THE 40 OVER 40 PROJECT-Feat. Sawait Hezchias
One of the goals of the 40 over 40 project in my studio is not only celebrate women over 40 in beautiful portraits but also share their stories and accomplishments. I’m happy to introduce 41 and fabulous Sawait, she has worked in politics and government for over a decade and is also a personal development and lifestyle coach. Besides having a busy career Sawait is also raising 4 kids, she is an amazing and beautiful woman inside and out and I loved photographing her. Let’s read about what Sawait said about her 40 over 40 portrait experience.
If you want to learn more about this amazing opportunity for women over the age of 40 to be photographed in our Sacramento studio go to THE 40 OVER 40 page and send your application today!. Only few spots available!
Why did you want to participate in this project? When I first learned about this project, it immediately touched my heart! What an incredible opportunity to embrace who I am right now with all my flaws and imperfections. I think as women, we are very aware of our imperfections, and sometimes we obsess about it. It doesn't make it easier that we live in a society where we are constantly bombarded with images of what the "perfect" woman looks like, acts like and talks like. I don't know about you, but I'm done trying to be perfect. In fact, I got to a place in my life a few years ago where I embarked on a beautiful journey of self discovery that was not smooth by any stretch of the imagination, but it allowed me to fully embrace myself in all my beauty and complexities. This project seemed like a perfect opportunity to celebrate my journey of self discovery!
What were you personally hoping to gain from this experience? What I was hoping to gain from this experience is really the opportunity to sit back and enjoy an experience where I didn't have to do anything, but show up! As a mother and wife with a busy career, it took a little getting used to since I'm used to doing so much, but once I was able to sit back and relax, it was such a treat! I was also hoping to see myself in a new light through the lens of Maya!
What are you feeling now about being photographed? What was your favorite part about this process? It's hard to put into words what it felt like to be photographed.. I guess you can say I felt like a queen for a day! My favorite part about the process was the make-over!
What would you tell other women over 40 about doing something outside their comfort zone? Don't be afraid to take risks! We can get so accustomed to playing it safe, but remember you only have one life to live so live it fully alive.
What piece of advice you would like to give to your child or any young person that you wish someone would've given you?
“Don’t forget who you were before anyone told you who you are. You are fully known and fully loved.” ~Sawait Seyoum
If we are not careful we run the risk of believing that we are somehow the sum total of what we’ve accomplished or not. We also run the risk of believing that our identity is somehow tied to how others treat us or perceive us.
Much of my journey towards self discovery was about disconnecting myself from a false narrative that I had believed about myself. Rejected, abandoned, not worthy, these were labels that followed me for much of my life until I learned that while we can’t control what others do to us, we can control our response and most importantly, I learned that other people’s actions don’t have to define who we are. We are who God says we are, fully known and fully loved.
If you had a super power what would it be?: I'd love to zap my children to obedience! I'm half kidding, but it would make my life and parenting a lot easier!
What would you say your most notable accomplishment has been? My four children! They are a gift in my life and I cherish the privilege it is to raise them up to be kind, loving and responsible adults
Do you have a favorite quote, by you or someone else? "Your existence is evidence that this generation needs something that your life contains." ~Dr. Myles Munroe
