What drew you to this 40 over 40 campaign?

I will be turning 50 next year and was struggling with accepting that. It made me start thinking about all the opportunities I passed up on earlier in my life. My focus was always on my studying and career and I kind of lost focus of other things I loved like dancing and music. I then decided that I was not going to let my age bother me and that the saying “its never too late” does count for something. Messages of people who were doing amazing things with their lives at ripe old ages started to catch my attention. That’s when I decided to take up dancing again and thought that the 40 over 40 campaign would be an opportunity to show myself and others that I could be anything, that something as crazy as finding myself on the cover of a magazine was actually not so far fetched at my age. I want to show the world that age is just a number. I’m also considering other activities that make me a whole balanced person like writing a recipe book or a book on leadership.

If you could go back and tell your 20 year old self something that you think would change your life, what would it be?

Open yourself up to experiencing life. Life isn’t a science, living it is an art and being able to take the good and bad experiences and mould yourself into someone that adds value and makes you a better version of yourself is what its all about. Don’t look for perfection, look for growth. Don’t judge yourself or allow others to judge you. Only you know and understand your circumstances, so make the next move boldly and with conviction.

What are you post proud of yourself for?

I try as far as possible to follow the word of God. My decisions are made with these principles in place. I don’t always get it right and I am far from perfect but I trust that a decision is right when I find an inner peace with it.  That way, I know its from God.

What are some goals or things you still want to do?

As mentioned above, I would still like to write and dance. I have started dance lessons to learn the West Coast Swing. I love the music and the moves and I am fascinated by the professionals who do this. Over the next two years, I hope to be competition ready!

One of the most challenging times of my life has been when i left my job hoping to go into something new. Unfortunately the world went into the Covid pandemic a month after. As a single mom with bills to pay, I used my talents to start a home bakery. Going from a high status role at a top global company to selling baked goods for a living was really a humbling experience. Nevertheless I was determined to make my business a success and used the circumstances that Covid presented to give people a little bit of hope, love and happiness by delivering home made cupcakes in various flavours customised for the occasion. While my standard of living dropped significantly, I managed to obtain something really valuable in its place, ie the ability to see the parallels between leadership in a Corporate world and leadership in a small self run business. This is what I hope to take forward and have already started writing a book titled “The baking Psychologist”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

Has there/is there anyone in your life who has made a massive impact, if so, how?

My dad who passed away 3 years ago has always been my hero. He was the most kind and giving person and sacrificed so much for his family. I think that this is where my ability to provide and give has come from. This is the last Fathers Day message I sent him and I’m sharing it with you in memory of him.

“To the most awesome dad in the world. You are my rock – the most caring, giving and strong person I know. No matter what, you will always be the daddy that carried me to bed when I was asleep in the car, the dad who rescued me when I was afraid, the dad who stayed awake with me as I studied and the one who has supported me through all the major decisions in my life. There is no one better than you and you are always my hero. Love you so much. Have a good Fathers day and know that you are always my source of strength even when you are not feeling strong. Love you dad.”

Thoughts on aging?

Damn it happens so fast but I still believe age is just a number. You can do anything so Go Girl!

What do you think some of your best qualities are?

Giving, empowering my team and being good to others

What advice do you have for other women 40+ out there?

Know who you really are, not just what others tell you you are or who you should be. Explore your likes and dislikes, take your dreams seriously and make life what you want it to be. Be true to yourself. Grow young in life.

What has gotten easier for you since turning 40?

Accepting and embracing the imperfections that come with life. Your scars make you who you are.

Click on images to be taken to their blogs

📍Johannesburg, South Africa 

Do Karissa’s 40 over 40 campaign portraits look like something you might want for yourself too?

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