Louise
Age:
56
Occupation:
Proprietor / Business owner
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
I said yes to the campaign because I just feel why not celebrate women no matter what age. I’ve always worked and I felt this campaign has come at a stage in my life when I have time to start to look after myself a little more. I’m feeling better in myself than I have for years and more confident than I was at 21. I’m happy in my own skin and try not to take life too seriously. We are here for a good time not a long time so I’m making the most of it. I’ve embraced the whole menopause stage of my life and got the correct advice from the specialists instead of listening to everyone else’s problems because we are all different. I’m now feeling fitter and stronger than ever and love my HRT.
Tell me a little about you and your story:
I was born and reared in Dublin but have embraced country life as I bought a guesthouse in Ballina after years of working in the motor trade as a bookkeeper and payroll clerk before moving to Scotland for a short time after meeting my second husband. I don’t have any children but love our dog and cat. I love music of all kinds but country music and dancing are my thing. We love to travel and have loads planned for this year already.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
I see me…. simple as. I make the best of what I was born with. I’m not into plastic surgery or fillers etc. I love to use makeup and dress up, make regular trips to the hairdresser and whenever the need arises go out and have fun. I love to have a facial or massage and go to the gym.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Confident , Organised, Witty
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 50?
I don’t feel I’ve changed but I’ve certainly grown as a person in all sorts of ways since my teenage years or into my 20s. I wish I had the knowledge and confidence then that I have now. Life is a learning curve and all that experience that I’ve learnt along the way has made me a better stronger person. Obviously I’ve learnt from mistakes and had knocks here and there but you have to turn that into a positive and talking to people has helped when you hit a wall of trouble.
What are the most rewarding things about getting older?
The most rewarding things are working for myself, and having more time to do what I want when I want now that I’m not in full-time employment. Having good health and looking after it is very rewarding. Having lots of lifelong friends of all age groups and getting to spend more time with them as we grow older. I love and listen to the sound advice I’ve picked up along the way. I love the laughs, the giggles and the pure and simple fun we have when we’re all together. Having my mother and bestie in her 92nd year beside me is a joy.
What has been the best life lesson you have learned along the way?
Trust no one until you’re really sure about them. I like a lot of proof these days as there’s always someone out to scam you.
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
Maybe get fitter earlier in life and keep to it.
What is your favourite quote?
I have a few but my favourite one is “There are two powers in the world, One is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power that is stronger than both, that of women”… Another favourite one is “Enjoy yourself it’s later than you think”
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
I think these portraits show I’m feeling fabulous in my 50s and having the confidence to embrace it all. I’m just living life to the full and making sure to laugh a lot. It’s wonderful to see women of all ages taking on the challenge and feeling pretty without the worry of not being a model size 0. We don’t give ourselves the opportunity or time to do something like this and enjoy the process and experience. We need to celebrate the sisterhood of women more and stop the negativity in the world and build each other up.
What was your favourite part of working with me?
Very relaxing morning with Olga, she sees what we don’t see in ourselves. The results were fantastic. Thank you so much!
