Can you tell us a little about your skin story, background, or challenges and what has influenced your skin care routine today?
I’m essentially a “keep it simple” kind of girl when it comes to skincare. During my 20’s I had regular bouts of skin problems which heavily impacted my self confidence at the time. The advice from my dermatologist was to keep my routine simple (I used soap as a cleanser for 10+ years). This advice has served me well over the years and I still prefer a less complicated skincare routine with just two or three steps.
What has given you the courage or confidence to own your skin story or love the skin you're in?
When I decided to embrace my natural hair four years ago I started to challenge my views on ageing in general. It helped me view my skin through much kinder compassionate eyes and I stopped trying to change or fix it. I no longer see my older skin as broken. I challenged my cycles of body criticism and refocused on keeping it healthy and moisturized.
What does being BOLD mean to you?
Having the confidence to be yourself and know that other’s opinions do not diminish nor validate you. You validate yourself. When confidence is an inside job there’s no stopping you.
How do you maintain fresh, glowing skin with your busy day-to-day life?
Given my simple approach to skincare, my main focus is cleansing and moisturising day and night. Rich night creams are also a favourite.
What is the boldest move you have ever made?
When I stopped dying my hair at 49. I pushed through the social pressure to pursue perceived youthful looks and instead made a choice that aligned with my values.
Have you ever had a moment where someone has told you that there is something that can't be done?
I’d say changing careers midway though life is a big hurdle and comes with lots of push back. I decided to move on from a successful marketing career in my late 30’s and pursue my love of photography by returning to college at 39.
Having the guts to be bold, to step out, and to own your career journey is something we admire about our ‘Bold Women’. Did you face any setbacks when you started out?
Being confident and comfortable in an older body was a big obstacle for me when I returned to modelling with Silverfox MGMT at 50. Rejection is a part of the industry and I didn’t want to allow the expected regular rejection based on my appearance, to drive me to question my value or worth in any way.
What bold moves do you have planned for 2024?
I’m going to keep challenging myself as a 53 year old mature model and keep pushing for better representation and visibility for women in midlife and beyond. We are not invisible.
If you had 10 seconds of insane courage, what would be the boldest move you’d make?
Probably speak in front of a large audience of women about the importance of ageing with less fear and criticism and more kindness and acceptance.
What are your go-to Ella Baché products?
Moisture and hydration is my main skincare goal, so the Hydra Creme De Da Creme works beautifully.
How did it feel to be a part of this new bold campaign?
I cherish every opportunity to represent a much overlooked market of women over 50+. It can be a time in women’s lives when we feel underrepresented and invisible in the media and entertainment. Improving age diversity not only helps redefine what it means to age well but also helps dismantle outdated ageist stereotypes.
Are there any bold women in your life that inspire you?
I am inspired by any strong, bold woman who knows who she is and stays aligned with her values. She is not afraid to take the path less travelled and embrace the challenges this brings.
Does feeling confident in your own skin change when you become a mother?
I can only speak from my personal experience as a mother to both a son and a daughter. In light of our current youth focussed flawless beauty standards, having a daughter did, without question, encourage me to consider how the relationship I had with my skin and body could potentially impact her own. What we see and hear spoken around us matters and it can frame things in either a negative or positive light. I want to show both of my children that our quirks, imperfections and expressions are what make us unique. These are not something we need to fix, hide or feel shame about