In this episode, we sit down with Mervyn Reid Nelson - body confidence coach, photographer, and founder of You at Yours - to explore what it really means to feel at home in your body.

Mervyn shares how his journey from wedding photographer to body confidence coach revealed a bigger truth: it’s never really about the photos, it’s about what happens when you stop hiding, let go of self-criticism, and allow yourself to be seen.

Instead of chasing perfection or filters, Mervyn’s work is about creating spaces where people can rediscover joy, confidence, and self-acceptance - exactly as they are. From navigating social media pressures to redefining what confidence looks like across generations, this conversation is both honest and uplifting.

We talk:
📸 Why the photo is just the byproduct of real transformation
💬 How culture, family & society shape our body image
🔒 Why safety, trust & boundaries are at the heart of confidence
🌊 From Oxford Circus to Tower Bridge: powerful client stories of liberation
🔑 What it means to stop waiting for “someday” and love yourself now

If you’ve ever felt held back by body image, struggled with self-esteem, or wondered how to show up more fully in your life, this episode is for you.

KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 Intro & meet Mervyn

01:00 Why Mervyn pivoted from wedding to body confidence photography

03:00 Where our low self-esteem comes from

06:00 How You at Yours balances empowerment and authenticity

12:00 How to feel confident without external praise and affirmation

16:00 The different photoshoots You at Yours offers

21:00 What happens at a You at Yours shoot

21:00 What does confidence really mean and what are we getting wrong

27:00 Can you really “fake it til you make it”?

32:00 The difference in how different generations approach being seen

39:00 How Mervyn’s work is challenging mainstream beauty standards

42:00 How working in this space has changed the way Mervyn sees himself

48:00 The advice Mervyn would give to his 10-year old self

54:00 The most difficult part of Mervyn’s job emotionally

58:00 Small shifts people can make when struggling with low self-esteem and body image

1:02 Unexpected challenges of building You at Yours

1:06 Hot takes on the beauty industry, confidence, being photogenic and loving your body

1:12 Mervyn gives his advice on a listener dilemma

1:16 What Mervyn wishes he knew sooner

1:18 Episode wrap up

🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity
💛 Guest: Mervyn Reid Nelson (@youatyours)
📍 Listen now on Spotify & YouTube
🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod