and wanderlust fueled a beautiful fire. First, we launched Let’s Count The Cities, a chronicle of our career travels and adventurous spirits, and eventually LCTC Studios LLC, a creative collective offering photography and storytelling services. But Sanctuary Boudoir has truly become the heart of it all.

Getting here definitely hasn’t been easy. Like anything worth fighting for in life, there were unexpected challenges, long nights, and delays. But we kept pushing forward, because we believed in what we were building and knew how much it mattered. At the end of the day, every challenge taught us something: how to trust the process, how to stay aligned with our values, and how to keep showing up with love even when things feel hard.

What I want the world to know, as the photographer of these unique sessions, is that Sanctuary Boudoir is much more than just the preconceived notion of “sexy” photos. It’s about giving women a space to honor their stories, their scars, and every side of themselves. I’ve spent years documenting artists, strangers, and souls around the world, but this is the most personal, profound, and fulfilling chapter yet.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting DFW for a weekend, I’d want them to feel everything I love about this city. This itinerary would be all about art, music, and food with just the right amount of spontaneity.

FRIDAY TRIFECTA: ART, FOOD, AND SHOPPING
We’d start in the Design District to go gallery hopping and thrifting – not missing Lula B’s! From there, we’d drive over to Bishop Arts for a slow wander through the murals, vintage shops, and local boutiques. Definitely stopping at Atlas for a drink, somewhere fun for lunch, and Dude, Sweet Chocolate for a treat! The evening would begin in Trinity Groves with dinner at Saint Rocco’s New York Italian. After dinner we would head up to Rocco’s Rooftop for a glass of wine and a skyline view of the city, before heading to my favorite art gallery in Dallas, Gallery Defi. You can get the full rundown on our travel blog (https://letscountthecities.com/gallery-defi/)

SATURDAY AT THE STOCKYARDS:
Saturday for us starts early with a morning workout! Whether it’s One Lagree, Carrie’s Pilates, or EVE, Dallas has no shortage of beautifully brutal workout classes that leave you sore and glowing. After that, we head west for the full Texas fantasy at Fort Worth Stockyards. We would arrive just in time to see The Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive before shopping all the strip has to offer. We’d grab a quick lunch with a side of live music at Love Shack and maybe even catch a rodeo at The Cowtown Coliseum if time permits. Depending on what the live music schedule looks like in DFW, we would have to catch a show before leaving Fort Worth at Billy Bob’s, or head back to one of the many venues in Dallas where I personally spend most weekends photographing live music.

SUNDAY IN THE CEDARS NEIGHBORHOOD:
We would kick off our day at Opening Bell Coffee, a vibey hideaway where the scent of espresso mingles with the sound of acoustic guitars. Tucked beneath the South Side on Lamar building, it’s equal parts café and underground venue. Of course, no visit would be complete without stepping into Sanctuary Boudoir! A best friend of mine wouldn’t dare leave town without becoming my muse for an afternoon. What’s better than turning laughter, confidence, and soul into timeless art? And since we would be all dolled up, Dakota’s Steakhouse is the perfect place for dinner. Hidden underground in the heart of downtown, it’s upscale without being pretentious – and the food is incredible. After dinner downtown, we’d unwind with cocktails and a stunning skyline view at the CANVAS Hotel Gallery Rooftop Lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey wouldn’t be what it is without the people who poured belief into me long before I knew how to believe in myself. First and foremost, my parents and grandparents. They laid the foundation for a life rooted in love. They never asked me to play small and their unconditional support gave me the freedom to chase a life that most people would never understand. I also owe a shoutout to the professors in the Photojournalism department at Kent State University. They took a chance on my wild ideas and didn’t try to tame my vision. Instead, they taught me how to sharpen it, how to tell stories that matter, and how to trust my instincts as an artist and a documentarian. And to my life partner and business partner, Michael Thomas, there are truly no words that feel big enough. He inspires me daily, not just as a wildly talented musician and artist, but as a human. He sees the best in me, holds a safe space for growth, and challenges me with a kind of grace that makes me better in every way. Building both a life and a business with someone you deeply admire is a rare gift and one that I’m forever grateful for.

Website: https://www.sanctuaryboudoir.com https://www.heyemmajaye.com https://letscountthecities.com.

Instagram: @heyemmajaye @sanctuaryboudoir @letscountthecities

Image Credits
Photo of me sitting on stage: taken by Justin Gamble.