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The Project Introduction
During the 2020 pandemic I launched The Fifty Over Fifty Project: Celebrating the Beauty, Strength & Wisdom of Women over 50. It was during this time at home that I did a vast amount of research on demographics. As a result, I discovered that women over 50 make up 35% of our population and represent arguably the most powerful consumer block yet they are largely ignored in the conversation on fashion & beauty. Consequently, I felt a burning desire to demonstrate through photography that there truly is no expiration date on beauty and the notion of a woman over 50 being past her prime is merely a media construct.
The Project Trailblazer
Laverne was the very first of our Fifty Over Fifty group for 2020. She kicked off this project for us with such style and warmth that we felt positive this would be a worthwhile passion project. Laverne is such a calm, wise and engaging woman who had us in deep conversation about life and opportunities within minutes of arriving in the studio. As a result, the time flew by and soon we were finished and wishing we had more time together laughing, talking and soaking up life wisdom.
The Creative Team
Makeup Artist: Megan Yamamoto
Photographer: Natalie Wallace
Get To Know Laverne
Age: 59
Career Highlights:
- Technical and Executive Recruiting
- Human Resource Consulting
- Executive Coaching
Currently Working?
Executive Recruiter with GOOGLE
Children: Two beautiful daughters ages 23 and 27.
Are you currently amidst or have you recently come through a big transition in your life?
Recent empty nester. Youngest graduated from university and moved away from home Summer 2020. Because of Covid pandemic, decided to sunset my company and rejoin corporate America as an employee.
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
I always try to be my best self.
How do you feel about being a woman over 50?
I’m enjoying being a part of life, instead of “doing life”. I also like the memories I’ve collected and the wisdom I’ve earned.
Favorite thing about being over 50?
I feel more equipped and confident.
What advice would you give the younger generations (20-40) that you wish you had known back then?
Always try to be true to yourself; ask for what you want and need; set expectations; keep people around you who fill your soul, not rob from it; and try not to sweat the small stuff because nothing lasts forever except love.
Are there any big items on your bucket list or things you’d like to do in the next five or ten years?
Become a grandmother.
Travel.
Help women in need.
Is there anything being involved in this project has brought up for you or has given you perspective on that you may not have thought as much about before?
It’s good to see other women over 50 thrive.
If you could live inside one television show or cartoon for a week, which would you choose?
At this moment, it would be Emily in Paris because I miss traveling, wearing nice clothes and dining out.
Share a word about your shoot experience with Natalie and team:
The last time I had a photo shoot was my high school senior photo, so this was a treat and I loved all the positive energy from Natalie and her team!
Thank you to Laverne for coming in and participating in our passion project. We hope to see you again really soon!
“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; and a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”
– Maya Angelou
Thank you for being part of this revolution, Laverne. I hope you come in and light up my studio again really soon!
STAY TUNED for more features of The Fifty Over Fifty for 2020. If you or someone you know is interested in being involved in The Fifty Over Fifty Project: Celebrating the Beauty Strength and Wisdom of Women Over 50, fill out a contact form on the Natalie Wallace Photography website and join our community on Facebook at The Fifty Over Fifty VIP Group.
