Alma, 64 – The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Alma, 64
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
Born in South Africa and living in Melkbosstrand, Western Cape.
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
Best travel companion, caring, considerate, supportive, trustworthy and understanding.
What is your favourite quote or saying?
I have several that I love.
‘Carpe Diem.’
‘Chocolate is the answer, who cares what the question is.’
‘Measure life by countries, not by years.’
What would you say you are most proud of?
Raising my 4 children during my teaching career.
My role in my husbands’ successful career as a politician over 35 years.
Making a difference in the lives of many learners by being a teacher for 26 years.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Become a priority in your own life, it is necessary and not selfish.
It is wishful thinking to expect people to treat you the way you treat them.
Learn how to say NO without explaining yourself.
Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion, because being alive is the most special occasion.
I wish I met some people a little earlier in my life, some a little later, and some never at all.
What is a goal or dream you still wish to accomplish?
I am dreaming of seeing the rest of Italy that I have not seen yet, after so many visits.
Traveling with my husband to places on our travel wish list after his retirement.
Reading all the books I never had tie to read yet.
What are your thoughts on ageing?
It is a natural process that happens to all of us.
It is just another word for living.
You must embrace getting older.
Don’t regret growing older, as it is a privilege denied to many.
Whatever you age, it is never too late or too soon to flourish.
I don’t think of getting older as looking worse. You just look different because your looks change with time.
You cannot prevent getting older, but you don’t have to get old.
What did you enjoy most about The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign?
Meeting Monica and Donna – both are such professional, talented and stunning ladies.
Seeing myself like never, ever before!
And how did the experience leave you feeling?
It left me feeling happy, excited, grateful, and beyond special being part of this unforgettable opportunity and experience.
How did you hear about the campaign?
A friend and ex-colleague, Jayshree Pillay who was part of the previous campaign, The 40 Over 40.
It was truly so wonderful to finally meet Alma, after all our email conversations in the lead-up to the campaign. Her lovely daughter, Suanné came too, as ‘moral support’, and then they had a few portraits taken together at the end. When Alma and Suanné came back a couple of weeks after the portrait session, they walked into my studio and I had one portrait of Alma showing on my TV. The look of shock and happiness was priceless! I wish I could have taken a video or photo of the moment. The viewing is one of the best parts of the experience for me and my clients. When I see my client’s reactions, I am so happy that I made the decision to do all viewings in person (or in-person over ZOOM), so I can see which ones they love, and we can share in the joy.
An unforgettable portrait session, and such a privilege that I got to meet and photograph the most inspiring, uplifting, strong, and dynamic woman.
Thank you, Alma.
