Self-described as patient, empathic, and creative, Katie chose to participate in Show Your Spark’s Fierce After Forty Project to embrace her fierceness, reclaim her confidence, and rediscover her inner joy.
As a Spark Alumni, Katie returned to the studio to find inspiration to access and unearth her creative side.
After her session, Michelle, Show Your Spark’s resident Hair and Makeup Artist, sat down with Katie to discuss what it means to be fierce after forty.
Take a minute to read the transcript of their conversation and be inspired to embrace your fierceness through photography.
Becoming the Woman I Am Today
Michelle:
Tell us a little more about who you are and your journey to becoming who you are now.
Katie:
I’m a mom. I think I always wanted to be a mom. That was just something I instinctually always dreamed of. Being a mother brings me a lot of joy, but it was also a lot of hard work when my kids were little. I’m also a teacher, which I’m coming to realize contains both parts that I love and parts that don’t always feel fulfilling.
I love doing these photo sessions because I feel like I’m evolving as a person. It’s a wonderful opportunity to capture me at different stages in my life.
Michelle:
I love that. I think that’s one of the things I have grown to appreciate about photography. It’s so great to be able to at the artwork and be able to see those differences taking place over time.
Embracing Fierceness: The Power Within
Michelle:
What does the description fierce bring to mind?
Katie:
When I think of “fierce,” I think of courage. I think of it as being animalistic–like an animal power, like something natural that we all have inside of us.
Michelle:
What are you proud of yourself for having overcome in your life?
Katie:
I am proud of overcoming negative experiences with my job as a teacher. I had a kind of traumatic event happen. I decided to put it behind me, realizing that it was sort of a freak thing that had happened. I chose to let it go and move on.
Michelle:
That’s brave. Very brave.
Navigating Life’s Meandering Path: Lessons and Growth in Every Turn
Michelle:
What have you learned about yourself and life since stepping into your current decade of life?
Katie:
I haven’t really had a straight path in life. Some people from what I observe, have more of a linear path. They know what they want to be and what they want to accomplish and they do that. I feel like I’ve had some consistency, but I’ve had more of a meandering path. Now, I’m just beginning to make peace with that.
Michelle:
I think that society has these stipulations– get married at a certain age, have a job, and have kids. When our life doesn’t follow that model we have to reconcile with that. I totally get that.
Michelle:
What do you value now that you didn’t value in your earlier years?
Katie:
Friendship. In the past, I sort of took it for granted or didn’t realize how important it was. But I think I really appreciate that more.
Documenting the Beauty Within; The Fierce After Forty Project
Michelle:
What do you want others to know about what it means to be a woman over 40?
Katie:
Your life after 40 is not over and you still can be vibrant and full of life. I think that’s important.
This being my second Spark Session, I wanted to tap into my sensuality by letting my light shine out from the shadows of a darkened moody room.
Michelle:
What are you looking forward to in the coming years?
Katie:
Freedom. Now that my kids are older and I have more time, I look forward to having more freedom to explore what I want to do. That’s what’s missing a little bit sometimes in motherhood, you have to sacrifice freedom somewhat.
Michelle:
What has being part of this Fierce After Forty project meant to you, and why did you choose to apply to be part of this experience?
Katie:
I think it’s important to be part of any community. It feels uplifting to connect with other women who may have different experiences or similar experiences. I love the idea of lifting up other women, especially.
Highlighting the Beauty and Strength of the Body
Michelle:
Can you share with us a little bit about your journey with your body from childhood to now and what it means to be part of a photography project highlighting the beauty and strength of a woman over 40?
Katie:
I did a lot of dancing ballet growing up, and I think my relationship with my body fluctuated. Sometimes I recognized the power and the beauty of the body, but also, because of the nature of ballet, I could also be very self-critical. There is this sort of constant dynamic between admiring the body and being very hard on it.
The Fierce After Forty Project highlights the beauty and strength of the body and the idea of accepting and embracing who you are.
Michelle:
What advice would you give to yourself 20-30 years ago?
Katie:
To just breathe. I think sometimes I get so anxious and worried. I feel like I have to be perfect, but no one’s perfect. So, just breathe.
Michelle:
What do you feel when you look at this photo? Because it definitely stands out in terms of energy and the vibe.
Katie:
That one’s powerful.
I think this portrait is something I can look back on and treasure. Lindsay does an excellent job of just documenting the beauty that’s on the inside– it’s more about a feeling and a quality than a physical beauty. She can bring out something that’s inside of you that only she can bring out. And that’s what I wanted to get in touch with– the beauty inside of me.
Michelle:
Thank you for sharing your beauty inside with the rest of us.
Embrace Your Fierceness Through Photography
Many of us can identify with Katie’s story. Life never takes us quite where we expect. Displaying bravery, overcoming trauma, valuing friendships, and finding newfound freedom as the demands of motherhood decrease— this is her story.
Through it all, she continues to search for joy, show her spark, embrace her inner and outer beauty, and inspire other women to do the same. Her Fierce After Forty Spark Session gave her a glimpse into the inner beauty of the current version of herself– one she embraces and accepts.
If you want to show off your After Forty Fierceness, contact us today!
Remember, you are powerful, courageous, and one of a kind! Show Your Spark!
Here’s what to expect when you contact us!
- Schedule a free consultation call to have all your questions answered and start planning your Spark Experience.
- Select a Spark Session date that fits your schedule. (Studio located in Braintree, MA)
- Rock the session like the bright light that you are, and create beautiful, tangible artwork to inspire you for the rest of your life.
Remember, you are powerful, courageous, and one of a kind! Show Your Spark!
