Portrait of a Lady | 50+ Fabulous Series | 2021 | Mara

I want to show women (and everyone, really) that there is even more to celebrate, not less, as the years go by. This is the first year I am launching the Portrait of a Lady campaign that aims celebrates women who specifically are 50+ and fabulous. It is my deep honor to feature the lovely Mara as one of the many faces you will see in this series for 2021.

Happy Friday!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Kalani Brown

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  “I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of Latvian refugees who immigrated to USA when Soviets invaded after WWII.  I was three years old when the family arrived, so I am a completely assimilated American woman, with the benefit of cultural ties—language, food, community—to the Old World.

My education consists of BA in Psych and MBA in management.  My career was largely in construction—first in accounting, and later as CFO for a mid-size home builder, so I was able to indulge a bit of my creative side with involvement, however cursory, in marketing and staging.

After retirement, I moved to California to be closer to my son and daughter in the Bay Area.  At 74 years of age, I feel there is a lot of adventure and travel waiting for me.  [I am} looking forward the end of the pandemic and to the world reopening!”

“I celebrate good health and the energy to pursue interesting and varied experiences.  I celebrate the ability to choose a path completely different from my previous life, the ability to meet new people and participate in charitable activities.  I celebrate being able to read or do nothing at all when the spirit moves me.”

“Fifty+ and Fabulous is an exciting threshold and opportunity to enter a new array of experiences with solidified confidence and optimism. I know those traits were often lacking in my earlier and more self-conscious stages of life.”

 What are some of the challenges about this season of your life?

“I notice that there is sport in marginalizing older people.  Sometimes we are technically challenged, and marketing is seldom directed to this demographic.  It would be a mistake, however, to count us out because we love to learn, travel, and look good while doing it.” 

I think it is important to stay centered and present in every stage of life.  So, enjoy the college years and everything that comes after with a sense of excitement, curiosity, and vigor.  Each time is different and allows you continually grow and evolve.  And most of all—never sell yourself short.  Remember that you really are “all that!”

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I appreciate being close to my children and grandchildren, the community where I live and the relationships I have formed.

I appreciate the natural beauty surrounding me.  And especially, I appreciate the freedom and time I have to spend with those I love.”

Who or what inspires you and why?

“I am inspired by the intellect and innovation of this age in which we live.  Constant exposure to new ideas and writings instills fascination and a desire to keep up and continue learning.”