Welcome to the series here on Pink Femme where we tell you about specific MtF/femme makeover studios all over the world. The studios that make it onto this list have all been recommended by a fellow Pink Femme girl who had a wonderful experience using their services.
As we expand the list of makeover studios, we will try and include as many different cities and destinations as possible. That way if you feel you can’t be out as fully femme where you live, you can plan a vacation to a destination that has a makeover studio and make your girly dream come true.
If you have had a fabulous experience at a makeover studio, tell me about it so that I can give the studio the recognition it deserves.
Today we introduce you to the Rainbow Boudoir which has a studio near Buffalo, New York, USA.
Pink Femme: Hi John, Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview on Pink Femme. Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Rainbow Boudoir studio.
Rainbow Boudoir: Hi Edith. Thanks so much for inviting me and for the great work you do! I’m John O’Keefe, and I run Rainbow Boudoir with my partner April. I am a retired IT executive, now focused on photography. April is a cosmetologist and helps with makeovers and general hair and makeup services. We live in the US in western NY state with April’s 2 kids, a daughter, 12, and a non-binary 16 yr-old.
Pink Femme: Tell us about Rainbow Boudoir studio and what inspired you to open Rainbow Boudoir studio.
Rainbow Boudoir: Rainbow Boudoir is a kink and LGBTQ-friendly photography studio. We specialize in transgender, masculine, feminine, non-binary, genderfluid, and cis beauty. We’re located in western NY state. I founded Rainbow Boudoir as a means to help our LGBTQ+ community see their true beauty as well as have an amazing experience and have tasteful and even erotic photographs for themselves. We provide low-cost services to the community, not for our own profit, but to help folks in the community, especially those undergoing transition, feel empowered in their beauty.
Pink Femme: What was it that led you to begin working with the trans community?
Rainbow Boudoir: April and I follow ethical non-monogamy practices. She is pansexual, I am finsexual. We have dated trans women and men and feel naturally close to the community. We see beauty all around us and it was obvious to me that the trans as well as the entire LGBTQ+ community was underserved in “boudoir”. We have heard tragic and hurtful stories from people we’ve met of photographers turning down transwomen and transmen because the photographer didn’t feel “comfortable.” The same gap applies to kink photography.
Pink Femme: What kind of services do you offer in your studio?
Rainbow Boudoir: We provide full hair and makeup services for anyone who wants a photoshoot. We have classic background scenes, such as bedroom, fireplace, and dark-and-mood or bright and airy. We also have some kink scenes, such as the St. Andrews Cross, a spanking bench, a sex swing, and other backgrounds, such as a classic school room.
We also do events for the community, our most popular being Femininity (Un)bound, where fem-presenting people can come for a full day of photoshoot scenes with like-minded individuals in a fully open and fun atmosphere.
Pink Femme: How has your experience been so far since you started working with the cross-dressing and trans community?
Rainbow Boudoir: We have met the most friendly, fascinating, and beautiful people! Many are directly from FetLife. It is a beautiful thing to watch someone come alive when the makeup is applied, the wig is styled, and beautiful and sexy outfits are put on before the camera. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
Pink Femme: What is the best part about working with the cross-dressing and trans community?
Rainbow Boudoir: I think the joy that we see in someone who has felt marginalized their entire life as they come alive with our company and before the camera. That experience as related by our trans and crossdressing clients is incredible. Some of the testimonials we hear are truly heart-warming and humbling.
Pink Femme: Have you faced any challenges or negativity since you started serving the crossdressing and trans community?
Rainbow Boudoir: Thankfully, very little negativity. Challenges are more personal with our clients who may have so much body dysphoria they can’t bring themselves to make an appointment. Once they are here, there hasn’t been any issue and all have loved their experience and photos.
Pink Femme: What is the most popular service requested by crossdressers and trans girls?
Rainbow Boudoir: The St. Andrews Cross is a favorite bondage scene that both women and men seem to love. Their submissive side comes out and it can be a thrilling experience.
Pink Femme: What advice can you give to crossdressers and trans girls who have never used a makeover service and feel too shy to try?
Rainbow Boudoir: Maybe cliche, but “just do it.” First, find an LGBTQ-friendly “safe space” photographer and makeup artist. Look specifically for “trans” or “cross-dressing” photographers and hair/makeup artists in Google searches and make sure they highlight that. There are Facebook and other social media groups for LGBTQ+ where you can ask for recommendations. Talk to the photographer directly and make sure you feel safe
Pink Femme: What is the most common style/beauty mistake that you see crossdressers making in your opinion?
Rainbow Boudoir: It’s funny, I’ve photographed drag queens (transwomen and genderfluid) with huge eyelashes and very dark makeup because of their stage presence. While they are beautiful, that’s not for everyone. Eyebrows are also something that always needs attention no matter what gender. Getting a professional to work with you to customize your appearance is both fun and empowering. Makeup can be subtle and beautiful. It’s also okay to go “over the top,” if that’s what you’re feeling though! Have fun with it.
Pink Femme: What is the current perception of crossdressers and transgender people in the city where your studio is based?
Rainbow Boudoir: We’re just outside the city of Buffalo, NY, which is a fairly liberal city with conservative suburbs. Generally, I think the LGBTQ+ community is growing. We enjoy attending drag and burlesque shows at various gay-friendly clubs and they are increasingly seeing straight folks attending and supporting the community. There are still ignorant folks around in general, however, and I can certainly see where it may not feel safe to be out in public unless someone is “passable.” Hopefully, that is changing, but not quickly enough.
Pink Femme: Based on your experience in your studio, doing dozens of makeovers, what is your number one beauty tip for both crossdressers and trans girls?
Rainbow Boudoir: Be yourself! Get professional help, but you still are the one who should feel like your outer appearance reflects your inner worth. I think professional boudoir and portrait photography can be a massive help to feel empowered.
Pink Femme: If you could go back to the first day that you started your studio, what advice would you give yourself on that first day based on what you have learned from working with crossdressers and trans girls?
Rainbow Boudoir: I just wish I had started it sooner, years ago. The experience we are able to provide can be so empowering and self-affirming that it warms my heart.
Pink Femme: Lastly, what do you think about Pink Femme and is there any final last thing you would like to say to our readers – some of whom are only just starting their journey into a femme lifestyle?
Rainbow Boudoir: I LOVE what Pink Femme is doing and I want to make sure everyone takes advantage of your unique and generous services. The articles are spot-on, especially for someone just starting their journey and who needs quick references. Whatever lifestyle and appearance you want to present, practice, and work at it. We’re here to support you!
- You can contact us in several ways. We would love to hear from your readers!
- On the web: www.rainbowboudoir.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rainbowboudoir
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rainbowboudoir
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@rainbowboudoir
- FetLife: https://fetlife.com/users/10233999
- Email: rainbowboudoirbuffalo@gmail.com
