Elizabeth, 56 – ‘The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign’
ELIZABETH, 56
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
I’m from Cape Town, South Africa and currently live in Edgemead
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
Resilient, caring and vivacious
What is your favorite quote(s) or saying(s)?
“Failure is a bruise, not a tattoo”. – John Sinclair
“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life”. – Omar Khayyam
What would you say you are most proud of?
Raising three gorgeous sons under very difficult circumstances, they are 38, 33 & 24. The older two are married and they are the most amazing, loving, and attentive husbands and gentlemen.
My granddaughter, Lyra, was born on the 11th of March to my middle son and his wife.
I’ve somehow always found the courage to rise above incredibly difficult and traumatic circumstances in my life and remain positive and encourage other women.
I started graphic design at the age of 44, and successfully completed CorelDraw, InDesign, Illustrator, and Finishing Arts Essential Skills courses.
Being the first woman in my family to own her own property.
Being appointed as Marketing Manager and National Marketing Manager for two companies in the Automobile industry without having any degrees, or qualifications in Marketing.
I played school, club, provincial, and indoor/action netball for almost 25 years; and started cold-warming swimming two years ago.
I was a photographer at #1000women at the CTICC against Gender-Based Violence.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Your past does not define your future.
“Be kinder to yourself.”
“Always know your worth.”
Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks. Doubt is a killer, don’t allow anyone to tell you that you can’t do something.
Learn to embrace your own unique beauty, celebrate your unique gifts with confidence.
Healthy relationships aren’t forced, never settle.
Love your body, you’re perfect as you are, don’t compare yourself to others.
Take time out for you.
Trust your instincts and stand up for what you believe is right.
Learn to make your money work for you and save .
Saying “No” is powerful.
You can’t control everything, so don’t sweat the small stuff, just breathe.
Don’t take your health for granted.
Learn coping skills.
Trust yourself and forgive yourself. You do not need validation from anyone.
Let go of negative self-talk and practice more self-love.
You deserve good things and you will succeed.
Someone will always be prettier, smarter and younger, but they will never be you.
Surround yourself with people who are honest, compassionate, and supportive.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You will make mistakes, learn from them.
Be consistent, be grateful and embrace change.
Live, love and laugh wholeheartedly.
What is a goal or dream you still wish to accomplish?
My goal is to build my own successful photography business and to stop procrastinating about it.
I would love to be more engaged in encouraging and inspiring women to see their worth and to embrace who they are.
I’d love to write a book about my life.
I still want to visit Italy, Maldives, Bora Bora, New York, Croatia and definitely go back to Greece.
My aim is to significantly change my health and fitness levels by the end of November 2023.
My heart’s desire is to marry my partner in 2024.
What are your thoughts on ageing?
Ageing is definitely not for the faint-hearted. You need to have a warped sense of humour and pay as little attention to it as possible.
It use to scare me, getting old, but life kind of humbles you and prepares you for an enriched new phase with new blessings.
All your life experiences start to seem so irrelevant as you get older.
I am undeniably blessed with three beautiful sons, two daughters-in-law, and a gorgeous granddaughter as well as both my parents and siblings.
I have my health, I train three days a week and cycle on the weekends, I am stronger and wiser and I love my witty, wicked sense of humour.
I am unapologetically me, sensual and sassy.
I have a handful of friends who I can count on through good times and bad.
I’m blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to travel, and I have recently met a wonderful, precious, salt-of-the-earth man who loves me unconditionally.
I look forward to a new life and new opportunities to make beautiful memories.
I have never been happier than I am right now with the woman I’ve been, the woman I am, and the woman I am yet to become.
What did you enjoy most about The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign? And how did the experience leave you feeling?
I woke up on the morning of Tuesday the 16th of May 2023, another year older.
It was my 56th birthday and I was going to spend the day in the studio with Monica and Donna, as this was the day booked for my 50 over 50 experience, and boy was I excited.
I had been preparing for this day for some time i.e. hair, lashes, nails, outfits, and accessories.
I wasn’t sure what to expect and admittedly, I do get anxious when I have the spotlight on me.
I did wrestle with what outfits to wear but eventually decided, with a bit of prompting from my partner, to move out of my comfort zone, to be bold and experiment with colour and choose something completely out of character.
After all, it was my birthday and I’d just recently become a Gigi (grandmother).
The experience was uplifting, empowering, and satisfying, to say the least.
From the messages between Monica and myself which started last year and developing a relationship with her, to the moment I stepped into the studio, I felt welcomed and relaxed.
My name was “in lights”, Donna was ready to pamper and transform me into a diva, the lovely 80’s vibes, we had all chosen in unison, was softly playing in the background.
It was an atmosphere of scintillating magic and excitement and I knew that today, forever memories were going to be made.
I am predominantly a creature of habit and a lover of comfort zones, but this experience left me energized and gave me the courage to be the real me.
I looked in the mirror, I was transformed, my hair was different, my makeup was different, and I didn’t recognize this glamorous woman before me.
I felt like a V.I.P., a movie star for a day, the way women should be made to feel every day.
Then, it was finally time to create my uniquely enchanting and exhilarating story and so, with gentle guidance and professionalism,
Monica proceeded to transform my experience into a singularly powerful and captivating fairytale where I was the heroine.
Donna and I loved our day with you, Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring us to embrace ageing with a positive mindset. I can’t wait to read your book one day!
