“Behind Closed Doors”
A Conceptual Photography Series
This series, set in Chester, Arkansas, at the historic Beard and Lady Inn, explores the deep-seated fears many women face in today’s society. Behind Closed Doors is a personal project I’ve been developing over time, born out of a desire to shed light on the emotional and psychological struggles women endure in silence. Through visual storytelling, the series examines the immense pressure to conform and the strength it takes to break free from those expectations.
Located in the heart of Chester, Arkansas, The Beard and Lady Inn provides an exemplary setting for this body of work. The inn features uniquely themed rooms, each inspired by common human fears. After learning about the inn from my grandmother, I reached out to the owner, Lacey Hendrix. From our first conversation, she was incredibly supportive of my creative vision. Her openness and the inn’s distinct ambiance inspired me to tailor the shoot around the themes of each room, aligning them with the core fears and internal conflicts explored in this series.
Behind Closed Doors focuses on the fear women experience under the weight of patriarchal norms, cultural expectations, and generational roles. The identities of wife, mother, and caretaker have been ingrained in us for centuries, often at the expense of our individuality. This project highlights the tension between societal roles and self-identity, and the internal conflict between perfectionism and authenticity. Each photograph draws inspiration from a specific themed room, serving as a symbolic setting for a particular fear: aging, conformity, creative suppression, self-doubt, and the fear of losing one’s identity. These staged scenes reflect the emotional battles many women navigate in silence. Yet, within each image is also a journey, one of acknowledgement, confrontation, and ultimately, empowerment. This body of work is a tribute to resilience, autonomy, and transformation. It honors the quiet strength of women who break free from expectations and choose to live authentically. The message is simple yet powerful: the ability to overcome fear lies within. When fears are acknowledged and released, women can begin to live fully, unapologetically, and in alignment with their true selves.
Lacey Hendrix herself is an inspiration. A native of Chester, she spent years traveling the world before returning home to open the Beard and Lady Inn with her husband. The inn is a tranquil retreat, inviting guests to unplug and unwind, offering a peaceful experience with no televisions, an intentional atmosphere of stillness and reflection. For those intrigued by the paranormal, the inn also carries a rich history and local legends of supernatural activity, which only adds to its charm.
Located about thirty minutes outside Fayetteville, the Beard and Lady Inn is a hidden gem, an ideal escape for creatives, travelers, and anyone seeking space for introspection. I encourage you to click the link below to visit their website and experience the magic of this special place for yourself.
Listen Up
A brief Interview with Lacey and Lance, covering the history of Chester/the Inn, ghost stories, and their personal love story. Lance and Lacey had so much valuable information to share and included so many interesting tales; I was so grateful for the opportunity to complete my first solo Interview with them.
Lacey and Lance Hendrix
Room 1
(Writer’s Block)
Theme: The Struggles of Creative Expression and Liberation from Gendered Expectations
Writing and creating have often been outlets where women have been told their voices don't belong or that their perspectives are not as valuable. Do you fear being heard? It’s common for women to experience imposter syndrome, especially in their professional careers. This room can highlight the challenges women face when their creativity is stifled or undervalued, as well as the power that emerges when they reclaim their voice and authority.
Room 4
(Childhood Fears)
Theme: The Fear Of Growing Up (Accepting Womanhood and Rejecting Infantilization)
This room delves into the complex relationship women have with their childhoods and the transition into adulthood. It explores themes of nostalgia, innocence, and the inherent societal pressures tied to womanhood. The room challenges us to reflect on the childhood fears that once felt so real but seem less threatening in hindsight. It also calls attention to the infantilization of women and how society often prizes innocence and youth, which can undermine a woman’s agency and worth. The journey to accepting womanhood involves shedding outdated expectations and embracing the strength that comes with growth, while also acknowledging the bittersweet nostalgia of lost innocence.
Room 5
(Honey)
Theme: Generosity, Hospitality, and Female Solidarity Across Cultures
The honey room was inspired by Lacy and Lance's dream-like encounter with a Turkish beekeeper. On their trip backpacking through Turkey, they found themselves running low on sustenance and far from any city or town. They heard the buzz of thousands of bees and followed them up a hill; they found a man alone tending to his beehives. Despite the language barrier, the kind stranger offered them a spoonful of his honey. This room's story of generosity and shared experiences highlights the interconnectedness of women and people across cultures and the unspoken solidarity that can exist between them. This room emphasizes generosity and hospitality as empowering acts of community-building and cultural exchange.
Room 6
(FOMO) Fear of Missing Out
Theme: Reclaiming Autonomy Over One’s Life Choices and Rejecting the Pressure to Conform.
FOMO plays on the fear of being excluded, but for many women, it’s also about societal pressure to be "the perfect woman" (wife, mother, professional). This room challenges that notion and empowers women to reclaim control over their lives and decisions.
Room 8
(Being Alone)
Theme: The Power of Solitude and Self-Discovery, Reclaiming Time for Personal Reflection
This room explores how quiet solitude and introspection are often seen as a luxury or indulgence, but can be a powerful act of reclaiming personal agency. It’s about creating space for personal growth and understanding, away from distractions or societal demands. Whether sitting in contemplation, journaling, or simply gazing out the window, reflecting deeply. Finding comfort in your own company, rejects the notion that women should always be "doing" something to be seen as valuable.