Q: What was your favorite part about the whole photo shoot process?

Amanda made me feel so comfortable, enjoyed the makeover not always have time to put on make-up and dress up. I am one that like to take photos, so normally I am on the other side of the lens, glad she made me feel comfortable

Q: Why it was important for you to do it?

I wanted to do this as I wanted a good portrait of myself and wanted them as a reminder of my 40s

Q: How did it feel to be photographed?

Felt great was anxious about the final product but had seen other portraits, so felt comfortable that Amanda knew what she was doing.

40 Over 40

Q: How did you feel when you first saw the results?

I felt super happy about the end result. One photo, in particular, caught my eye, and I was sure it was the one I wanted to have.

Q: What would you tell other women in their 40s, 50s, 60s or 70s about doing something outside their comfort zone?

It is only until you dive in into something and get the courage to do it that is the most awkward part; once you start, you will enjoy it.

Q: Some women get stuck and frustrated when it comes to prepare the clothing for the photo shoot, could you share any tips about how did you prepare for it?

I would say feel comfortable, for I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin so I went for clothes that I love wearing, but do not be afraid to try something different you will be surprised with the end result.

Q: How did you mark turning 40? And how did that feel?

Well, for 40th my husband and my children organised a surprise party for me and had friends from different stages in my life join us, including some that I had not met for a while, especially ones from school. To be honest, turning 40 was not any different. Turning 30 was the worst. I didn’t want to accept that I was growing older, but then my kids kept reminding me that 🙂

Q: How has your relationship to time changed as you have got older?

Has it sped up? Has it slowed down? When did it move fastest for you?

To be honest, I feel that since I had the kids, everything is on fast forward. At times I cannot believe how the years fly by. One day they are babies. Now, one is at University, the other two in post secondary. I feel that my 30’s flew by. I was busy with my career and caring for family, and you just don’t have the time it seems that 24hours is never enough for everything you have to do.

40 Over 40

Q: Have your values changed over time? What do you value now?

I wouldn’t say that my values have changed, but you prioritize, you always know that family is important, but as time goes by, you put more effort into quality time as, to be honest, quantity is always an issue when you are running your own businesses

Q: What have been the significant points of change in your life so far? How did these significant points in your life change you?

To be honest, change always leaves some kind of effect on you and those around you, however, I feel that having had two miscarriages within the same year changed me forever. People’s comments in this regard hurt, and you carry them forever. Such comments include, oh but you already have 3 children well, I wanted my fourth, and nothing can change that, it’s not the same as losing a parent you never met this baby….well, that baby was a part of me, and will be forever. There is always something that will remind you of the loss, and people should be more sensitive in their comments. It’s been more than eight years and it still hurts as if it was yesterday. The pain doesn’t go away; you just learn to live with it.

Q: What was your career? Or job path?

Well, I’m still very much working. I have always worked in the hospitality industry and worked for a number of large Franchise Brands in managerial roles. My husband and I now run two completely different businesses. We own a hardware store in B’Kara and a Cafe & Grill in Ghar Lapsi. Running the restaurant gives me pride, I love meeting people, I love food, and most of all, I love my young team. It is hard work as you never shut down when it’s your business, but it is rewarding.

Q: What gets you up in the morning? What are your motivations?

Well, work of course, and my kids, seeing their success and their targets now is what makes me want to see more of them as they grow older; there is a limit to how much you can control what they do now, so you have to take a step back and watch them as they develop their own paths and hope that whatever myself and my husband thought them would guide them in the right path whatever that may be

Q: When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?

Well, I would say that my 20’s were the least confident too many new things in life, married life, a young family with 3 kids, you never know if what you are doing is right; I say motherhood is the toughest challenge. It is one of the few things, if not the only thing that does not come with a manual, and I say this to all my friends who plan to have a baby or just had one, whatever you do is a test that worked for me might not necessarily work for you. I would say I feel confident now that we have our own business. It is a challenging time for us, of course, like a lot of others with Covid but feel confident that when we look back on this nightmare which no one saw coming we will come out stronger.

Q: It would be really interesting to hear about any ambitions you have for the future?

Well, for the mysterious future, who knows? I plan to work a few more years in this industry, but the long hours take their toll, and I would plan to retire when I am 50. I hope by then I will be able to travel more and see the world as I love travelling and hopefully settle somewhere close by the sea where I can enjoy baking, reading, and long walks.

Q: Are there any myths you would like to bust about the over 40s? If so, can you tell us about them?

Well, everyone says life starts at 40. That all depends on what you did before 40. I would say I boosted it at 40; my kids are old enough that they don’t need me around so much, we are running our own businesses giving us more financial stability, and my husband and I can enjoy quality time together much more than we did when the kids were younger.

40 Over 40

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