Sinead
Age:
50
Occupation:
Teacher
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
I saw this campaign on Facebook and was immediately drawn to the stunning photos. Having visited the website and the wonderful reviews I felt it would be a safe place to capture images of myself. Although I have often been told I project confidence in my teaching role, I have always been very critical of myself in photos so I decided to step outside my comfort zone and put myself under the lens with the expertise and guidance of the wonderful Olga
Tell me a little about you and your story:
I have just turned 50 and I am a mum to 3 boys who I adore. I lost my dear husband Alan who unfortunately took his own life back when my boys were just 9, 3 and 6 months old. Alan was such a gentle caring soul and the thought of what lay ahead to try and rear my boys alone was so daunting. However, through the wonderful help of my family and fabulous friends, I am so proud of my achievements and how kind, considerate, and loyal my 3 boys have become – I know we are all biased about our own kiddies but mine are extra special! I have always put my boys first but one piece of advice that has always stuck with me is the best way to care for them is to mind myself. My 50th birthday this year has really been a milestone for me, an awakening of wanting to embrace life and live every day to the fullest- we only have one life and I hope to enjoy every day as best I can.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
I see a 50 year old woman who is strong, happy and definitely smiling.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Resilient, passionate, empowered.
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 50?
Having reached my 50th Birthday I feel younger, healthier, and fitter than I did 20 years ago. I have recently embraced a new hobby of mountain climbing and love the outdoors. Although I now realize that in life sometimes we don’t get to choose the mountains to climb, they choose us, I now also know that the higher and harder the climb the better the view. I feel good about myself today and when you focus on the good the good gets better ❤
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
To love myself more, To trust my own gut feeling, To follow every dream, nothing is impossible.
What do you consider self-love?
Knowing and feeling you are good enough warts and all. Making sure to mind me too.
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
I love all my photos and I am so glad that I took this opportunity to capture these images for myself and my 3 boys. As I have said before I am very self-critical but these photos show the strong resilient woman I have become. I now look at beauty as the best possible version of me – inside and out!!!
What was your favourite part of working with me?
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Olga. Right from the moment I arrived, I felt at ease and was guided through every step from the initial choosing of outfits to how to pose for each photo. Olga is extremely talented and has a huge passion for her work. She ensured that I was comfortable and confident at all times throughout the shoot. I urge every woman wanting to try the Eternal Grace campaign to grab it with both hands – this experience is something that will empower and stay with you forever… Thank you so so much Olga!
