Nicky, The 40 Over 40 Women’s Portrait Campaign

Nicky, 43

I have been described by my friends and family as…

Loyal, loving, fun, and stubborn.

My best qualities are…

Being empathetic.

I am most proud of…

My children! My daughter showed me the truest form of love I could experience when she was born and made me a mom.

I found myself, as a woman and as an adult.

I learned how to be vulnerable, and patient, the meaning of perseverance, and I learned to love with every part of me.

My daughter, Lily has, and always will be my muse, in my life, and in my photography business.

My favourite quotes…

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take,

but by the moments that take your breath away.” Maya Angelou

What advice would I give my 20-year-old self…

Believe in yourself and your worth…something I struggle with to this day.

And to save some money, instead of always spending it the moment I receive some!

We all experience many lifetimes in this one life. What did you find were the most poignant changes as you entered your 40s?

Relationships! Especially the one with myself!

I felt as I stepped into my 40s, that my priorities changed.

I realised what is important in life, and I believe it’s the relationships I have with my family, my loved ones, and my friends.

It’s those moments shared that matter, that I remember, that create my life’s journey.

And I’m now learning to be more forgiving, more loving, and kinder to myself and my body.

Thoughts on aging…

I know we are meant to age gracefully, but I do struggle with it, to be honest. As hairs go grey, more wrinkles set in, and body parts start sagging,

I do wish that I could halt it, as it just becomes a constant reminder that time on earth is passing by too quickly.

And I’m always going to want more time with my kids!

This is something I am always going to wish for – more time!

But as that is impossible, I constantly remind myself, and others, that we have to embrace ‘the now. ‘

Be present and live our lives to the best of our abilities.

A story I’d like to share…

I suffered from Bulimia as a teen and into my early 20s, always believing I was too ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’…

I look back now and feel so sad that I hurt myself like that, that I destroyed my metabolism and body…

but I am truly grateful that I overcame it and have a much healthier relationship with both my food and my body.

Nicky (Nix) and I have been friends for many years, and she’s one of my besties.  She is one of the warmest, kindest, strongest and most courageous women I know,

and has recently packed up her life in Cape Town, for a new start in England.

That took immense bravery!  She is now running a full-time photography business in England, so if you are wanting a lifestyle, newborn, or family session,

click here. https://www.nickystowephotography.co.uk/

Her work is exquisite, and she puts her heart and soul into every photograph she makes.

Nicky wanted some portraits with her mom, Hanny, and daughter, Lily.  Later her sister Sam joined in with her daughters, and it was so lovely to have them all together. (‘ll be blogging those in a few weeks)

I love creating legacy portraits.  Portraits that can be enjoyed and then passed down to the next generation.

“Life tells the best stories.

Let me tell yours.” Monica Dart