Samantha, 52 – The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Samantha, 52
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
From South Africa and currently living in East London, South Africa.
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
Loyal and kind, with a leaning towards the flamboyant.
What is your favourite quote or saying?
“Love is the only engine of survival.” Leonard Cohen
What would you say you are most proud of?
Making a conscious effort to connect and to develop positive interactions with people, even if the meeting is fleeting.
People thrive when they are seen, and their presence is validated.
I am proud of the independent critical thinkers that my children have grown up to be.
I am incredibly proud of my husband’s work ethic and grounded sense of self.
I am proud of my continued studies.
I can bake a fab hummingbird cake (just saying)
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be braver than you think you can be. Your time on earth is limited, failure means growth and is not a poor reflection of your self-worth.
You are worthy.
Be brave and just start whatever it is that you want to do, your path will open up and support will find you.
What is a goal or dream you still wish to accomplish?
Completing my master’s degree in Anthropology and/ or Psychology.
Creating a body of work (photographic and ethnographic) depicting the current Xhosa culture at Mpande on the Transkei Wildcoast.
Creating a cookbook of favorite recipes and stories (for my family)
Learning how to sew.
Creating sculptural works (totems) in clay.
What are your thoughts on ageing?
Ageing is part of the human developmental process and as such I think that it is important to take care of our body and our mind and to normalize aging, without throwing our hands in the air and giving up on ourselves but to rather embrace our inner essence and to express our true self authentically and with grace.
What did you enjoy most about The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign? And how did the experience leave you feeling?
I loved the supportive environment and the chance for a pause to thoughtfully consider my own ideas/misgivings/fears/hopes for ageing and also how truly wonderful it is when women are supportive of other women.
One’s mentality about ageing (positive or negative) critically informs ones lived experience of the ageing process and I think we do ourselves a huge disservice when we dislike our ageing selves each time we look in the mirror.
This photographic campaign has allowed me to appreciate myself and has given me a moment in time to consider my life and to decide how I want to move forward, what I want to do, and how I want to be.
It was so much fun when Sam arrived with her bags full of eclectic clothing! She wore a pink statement top with a big exaggerated bow, by fashion designer Kat Van Duinen – ‘where luxury meets sustainability and craftsmanship meets art.’
Sam also wore several pieces of eye-catching clothing and shoes by Coast and Koi, designed by Caryn Wilensky.
I love it when my clients arrive and bring a wardrobe that is aligned with who they are.
It’s a merging of style and personality, mixed with meaningful conversation that brings it all together like a Broadway musical.
I was so inspired to meet and photograph Sam. It made me want to clear out my wardrobe and fill it with happy colors!
Thanks to my brother Gareth for connecting us!
“VISIBLE: The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign” celebrates and redefines ageing in women 50 and beyond.
Are you ready to be empowered, and to step into the best version of yourself?
We still have a few spaces open, so drop me an email via the contact form by clicking HERE.
