LIBBY - 61

I live life with a happy-go-lucky attitude. I am so blessed that i landed an awesome husband that is my best match! My 3 kids are happy and in great places in their lives and are kind to others... yay! I took control of my life and lost 100 lbs. and that is when Annie Marie wanted to capture this breakthrough in my life. I would say that every decade has it's gifts and challenges! 20's was too much fun - did lot's of dumb things. 30's I got a little smarter, still a little carefree but started to have stress and responsibilities with job and kids. 40's there was so much time worrying about what people thought of me... a waste. 50's I feel that I can be authentically real and I really don't care at all what people think of me. Because I know that I am loved by my family and that is what is important to me. I want to make memories and do what I want to do. Before my photoshoot, I just got through a personal trial. So I did not feel justified to celebrate myself the way Annie encouraged me to. I was as close to playing dress up as I could imagine! I thought to myself when I saw the photos... "This is really me!" I was smiling like I used to and it made me happy.

SUZY - 57

My husband and I started our family during graduate school. I graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry. We move around a lot as we added to our family. 3 girls, then 3 boys in 13 years. I worked along the way, but being a mother was by far the most important job. My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013 and we fought this nasty foe for 4 years. We lost him in 2017. First of all, 50 is the new 40, or even 35! Unless they are very fortunate, women at age 50 have been through some tragic times. They have their priorities in place and are grounded. They have raised their families and are at ease with themselves. They can reap what they have sown. My 50s started with the illness of my husband and although we had faith in his healing, we knew how the journey was going to end. My relief came in a bottle of Chardonnay. Although my dependence on alcohol never spun out of control, I knew it would get worse. On 6/18/2016 I took my last drink.I also resurrected my Optometry career that completes me that I had let go while raising my kids.

CHRISTINE - 55

I live my life to the fullest with many interests that keep me busy - camping, motorcycle riding, snowmobiling, fishing, canoeing, yoga, golf and traveling. I lead an awesome team of people for 3M Healthcare and have been in the healthcare field for over 30 years. Passion drives me! I love dogs! I think women over 50 have so much to give the world I appreciate that life is finite so you should do the things you want to do. I am wiser, more patient and have developed deep empathy for others and animals. During my photo shoot I felt free and fun. Loved seeing the essence captured by Annie. Made me feel younger! :)

JEAN - 82

I think it is SO important for women to know that the aging process can be very exciting as long as you have the right attitude and you are a positive person. You can do anything you want and it is never too late! I have been married for almost 60 years to my college sweetheart. I have an only child, a girl. I have had 3 different businesses - the last one I started with my best friend Suzanne called Aging But Dangerous. We started it 14 years ago. We have over 200,000 followers on social media! I am a skydiver (have not been able to do it for awhile) and ran a 5K when I turned 60! I think women over 50 are really starting to get with it. ABD was for women over 50 so I have been working with this age woman for many years and I have seen a definite change. They are getting out there and kicking butt and the ones that are not need to learn to listen to the ones who are. I would like to know that I encouraged women to be who they are... that you are NEVER too old for anything! Don’t let any one put you in a box because of your age!

DAWN - 51

I wanted to do this campaign because I lost my husband in May of 2020 and I turned 50 in 2021, so I wanted to feel sexy and gorgeous and Annie really helped that happen. I am a mother of an awesome 32 year old son who will make me a glam-ma in October. My first grandbaby! I think when you hit 50, you are just secure with who you are and don’t sweat what other people’s opinions of you are. I feel like I am the most confident I have ever been. I love giving and helping others... I have become very patient over the last 2 years. I would say just breathe and respond... don’t react

RUTH - 111

I love life. I want to stay on the planet forever. While I am obviously not going to live forever, I wish I could, life is so good. I was born in New York City in May 1910. I grew up in Canada and moved to Minnesota nearly 66 years ago with my husband and son. Volunteering makes me happy, so I started volunteering at Temple Israel reading to the early childhood classes, then at Jefferson to help with the kindergarten classes there. I have such wonderful memories of all these little kids, my 3-year-olds are getting married now. And I'm still around, I can't believe it. I support women of any age, do what you love, keep doing it. Continue to make new friends, don’t sit down, you’ll never have today again. Happiness may have something to do with longevity. I used to just walk everywhere- I never had a car and never drove. But my real secret to a long life is my philosophy... "Nothing bothers me too much, I always say no matter whatever I have or will have, somebody's got it worse.” You have to be happy. I mean it, I've got a lot to be happy about.

DIANE - 60

I am married with a son and daughter. I am a professional business writer. Feature stories told from the subject’s perspective are my favorite. I love adventures like trips to California to visit my son, and Florida & Texas to visit parents. I love sunny places where we can snorkel or parks where we can walk and hike. My favorite books are business and self-improvement & motivation. I am a connector and love keeping my radar up for opportunities to connect people with similar interests. Since turning 50, I have a much better understanding of my strengths and it’s easier to make decisions of how to spend my time. I know what I like and don’t like and I’m intentional about spending time on activities that leverage my strengths and make me happy.

EVE - 66

I did the FAB50 campaign because I wanted to do a little bit of ME time with some pampering and attention. That made me feel happy! I grew up in Minneapolis and became a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. I lived in LA and NYC before coming back to Minnesota where I live now. I am now in the beauty business as a make up artist for Chanel Cosmetics. I am also a jewelry artist and have been making jewelry for 24 years. I’ve been married for 30 years to my hunk-o-burnin-love and have 1 child & 3 step children. After turning 50 I think I have decided to be happy and therefore I am. I didn’t reach that understanding with myself until after turning 50 years old. I had so much fun spending time with Annie. She makes you feel at ease in front of the camera, which I am not. I’ve always thought I was un-photogenic and have avoided being in photos because I pick away at my images and find all the negative parts. But Annie makes you look like yourself, only better... such as make up does for women. I loved seeing my images!

NANCY - 57

It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and like nothing I had ever done before. I really wanted to see what I could look like with my hair and make up professionally done and a professional photographer to capture the moment. I will treasure these pictures always. I have to remind myself, yes, these pictures are YOU! The me that I believe myself to be and the woman in the pictures feel like two separate people. When I need an extra dose of confidence, I’m going to look at my pictures as they make me feel beautiful, and YES.. they are really ME! I married right after college to my college crush and we had 2 boys in our 20’s. Although I was happy being a stay at home mom..I was not content in my professional life. I always knew I could do more. After 25 years of marriage, I found myself in a divorce situation, my boys in their teens and no income. A friend gave me an opportunity which has turned into a career I love. I now feel proud of myself both personally and professionally. I would like to teach young girls not to rely on a man to take care of them, and that being in a relationship is icing on the cake but shouldn’t be the foundation

KELLY - 59

I wanted to participate in Annie's campaign because I felt it would be a wonderful way to celebrate me. I have been a registered nurse for 36 years and still work full time. I have young adult children who fill my heart with joy as well as 2 big cats and a dog. I have been an athlete of some sort all of my life and continue today (along with 2 new knees!) I DO impact the world through both my nursing and my coaching of cross country and track for the middle school kids. Coaching brings joy into my life, though it’s a bit like herding hamsters. Women over 50 still have a lot of life to live. You’re only as old as you make your mind up to be. Don’t act old before your time, if ever. Enjoy your wisdom but celebrate life!

KELLY - 55

I had just turned 55 and thought it would be cool to capture my image halfway through my life. My 50’s have been the best years of my life so far. When I turned 49, I chose to start a weight loss and health journey and lost over 100 pounds. I started working out and feel the best that I have ever felt in my life. I feel stronger, both physically and mentally, and have found a new-found confidence that I have never had. I am focused on continuing on this path and stay as healthy as I can. I grew up in a small town with dreams of living in the big city. I moved to Minneapolis and started a career as a legal assistant. Married a wonderful man and were blessed with 2 children. I am currently an office manager at a church. My family & friends are my heart. Now over 50, I am much more focused on me and my physical and mental health. I am extremely grateful for every day I have and for everything I am blessed with. I am much more aware of letting go of things that don’t matter and to not sweat the small stuff. I would love all women to feel beautiful, worthy, and important, and to realize that it is not selfish to focus on themselves.

LAURI - 50

In 2016 I suffered a massive & debilitating stroke. All neurologists told me that i’d never walk again and that I would spend the rest of my life wheelchair bound and living in a nursing home. As a single mom of 4, that was unacceptable. Deep down in my soul I screamed “NOOOO.” Exercise was always a hobby of mine but I began to work harder than i’ve ever worked for anything. I continue to work very hard every day. I will never be the same, but I can walk, run & jump. After being unable to work since my stroke, I just re-entered the workforce last year and have returned to the bedside working as a clinical nurse. I’d like to be a role model for younger women, especially my 2 daughters.

MARY - 55

I knew Annie would do the best job at capturing “me” during this time and I wanted to have a lasting image that could represent my 50s. Originally from the Chicago area, I am grateful to be a 7-year breast cancer survivor. I am a small business owner and mother of three young men in their early twenties and a 16-year-old daughter. I recently lost my older sister, brother, mother, and father--all within a few years of each other. My sister was my lifeline and best friend, and we shared the same wedding day, but 17 years apart. As a result of these losses, expressing vulnerability in friendship is extremely important to me. We will never be able to get back time, and I try to remember to "ONLY LOVE" daily. Women over 50 should embrace who they are and focus on what is most important to them. They shouldn’t be caught up in what other people think. We will never be able to get back time, so we should use it to the fullest. I am more bold in how I give compliments and how I feel about the important things. I’ve let the little things go & always want peace. I am more of a homebody than ever before & love alone time. I would like to help others who are in the worst stage of grief. I would like to make an impact on my children and their children so that maybe they tell stories about me for years to come.

JILL - 53

Annie has a way of seeing beauty in EVERY person and she makes you feel so uniquely special you can’t say no. Her talent is that she captures that beauty she sees, those unique qualities of a person and magnifies them, showing them to the world in a beautiful image. I wanted to take this opportunity to see this in myself. I am a wife and mother of 2 college children. I have always worked outside of the home... mostly in marketing. When we transfered here from Wisconsin, our little family became very close and we learned to rely on each other. Our love of the outdoors has taken our kids to Montana where we enjoy frequent visits to hike and explore with the kids. As empty nesters, we are falling in love all over again, enjoying the quiet times and cherishing when we get to be with the kids again. Women over 50 have a sexy confidence in their look, their style and in the way they react to things. They are graceful and fierce all at the same time. I am the same caring, kind and creative person I have always been but at some point in my life I lost a bit of my confidence and now I am gaining it back. I look at younger women and I applaud them for who they are & what they are going through, but I’ve been there, done that, learned a lot and now can appreciate where I am at. I have found patience and prefer to laugh more than cry.

KRISTI - 53

I wanted to be a part of this campaign because it was my birthday and my husband was wondering what he could give me as a gift. I remembered getting an email from Annie and showed it to him and said, “This is something totally outside the box for me. I would never do it if left up to me, but if I got it as a gift.. well then, I would have to do it!” I have to say - it was an awesome experience and I am so glad I did it!! I am trying to do 50 unique firsts/experiences in my 50’s to celebrate life and to live joyously! I grew up in the western suburbs on Minneapolis and have used this area as my home base ever since. Home is where the heart is! I have been married for 24 years - my husband and I plan to take a "selfie" tour after we retire and see how many different places we can take our picture then send them to our kids and embarrass them virtually. We have 3 children and they are the people i would always choose to spend my time with. I work to live... not live to work. I enjoy my career but it is probably more because what it has allowed my family and me to have many amazing adventures and opportunities. We love to travel and my goal is to get to all 7 continents with my family.

JULI - 60

I saw the FAB50 campaign as an opportunity to do something primarily for myself, to honor my age and life’s journey, as well as to have legacy photos to pass on to my offspring. I am a spirit driven woman aiming to positively impact the world. I have been married for 28 years and raised 2 children into adulthood. We are enjoying our grandchildren as they give us a youthful exuberance and joy as a reminder of what’s important in life. We LOVE to cruise and have been to so many countries with more to explore. I am the founder of Peer Performance Solutions and work with executive coaching and helping leaders become better leaders. I am also an avid reader. I wish our society honored aged individuals like others do. Wigh age often comes a greater level of wisdom, acceptance and compassion. Young people can learn so much from elders. We are each uniquely of value as human beings, whatever our age, looks, profession & preferences. Let’s honor our innate human value, no matter our age. Let us age gracefully. Since turning 50, I have relaxed into more self-acceptance. I focus more on understanding my unique talents, purpose and goals and work to achieve them. I goal is to focus less on my appearance and more on my contributions. I aim to do as much as I can to ensure my impact is as positive in this world as possible.

ZOANNE - 59

I feel like so many of us do... giving to our families, kids, husband, neighbors, friends - and lost myself. 4 years ago at 56, I said.. enough... started wheels spinning and made my goal of building a food truck a reality! Now starting to take care of myself, health, etc. Business is booming! I know the importance of having the ability to keep up and take care of myself. 50+ is an age where we define ourselves, true friendships and who you want to spend your valuable time with and quality friends! You start to realize how short life is and pay attention more. My grandma Marge... she was the woman I looked up to, my role model! I traveled with her and stayed with her a lot. She taught me my baking skills that I still use today. I did crafts with her and she had a Hallmark gift store and I loved spending the day there with her. She entertained, played bridge and dressed very well. She loved nice things and clothes. She also loved a good martini! I feel most beautiful when I’m on the beach, or in my pool living as a mermaid... naked.. sun kissed, salt and sun! In my jeep cruising listening to music... I feel free!

SHERRIE - 57

I am a CEO of 2 Forbes ranked top executive search firms and a leadership consulting company. I was born and raised in Northern Illinois. I am married with 3 sons. As a mom, I describe myself as a part-time pancreas for my two youngest who were both diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes within the same year. I have a passion for storytelling and making room for the serious and “heavy” conversations was a strong motivation for me to write my children’s book Heavens Bell. It’s to create and inspire a safe space for families to have a conversation about death and dying in a natural and productive way. I enjoy the changing of the seasons, spending time with my family & friends and live entertainment in any form including Broadway plays, school plays, comedians & musicians. Women over 50 are powerful allies - who are full of experience, passion and perspective. I have a calming sense. I’ve enjoyed celebrating other family and friends in their life events. I want to impact the world through storytelling with my books, speaking engagements and real life conversations. I wanted to do this project because I love Annie’s talent for telling a story with her photographs. She captures what is in the frame by showing us what she sees in her lens. We all benefit from her perspective and I’m glad she is sharing her gifts with this world!

ANDI - 80

KELLY - 52

I saw this project at the perfect time for me. When I was 49, I had to stop coloring my hair & change all my products due to allergies so when turning 50, I was seeing a literal change in myself. The process of growing out my gray was one of the most powerful things I have done in a long time. I have 3 daughters and want them to see that it’s ok to buck the societal pressures to look a certain way. My mom died of cancer when she was only 48, so I am already older than she ever got to be. My dad has cerebral palsy and I talk to him for an hour or 2 every night. I split my time between him and my 3 dauthers who are all in colleges around the country. Before kids I was a high school French & Spanish teacher but we moved around a lot so my girls were my job.. which was rewarding. I met my husband in high school and he has been my driving force for the majority of my life. I have had many adventures in my life that have given me thousands of stories. I feel like 50 is so much younger than I thought it was when I was young. My grandma was in her 40s when I was born and my mother in law was still in her 30’s when I started dating her son. 50 used to sound old, but now I think of women over 50 as women who are wise enough to know what’s really important in life, but still young enough to chase after adventures. I have always tried to be authentic and I have shared our family’s personal struggles in hopes that I can help someone else going through the same things. I want the rest of my life to include building communities of hope and acceptance.

CINDY - 64

I loved the idea of showing woman over 50 in their natural beauty and celebrating sisterhood. The timing of the photoshoot was perfect and fun - and it became a celebration of my femininity, strength, and life. I couldn’t wait to share with my husband and see what he selected as his gift. I grew up on our family farm in North Dakota. Our intergenerational family and community have grounded me throughout my life and adventures. I headed off to college knowing that girls could do anything that boys could do. I met my husband in college and we have been married for 42 years. We have 3 beautiful adult children and 2 grandchildren. Nana is my favorite word. My career started in social work and in 1988 I started a public relations business in the basement of my home and 34 years alter, it is still going strong. I am grateful for the challenges & successes. Most women over 50 have learned how to juggle multi-faceted lives and many of us begin to prioritize with a new lens. For some, there have been heavy burdens and I see women reaching out and receiving more support. Others, including myself, have learned from our past and are taking the time to celebrate, explore our new adventures and listen to our hearts. It’s wonderful.

LINDA - 63

Initially I thought doing the campaign would be fun... then I got cold feet (is this too self-indulgent? What if nothing fits? I should drop a few pounds first). But a wise friend said to me, what woman doesn’t want to get all glammed up and look stunning? So, I plunged in, thinking this would be a fabulous surprise for my husband because he is difficult to buy for... well I over achieved! No regrets! I am blissfully married to my husband of 15 years. We met online back when it was a scary thing to do. We got married exactly 1 year after we met and 2 years after I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I spent my career in healthcare as a registered nurse. I always wanted to be one since I was little. My career was rewarding and satisfying and for me was a calling. The friends I have made are for life and we still laugh and tell stories after 40 years. I am still fighting the fight with ovarian cancer and with an incredible oncologist and amazing husband and a faithful God, we forge ahead with great hope, great courage and strength for tomorrow. Currently I am pouring my energy and experience into serving as a patient advocate for several cancer organizations. There is a unique need for education and awareness for all cancers but especially ovarian cancer because most women know very little about it.

RANDI - 69

I am retired from teaching and administration career in higher education. I am the proud mother of 3 daughters of my own and proud step-mom of fraternal twin girls. I love to read, travel and learn new things. I’ve been keeping busy during COVID and hope that we will soon be less stressed. Women over 50 are much more confident and comfortable in their own skin. They have weathered ups and downs, learned lessons (sometimes over and over) and know how to get gracious, when to keep quiet, when to bend, and when to stand up for themselves. I loved it! Annie Marie made me feel beautiful and confident. The process from make up to changing outfits was fun and seam less. She worked hard to help me relax and coached me about positions that would produce great shots that look both natural and flattering.

JACKIE - 66

I am a mom to three wonderful kids and three talented, awesome and cute grandkids! I retired after 20 years of teaching middle school. It was great, they were getting hormones... I was losing hormones... it worked! We hold the power! The women I know over 50 are leaders and mentors. I feel that after turning 50, I am more thoughtful and mindful. I love this quote:“There are only two ways to live your life, One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is.” Doing this photo shoot with Annie, I felt beautiful and full of joy! It was a joy to sit in the light of who I am...not who I think I should be... or who others think I should be.

CHRIS - 52

I have known Annie for over 20 years, but one day, I was struggling with the “who am I anymore” question that all moms seem to ask when their children don’t seem to need you as much. When you look in the mirror and realize that 20 years have passed since you have really been someone besides Mom. I honestly don’t know who that person is, or what she is supposed to look like. But I thought if I could see what someone like Annie sees me as through her lens, then maybe I’ll begin to figure out who I am now and who I want to grow up to be. I am working on change. I am working on not being afraid. That is why I wanted to do a photoshoot.I am working on not asking permission. I am a married and mother to 3. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, live in Minnesota, but my home will always be Montana where we would visit often when I was young. When I was 50, I got my first tattoo of the ridge line of Ear Mountain near Choteau, MT. It is the mountain that my Dad would look at and tell me the weather each day as we spoke after he moved back once my mom passed away. This year, I added to the tattoo. A moon for my mom. When she passed, I told my daughter that she went to live on the moon so we could talk and see her each night. Sometimes at night when she was younger, I would catch her playing hide and seek in the back yard trees with mom on nights where the moon shown brightest. She would laugh and run as if my mom was there. And lastly, 3 stars for each of my kids. These three are the reason I am who I am.

PAMELA - 51

I have spent my life photographing places, people, my family and my pets. I am always behind the camera. I think it is time for me to step in front of the camera. Life is short and I would like to have a memento of this time of my life for myself and for my children to have. I met my British husband in Chicago right before I was about to travel around the world for a year. 4 weeks later we were married under a tree. We have been together for 21 years and with our family have lived in Singapore, Thailand, France, Charleston and now Minnesota. We have a son and twin girls going into college. I am and always will be a traveler & adventurer. I am currently a travel manager for a company in Minneapolis. I was born & bred in New York & will always be a New Yorker. I think women over 50 are absolutely beautiful. I think when you are over 50 you really become you with no apologies. I have definitely changed since turning 50. I am just a more confident woman that I was at any other time in my life. I had to fake a lot of confidence when I was younger and I do not have to do that now because I have wisdom! It is a beautiful thing. I am accepting of who I am, I can go out with no make up on, wear whatever I want. I am ME. Take it or leave it. I would like to inspire people to travel more.. not vacation, that is different. Travel immerses you. I want people to get out of their boxes. Travel broadens the mind, makes you appreciate what you have, opens you up to new ideas, cultures, food & beliefs.

MONICA - 73

I had a storybook childhood with loving and caring parents. Married at 19 and had a son at 25. When he turned 3, my marriage fell apart because we had different ideas of our future goals and lifestyle. My son and I left almost everything behind to live in an apartment and thrived on our own for 8 years. I met my future husband at work and we blended our families which had many challenges. 30 years later, he lost his 6 year battle with cancer. Our lives are moving forward. I had a stroke in my early 60’s, so body changes irritate me, but I walk 3 miles a day to fight for life and have changed my diet. I now include protein shakes, fruit and vegetables. There will always be challenges and life is not fair sometimes. Don’t give up. Happiness is in every sunrise, sunset and in the faces of people you meet. I wanted to do this campaign to get out of my comfort zone. It was daring, but I became incredibly comfortable with Annie.

CAROLYN - 57

I love being a mom. I’ve raised an only daughter, who has been the light of my life for 24 years. Ive been married for 32 years of ups and downs and every crazy thing in between. I earned an undergrad in Marketing & Spanish and a masters in International Management. I spent many years working and traveling for General Mills and then worked for Medica. I am still figuring out my 3rd career. I love to travel and have been to over 40 countries. I’ve scuba’d the great barrier reef, had tea at the old market in Fez, walked into a glacier in Iceland and ridden the river taxi in Bangkok. I love my friends who are in their 50’s and beyond. We are finally in a place where we are willing to do what makes us happy. We are done playing games and always ready for the next adventure. I wanted to be a part of something that shows being “fabulous” isn’t about how you look, it’s about how you use everything you’ve experienced and learned along the way that makes you fabulous!

TERRIE - 62

2020 was a year that kept us all off balance - our earth, streets and hearts evidenced the disruption of our routines, travel and community. amid so much uncertainty, I lost my husband and best friend at age 58. Having dated in high school, he had been my constant companion for 40 years. Our family’s resilience grew as we stood together in sorrow. The ways we expected to gather, mourn and celebrate evaporated because of the COVID shut down. Celebrating the little things helped us heal. And gratitude became our north star. Having never lived alone, I discovered how to spend an evening and then a weekend without anyone else in my house. Taking out the weekly garbage became a ritual rather than a burden of single hood. I learned to stand with and withstand the waves of grief. Most importantly, I allowed parts of myself to continue to grow, supported by the foundation of my relationship with Larry. I was privileged to join the FAB50 campaign with Annie Marie. It allowed me to see externally the growth happening internally. Never have I engaged in something like this and somehow knew that I needed to witness myself as an individual. Like the birth of a baby or graduation, the photos marked a transition of separation, strength and love. I have 4 adult children including 1 son-in-law and 3 grandchildren. I am a licensed psychologist and earned my Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. I speak nationally on child development, mindful well being, childcare, mental health and parent engagement. I am an author.

CONNIE - 63

am a proud mother of four children, two married and four grandchildren. Family is my top priority, and I love to be with them. I was fortunate to stay home and raise the children and run a vacation rental business from home while the children were growing up, I have since retired and am enjoying some time to myself. During the winter months, southwest Florida is my sunny destination. Women over 50 are inspiring. With life’s successes and failures in life’s journey, they have much to share with others. I want to impact the world by example. To try every day to be my best self and treat others with kindness and respect. I participated in the campaign because another FAB50 friend inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and do a photo shoot. Before this experience, I have not enjoyed getting my picture taken. I thought I looked terrible in photos, while others are just naturals and look beautiful. I took the risk and participated. I am grateful for the experience and LOVE my pictures!

BELINDA - 54

I came across the campaign one snowy evening and I thought the idea of celebrating women over 50 was such a great one! The last 10 years of my life had been filled with hard times and I had noticed that I quit allowing pictures of me to be taken because all I ever saw was an old, tired and defeated woman. This was sad to me because I had always been so confident and self-assured. Feeling like I deserved better, I decided “why not me?” and I took the plunge. I wanted to look at myself again as the strong, capable, beautiful woman that I know I am. I am a simple, small town girl raised in an Indiana farming town. What I love most about that is growing up with Midwest values and roots in Hoosier hospitality. After college I moved to Minnesota and pursued my goals of becoming a school teacher, getting my Masters and raising a family. I have 2 adult children who continue to be the lights of my life. I am beyond grateful for them and all the things they have taught me. I have an amazing man by my side who I enjoy doing life with every day. Together we love to golf, shoot targets, ride bicycles, watch the Twins and stare at South Dakota sunsets. The other man in my life is my red Lab, Mac who goes on endless walks with me& the best dog. I used to think that I would do something great... write a best seller, run a company, etc., but honestly, I just want the world to be a better place in some way because I was here. Maybe I impacted a student or two along the way or raised my children to be good people.

ASHLEY - 52

I do not have any professional photographs of myself alone since my wedding almost 20 years ago. I was overweight as a teen and have worked for many years to accept my body. When I look back at photos that are years old, I always think about how wonderful I looked and been sad that I didn’t realize it at the time. I wanted to capture myself as I am today in a beautiful image. Women over 50 are more comfortable with themselves and aren’t willing to change solely to please others. This security allows them to be their true selves and shed any insecurities that can interfere with relationships. Connections are more genuine and fulfilling. I am more honest and open. I know my strengths and weaknesses and own them. I no longer am working so hard to be perfect. I want to make others feel heard and understood so that they can be their best selves for others.

CINDY - 65

I love all the different roles I have in my life. Bring a mom, grandma, significant other, entrepreneur and CEO of a company. With my busy life though, I typically put my needs and wants very low on my list of priorities. Even though I am 65, I feel as if i’m in the prime of my life and I wanted to have photos of myself that portrayed how happy, alive and vibrant I feel at this age. Women over 50 need to realize they’re just entering the prime of their life, and it only gets better! As I passed 50 and every year that goes by, I feel more confident in myself and more content with life. I feel like it’s easier to live life in the moment. For my photoshoot, I felt beautiful, natural and amazing! Even with incredible hair & make up, I still felt like myself.

SUZANNE - 74

I am a retired RN of 45 years.. mostly in labor and delivery. I loved my job helping mothers give birth. My husband and I have been together for 28 years... married for 12. I have 2 daughters from a previous marriage and my husband has 2 children. We have 11 grandchildren. We have a large yard and I love to tend my flower garden. We are rehabbing a small vintage trailer which will be my she-shed! We have a motor home and love to travel all over. My dream trip is to Scandinavia. Norway and Denmark are my ancestral homes as well as Ireland. I think I have come to realize that life is short and you should do the things that make you happy. I thought it would be fun to get done up. I had seen Annie’s work and thought maybe she could make me look good! lol.

NANCY - 60

I value people who have lived decades and their perspectives of how they found what is valuable to them. Why they spend their time a certain way. Gerontology has been a huge part of my career. To care and help those who suffer emotionally and lift the physical pain that has manifested to heal their souls is s a great honor What I think is much more important than what I accomplish before I was 50. I wanted to make the world a better place when I was young, but i’ve learned that the best way to help people is to be quiet and calm. I wanted to do this project to be shown in a flattering light. I wanted to have outside influences to help me appear beautiful so that my children and family are proud to show my photos to others.

HEATHER - 57

When I was young, I always wanted to be an artist. I married my high school sweetheart. I went to school for studio art, but fell into the business world. We had 3 beautiful daughters. I had a long career over 20 years and feel very fortunate to have had a balance with work and family life. I kept my passion of art alive through volunteering at the MIA bringing art to children. My career has continued, focused now in Legal Affairs. I have always been passionate about giving back and making volunteering a priority. Harassment Court, missionary trips to Guatemala and recently, I was appointed to the Hennepin County 4th District Ethics Communities. I was blessed this year with a beautiful grandson and now I am known as Omi! There is something very rewarding with being surrounded by women over 50. They are secure, confident, empowering and beautiful. Put several women over 50 in a room together and you could solve all the worlds problems! By telling my story, passing on my life lessons. I feel I have already impacted the world by raising such amazing daughters who are inspiring and already making a difference. It’s important to me to have photos for my family that reflect my personality, energy and spirit. If there is a point in my life that I want them to remember it is now.

LISA - 55

LEE - 77

I grew up in North Dakota and headed to the big city after high school. Worked in a law office for many years. Married with three children. I have lived an adventurous life - boating, snowmobiling, motorcycle riding, downhill skiing, tennis and enjoying being busy. Love crafts like sewing, making cards and jewelry. Enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. I believe women over 50 are in their prime.

JANE - 59

I feel like I have spent the last 30 years taking pictures of and taking care of a lot of other people and that having a photo taken of myself felt long overdue. I have worked hard and feel good about where I am in life and felt like pampering myself a little. I am a mother of 2 daughters. Raising them has been the top accomplishment of my life and they are the most precious part of it. I am also a big animal lover and have adopted several dogs from shelters. I am a physician with specialties in internal medicine and clinical informatics. I have worked in the Texas prison system for 26 years. I am twice divorced and on good terms with both. I have had many adventures including studies with NASA and serving on a medical team in the Antarctic. I have a full life that I get to participate in every day. think women over 50 are a force to be reckoned with. We have as much to bring to the table as the men, but we don’t blow our own horns enough and aren’t loud with our opinions, so we are often overlooked and disregarded. Power and intelligence do not need to be loud. I am more confident and I usually do know more than anyone else in the room (in my area anyway). I am more comfortable with the imperfections of my body and with not being perfect.