An Adventurous Spirit

When I first chatted with Yvonne on the telephone, I instantly liked her. All the questions she asked and the things she said resonated with me on a deeper level that told me she was in tune with, and understood, The 50 Over 50 Project. We talked about life, her magazine, and her upcoming adventures on the road. Our time together in the studio was genuinely fun and nourishing. I would predict that if I interviewed her friends and family they would tell me that Yvonne “understands the assignment” of life – getting to know, loving and learning from those around her, having an adventurous spirit that seeks new experiences, and embodying a spirit that strives to master the things that interest her.

Creative Team

Photographer: Natalie Wallace, Natalie Wallace Photography

Makeup & Hair: Shalonda Peguero MUA

Get to Know Yvonne

Name:  Yvonne Taylor

Age:  61

Career Highlights – What Fields You Have Worked In: Fashion, Modeling, Jewelry Sales – 10 years; Finance Manager – 15 years; Owned Loan Goddess Consulting; Taylor-Made Restoration; and Taylor-Made Solutions LLC; Owned Mill Creek Lifestyles Magazine – 7 years

Currently working or retired? Recently retired.

Children? Two sons.  Nathan, 41;  Shriane, 37

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

I have always worked and for the last 20 years I’ve been single and self sufficient but with all the changes going on, I decided it was time to move on and pass the baton to someone younger and more ambitious. Folowing seven years in the publishing industry, I am happy to retire and find my way across the US traveling and sightseeing! 

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

How capable I am!  Life has thrown me some curveballs but I have always managed to work through them and keep my head above the water.  I am smart, resilient and hardworking, and as a result, I never depend on anyone to do anything for me that I can do myself.

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

I truly love being the age that I am. I know myself better than ever and have clear boundaries in my life.

Favorite thing about being over 50?

I no longer care about what everyone else thinks about me. I have my values and have found that as long as I like myself, that is all that matters.

What advice would you give the younger generation (20-40) that you wish you had known then?

Trust your instincts more. Don’t follow the crowd.

Are there any big items on your bucket list, or things you’d like to do in the next 5 or 10 years?

I want to travel and experience the beauty of our world. This sun on my face in new places every day; My feet to feel different soils and jump into heavenly bodies of water; My eyes to view sunrises and glorious sunsets and to know the sense of freedom and love for life that very few experience. And I would love to find my soulmate and spend the rest of my time loving life together.

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?

Yes, as a result of this project, I realize that we are the invisible ones. No longer the young, sought after women of our youth, we have become looked over for the positions, the opportunities and opinions of others.

If you could live inside one television show or cartoon for a week, which would you choose?

Friends. I still would love to have amazing times like those.

Share a word about The 50 Over 50 Project shoot experience:

Had the best time! Natalie made me feel beautiful, sexy and woman to be appreciated! The makeup and hair was perfect with just enough to make me look great, but not overdone.

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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