Meet Ilka (again), Irma, Tracey, Liza & Julia! These ladies have been friends for years, and many years ago they had a portrait session together that has really stood out in all their minds. Now having gone through numerous life changes, while still remaining close friends, they decided to do another group portrait session. 

What drew you to this 40 over 40 campaign?

Tracey: Pay it forward …. sharing of an experience

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

Tracey: Youth allows the energy and capacity for experience and experiments so grab opportunities without fear. Don’t be too scared to make mistakes, try new things and enjoy the freedom of low responsibility..have fun,, enjoy life and the liberation of youth.

Liza: Please don’t take yourself so seriously! Whilst it serves you well to be diligent and conscientious, and to work hard, always leave time for play, lightness, boredom and rest! And always, always invest the most in the people who mean the most.

What are you post proud of yourself for?

Tracey: Embracing fun, challenges, sad times and good times, because I maintained with intention a set of friends that I consciously grew with diverse people and took the time to nurture these very special friends.

Liza: Raising two strong daughters through their stages to becoming independent, accomplished adults, and doing this mostly as a single parent. Also, being a present, conscious Granny to three beloved grand-daughters.
Professionally, being able to transform my career three times, and all the while continuing to learn, growth and be a mature student. I also marvel at how The Urban Oasis came to life – actualising a vision of creating a mindfulness space in the city.

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

Tracey: To change m switch now to live my last third o my life as the patent of an adult, as the grand parent
of a new generation, as the mentor to the next leadership team, to coach to full potential individuals, teams and businesses, so as to give to society.

Liza: There is another career/life transformation in me which I’m planning around the age of 65, ahead of my golden years. Firstly, my husband and I plan to take a sabbatical and walk the Camino de Santiago together. I will then have left formal employment to employ myself, running the Urban Oasis full-time.

I’m also drawn to nurturing my creative nature, either through ceramics or painting, plus knitting, crocheting and sewing. In making time, I’m curious to see what comes from this.

“LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH, LET GO …”

“Be on THIS day, in THIS moment as often as I can be.”

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

Tracey: Many, my parents who art an example of family, partnering, strength and kindness, discipline and fun, in the corporate world a few exemplary leaders, my kids who have reflected so much of who I am.

Liza: My Ouma who was a stable, consistent, supportive figure throughout my life until she died aged 96, when I was aged 46. She was a professional parent who found a way to do both, and be a present grand-parent. Without calling is it anything at the time, she was my Mentor and Guide, and I still hear her voice today when I’m seeking wisdom around a situation I’m facing, or a success that I’m celebrating. She paid attention, showed an interest in me, and listened to me deeply. She also left an indelible mark in her profession which I respect, along with making time to keep connected to the wide range of people who knew and loved her, personally and professionally.

My friends and family describe me as:

Tracey: “Kind, generous and unwavering support”

Tracey: “Graceful, inclusive, fierce protector, kind, conscious, sincere, committed, generous and thoughtful.”

Thoughts on aging?

Tracey: It is …. its hard, its fun, its a blessing. It’s hard physically ad I still think I am 30 but the body is no ad agile, its fun as there a sense of liberation from so much of what occupied your space and time, and its a blessing to he alive to experience another chapter of life.

Liza: I felt alive and strong in my 40’s and 50’s and I’d “come into my own”. Now, having recently entered my 60’s, I’m noticing twinges of vulnerability where I’m not as physically strong as I’ve been, yet mentally and emotionally I feel more powerful and at home than ever. I see the wrinkles and lines in my face and on changes in my body shape, and I’m learning to be friendly towards this reflection. I hope to live with more kindness, care and gentleness towards myself in my elder years. I took a lot for granted in my younger years!

What do you think some of your best qualities are?

Tracey: Forgiving, thoughtful and finding humour, fun and upside in life

Liza: My shining eyes and shining smile. These come from a deep joy within that is not about perfection or constant happiness, but by being deeply connected to all the parts of me (good, bad, ugly and beautiful) that make me me, and to my wide range of life experience that I’ve come to have peace about.

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

Tracey: Embrace living, growing, listening, failing …

Liza: Take care of you in every facet through the ages and stages. To age with grace, is to be who you are, where you are and to be at peace with that. I think it’s this that makes more mature women more beautiful.

What has gotten easier for you since turning 40?

Tracey: Reflecting on myself without heavy judgements

Liza: This needs to be asked differently for me since I recently turned 60. I felt powerful and unstoppable at 40 and 50. At 60 I feel grounded and settled. What is easier now is that I’m friendlier with myself.

Click on images to be taken to their blogs

📍Johannesburg, South Africa 

This campaign is currently sold out.
If it returns later this year, you’ll be the first to hear.

Do these ladies 40 over 40 campaign portraits look like something you might want for yourself too?

While this campaign is currently sold out. You are welcome to submit your details below to be added to the waiting list. If it returns later this year, you’ll be the first to hear.

Are you interested in spending a day in studio having your dream portraits created, laughing and celebrating you, then you need to fill out this form!