Rediscover the Woman You've Always Been

“The idea of doing a photoshoot to celebrate ‘me’ and to treasure and capture this moment in my life means a lot to me, and serves as a reflection of everything I’ve done and gone through my life up until now. Transforming myself into the best version of myself was pretty exhilarating! Make-up and hair was professionally done, and my wardrobe was carefully picked out ahead of time. Maya was able to bring out and capture the side of me that was rarely ever seen by others, let alone myself. She was so fun to work with and you can tell she had so many fun and creative ideas in capturing the best version of you. This was my very first time ever to do a photoshoot and it was such a fun and exciting experience, that I feel like I want to do more! The moment I saw my photos, I just couldn’t believe that it was me in those photos. I’ve never seen myself in the way she captured me and it really gave me more confidence in myself. After some people viewed my photos, some have even asked me if I model! I was like, “Wow! I’ve never heard anyone said that about me before!”

“ As someone who strives for perfections, it is daunting to make peace with all the cracks, wounds, and woes. My insecurities recently rose to the surface when I was asked to step into a project that was bigger than me. A feature of 40 women over 40 in all of our glory with the extraordinary photographer-artist, Mayumi Acosta. As with everyone she works with, she saw a light within me and gracefully encouraged me to step forward. I am humbled and grateful.

There is a visceral pain in exposing ourselves and breaking open. A reckoning with worthiness. And yet it is in the breaking that the heart finds its wings. From my experience, we can’t think our way out of discomfort, we have to surrender to it. We have to face it, name it, and sing it a psalm.

Here's to radical vulnerability. Authenticity is a practice! Here's to being alive, and single, and beautiful. (Oh... it was so hard to write that.) And here's to being filled with the life-force of unconditional loving just like all of you.”

“ My expectations going into the project were pretty open-ended, but I was mostly hoping to end up with images that would help me see myself in a more positive light. The last several years have been challenging on a personal and professional level, and I wanted an opportunity to remind me of the best version of myself. I am really happy to have participated in this project! The photographs turned out even better than I could have hoped, and definitely gave me a view of myself that I don't typically get to see on a day-to-day basis. I love that any time I'm feeling down about myself I can look back at these photos and remember that I can also be that strong, powerful, beautiful version of me anytime I choose. What I’d tell other women over 40 is, this is the best time to do something outside of your comfort zone! One of the benefits of aging is hopefully finding more comfort in who we really are, as well as finding the confidence to explore who you might now become”.

“ When I can across this project I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I loved Maya's approach to demonstrating the beauty of women as we age, truly recognizing it, both inside and out. I wanted this opportunity to motivate and inspire others to find your own passion and strength, to overcome fears for something you feel truly connected to, and to recognize your gifts. I knew I would get some beautiful photos from the experience, Maya is incredibly talented, but I didn't realize the empowerment I would feel from the session. It felt amazing. I was mesmerized at how someone's vision could bring out in me a fierceness, softness, some beauty and even some discomfort. It was so enjoyable to be able to feel it all and share it. My favorite part about the process what seeing different facets of me through someone else's eye and realizing that there is so much to ME “.

“ I’ve wanted to do a professional photo shoot for a long time, but always came up with an excuse not to. But this time I said it is time for me to do something for myself! Participating in this project is a part of my healing journey. I lost sight of myself, my worth and had no self love. I wanted to remind myself that I am worthy and I am beautiful inside and out. I wanted to see myself differently, to remind myself I am not what others have said about me: weak, too complicated, difficult, not smart, not worthy. But I am what God says I am: beautifully and wonderfully made, lovable, and worthy. I enjoyed the whole experience! From the consult, to the makeup artist to changing outfits. Mayumi is a wonderful photographer with a beautiful spirit. She calmed my nerves and made me feel comfortable. I felt like a professional model :-). I hadn’t done a professional photo shoot since my HS senior portraits, over 20 years ago. I am so glad I decided to stop making excuses and get out of my comfort zone and do something fun for me”.

When I first came across the 40 Over 40 Project, I had an immediate, full-bodied reaction: I want to be a part of this! I knew there was a correlation between Mayumi's work and my own. The idea of participating in a project celebrating the beauty, grace, wisdom AND sensuality of women over 40 was a no-brainer. I HAD to participate! At 67, there are days that I feel a little dowdy. I don't tend to dress up a lot, but I always feel great when I do, so the idea of getting glammed up and feeling really alive was a big draw! And, having images of myself as a mature woman, still being attractive and sensual is a legacy I want to leave. It helps shift that paradigm about mature women! I am thrilled that I said 'yes'! I absolutely love the images and feel that the experience fanned a flame and reawakened a part of me that I am so excited about! I have an even deeper experience of the luscious life I talk about!

I loved everything about this experience - from having the makeup artist do hair and makeup to wearing glamorous outfits to having Mayumi guide me into feeling strong and sensual - and having her snap the photo just then!

“ There are a lot of years under my belt...74 & 9 months to be exact!! As a mother, grandmother, sister, widow and creative entrepreneur I say I've had a very full and rewarding life and I've still got too many goals and ambitions to list. As I age, I want to do so gracefully and to document the milestones as I have no photos of my mother and few memories of her, which has always been a void in my life. Celebrating life with portraits to leave as a legacy for my grandchildren and generations beyond has always been important to me. I also wanted to be a role model/example to other women that aging is something to be celebrated and not denied, and that women in their 70's and beyond have much wisdom and experience to share with the world. My favorite part off the experience was feeling confident, celebrated, alive and embracing different aspects off my personality as I am now. Youth is fleeting and change is a lifelong process “.

“ The 40 Over 40 Project appeared to be an opportunity to step away and do something special for myself. A breather of sorts. It was so much more than what I anticipated. Mayumi captured the essence of who I am through a compilation of beautiful images. From beginning to end, starting with the glam, choosing the perfect wardrobe & style to striking a pose, the experience enriched my spirit and empowered my soul.We are all multi-dimensional. When I look in the mirror, I may see a strong, go getter who will persevere against all odds. However, it was not until the much-anticipated photo reveal that I saw a soft vulnerability, a woman who still knows what happy looks like & how to celebrate life yet has a fierce, raging fire inside to create positive change in the world. Each photo brought to life faded chapters of my beautifully, complicated story. The experience was an awakening, a much-needed reminder that we are so much more than the to-do list that suffocates our lives”.

“ Participating in this project was a happy accident. I stumbled upon a stunning photo of a woman that just spoke to me. Of course, she was beautiful, but it was what she exuded – confidence and acceptance of herself – as she was. For once, I wanted to be that. I wasn’t quite sure at first. It was definitely an impulse moment. Once it sank in, I was like “heck yes, I want to do this!” I have always taken a step back to lift someone else up. I have invested my time in helping others in their own career paths and just there to support their growth. I figured this was the time to really invest in myself. I am also worthy of praise and acknowledgment of my own successes. Let’s be honest, getting your hair and makeup done by someone else is always fun. However, the portrait reveal was just spectacular. It’s empowering to see yourself through someone else’s eyes. It’s truly amazing when the person behind the camera is able to capture the real you. No regrets”.

“ The life of a parent can get incredibly busy. When you throw full-time jobs, long commutes, caring for special needs children, and building a platform for yourself into the mix, getting overwhelmed can be an easy thing to do. Over the years, I have gotten so busy caring for others, that I had forgotten that I needed to take care of myself. There's nothing like turning 40 and getting diagnosed with fibromyalgia and arthritis to force you to take a long pause. I looked up one day and no longer recognized myself. Not physically, mentally, or spiritually. Everything about me had evolved. I am not the girl I was in my 20s, but I love the whole woman that I am now.

Beauty. Confidence. Power. Mayumi and Art are a real dream team. One transforms you in front of the mirror. The other transforms and empowers from behind the camera. This not your ordinary photo shoot. Mayumi has the ability to light a fire in your eyes and soul that embodies itself through the lens and onto canvas. You feel beautiful, confident, powerful and invigorated. This is a life-long cherished experience. Don't miss an opportunity to fall in love with yourself again”.