Age is irrelevant. Ask me how many sunsets I’ve seen, hearts I’ve loved, trips I’ve taken, or concerts I’ve been to. That’s how old I am.

Joelle

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.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Soft spoken, engaging, sweet and beautiful – These are the first words that come to mind when I think about Regina.  She walked into the studio so organized and ready for her shoot coming you would never know that she was the least bit nervous here he had her outfits were put together and she knew exactly how she wanted to be photographed.

Over the next 3 hours we spent together, we laughed and talked about life, challenges, work and motherhood.  We shared stories of the ups and downs of our lives, funny things that happened to us over the years and it was easy as can be to make friends with Regina. As we got to know each other, it became immediately apparent that she is a survivor with a great capacity to rise to challenging occasions, change directions when needed and be resourceful in moving her life forward.

Regina is the type of woman who will look you right in the eye while chatting and endears herself to you by sharing just the right mix of fun and vulnerability.

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Photographer: Natalie Wallace Natalie Wallace Photography – Issaquah, Washington

Makeup Artist: Brooke Galasso Munoz, Rose Beauty Bar – Issaquah

GET TO KNOW REGINA

Name:  Regina Madrid

 Age:  57 

Career Highlights: Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing; Healthcare Benefits & Insurance; Software Technology

Currently Working: Senior Accountant at Vimly Benefit Solutions

Children: Son, 28 and Daughter, 25

Are you currently amidst or have you just come through a big transition in your life? 

The last five years has included a series of transitions in my life. I became an empty nester, retired for about a year, lived on my own for the first time, got divorced after being married for almost 30 years, returned to work, and I am now a grandma. During this time, I learned so much about myself and I believe I came out of it a stronger and happier person.

What is your favorite thing about yourself? 

I’m adaptable. I’m willing to challenge myself when my circumstances change and I try to stay positive.

How do you feel about being a woman over the age of 50? 

I am embracing it with open arms!

Favorite thing about being over 50? 

I think I’m less self conscious and I don’t overthink everything. I also try to take full advantage of having “senior” status. I’m enjoying life.

What advice would you give the younger generation that you wish you had known them? 

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t worry about what you can’t control.

Are there any big items on your bucket list, or things you’d like to do in the next five or ten years? 

I want to travel and explore the world. Specifically, on my list is Portugal, but I am willing to go anywhere and everywhere.

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? 

Before being involved in this project, I didn’t realize, or think about, that women over 50 could be underrepresented in society today. I feel fortunate that my female tribe over 50 and the women in this group, show that once you hit 50 you don’t have to shrivel up and die. They possess a vitality that is contagious.

Share a word about your shoot experience with Natalie and her team: 

I am not used to being in front of the camera and was very nervous on the day of my shoot, but Natalie and Brooke made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed spending time with them and I think we got a few good photos out of it.

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.