Client Spotlight - Meet Alice, 60

Meet Alice Embury, a warm, kind-hearted, and beautiful woman who just turned 60 and has lived a life full of love, change, and strength. Alice’s life journey took her from being a teenage mom and a single parent, to being a military mom, a happy wife, and now a proud grandmother. Over the years, she’s worked in restaurants, bars, offices, school, engineering and Post, but the roles she treasures most are being a wife, mom, and a proud grandma. Family means everything to her.

With a joyful spirit, strength, and wisdom, Alice reminds us to slow down and soak up the moment. She believes in laughter, in being present, and in making memories that last. Her faith keeps her steady, her heart leads the way, and she knows that every day is a chance to live fully. She encourages other women to step into the spotlight, to be seen, and to celebrate who they are because life is short, and we are all worth remembering.

Tell me a little about yourself

Alice A Embury, just turned 60. I have had many jobs in my lifetime and have been many different people in my years. A teenage mother and wife, a divorced/single mother, a military mom, a happily married wife, and now a proud Grandmother.
I have worked in restaurants, bars, offices-insurance, engineering, and Post. I also worked in a local school as a cleaner. Of all the positions I have had in my lifetime, the ones I am most happy to have been blessed with are the family-based wife, mother, and grand. Family means the world to me and always will.

When was the last time you were photographed professionally?

I have been professionally photographed a few times with my children at their senior photo shoots, but for me alone it has been over 40 years when there was a company doing Glamour shots. There is nothing easy about it. Relax, lean forward, turtle your neck, smile, act natural, don’t blink, lol. But the results are amazing, surprising, and emotional.

Why did you decide to participate in this project?

I, like so many other mothers, are the keepers of memories, and with that we fall through the cracks of being in the memories. If we are lucky enough to be in the shots, they are not always the best. I felt I needed to take charge of this simple aspect and get at least one photo of me where I look wonderful.
Do it ladies, it is okay to think of you once in a while. You are worth it.

How did you feel when you first decided to participate in this photoshoot?

I felt excited. I am looking forward to letting loose and having a wonderful photo. It feels like the right time for me to have a photoshoot. I don’t show feelings much. Having your photo taken is a very personal experience.

What were your initial thoughts and emotions about being photographed at this stage of life

It was right time for me to have a professional photo. Everyone should have a special picture of themselves. For me I have tried family pictures, and selfie photos. They don’t seem to work well. Let the magic begin.
I needed this for me. I want people to see me.

Did you have any concerns or reservations about the photoshoot?

You do worry if you can come through the way you are hoping. Sexy, professional, fun, playful, sultry, just you. All concerns disappear when you meet Elena. Elena is very easy to speak with, welcoming professional, caring, understanding, and goes to lengths making the experience the best it can be.

Can you describe your experience during the photoshoot?

Our special day started with a wonderful snowy day. Elena and I met at Juilianna’s hair salon. A wonderful salon, where everyone was so very welcoming. My hair came out beautifully, and that was just the beginning of this magical day.
Next the artist known as Oksana Oleksyn takes on make-up. Wow, this girl has a soft touch, and the cutest giggle. Very professional and the outcome is stunning.

How did you feel in front of the camera?

Elena, makes you feel relaxed in front of the camera. She has tricks to make you not even realize you’re on camera.

Where there any moments that stood out to you during the session?

This session was more than just a photo shoot. It was a sign from above telling me, this was where I needed to be at this time in my life. I am so happy Elena was the person chosen to be my photographer, I could not have asked for a kinder talented person for this experience. There were many moments I enjoyed during my experience. Elena, walks you through the whole event, there are no surprises. I truly enjoyed Elena and her partners, making this a lifetime memory that will live on even after, and that is super special.
Everything is wonderful from start to finish. Elena sets up your wardrobe, your accessories. Snacks, lunch, and chat time, I feel like I made a new friendship.

How did you feel immediately after the photoshoot?

This was a long day, which I was told it would be, I was tired, but happy I took this time for me.

What was your reaction when you saw the final photos?

I was surprised there were so many photos I liked. I thought I knew what I wanted from this shoot, but then when you see the photos they tell a different story, it makes it hard to decide.

Did the photoshoot change the way you see yourself? If so, how?

It is funny because I do see myself as a fun, happy person, but my more serious side came out strong in my shoot. I enjoyed those pictures, because we don’t usually get to see that side of us, and they are deep.

How has this experience impacted your self-perception and confidence?

I really enjoyed the experience, and I recommend it to all women. Take this time for you. I am excited to see the final magic of Elena, the preview she sent me has received HIGH praise. I am proud of myself for doing this for myself, it makes me smile.

Did the photoshoot help you discover or rediscover any aspects of yourself?

I have a special reason for doing this experience at this exact time, I am overjoyed the timeline has worked out perfectly. I want my family and friends to see me, and with Elena’s talent it has come to fruition.

Was this experience mostly fun, or did it have a deeper impact on you?

This experience was a combination of both fun and deeper impact. Having a day of beauty and a day just about you are a dream come true. Highly recommended.

In what ways did it affect you personally or emotionally?

This experience was both personal and emotional for me. My reasons for doing this were for me but will be for my family. I want my family to have a beautiful photograph of me. I want them to look at these and say, “Oh yes I know that look. Or say, Wow, she was beautiful.” (shout out Oksana Oleksyn)

What wisdom would you like to share with young women today?

Take the pictures but also get in the pictures. Especially if you have children. You are important too. God forbid something should ever happen; your family will want photos of you. They will not care if you think you look fat, or your hair is not done. That too is life, make sure you live it.

If you could talk to your younger self, what would you say?

Don’t live in the past or the future. Memories are great, but the moment you are in now are the future memories, don’t miss them, pining on the past or being on your phone trying to see what is next. Live NOW!!! These are your blessings, don’t miss them.

What are the best things about aging, in your opinion?

Life is shorter than you think. I believe when you are blessed with getting older, we see more clearly what is important. Family, a sunny day, the rain, the snow, a flower in the garden, laughter. I love laughter, I don’t even have to know what the joke is, it is the best sound for the soul.

How do you embrace the changes that come with getting older?

The changes come fast and sometimes unexpectedly. For me faith is everything. You must focus on the good, and when you focus on the good you will be surprised with how fast good is all you will see. There are blessings every day, make sure you make the choice to seek them out.

How have you grown or changed since entering your 40s?

I have seen a lot in my short life. One of the biggest changes I have seen is how people are not connected. We do more on computers then face to face. Take the time to connect with the people you care about. Pick up the phone and hear their voice. Set the date, don’t just say, “We should get together.” DO IT! You will not be sorry you made the time.

What are some accomplishments or milestones you’re proud of at this stage in your life?

Creating a family. A family that seems to like each other. I pray they are always strong and close with and for each other. To some this may seem like a silly accomplishment, but to me it is EVERYTHING.

Who or what inspires you at this stage of your life?

God. With the Lord all things are possible. I have no time to worry about things that are out of my control. I must concentrate on the blessings in front of me. Worry takes time away from the good you have now.

Are there any role models or figures who have influenced your outlook on aging?

I have been blessed with many family and friends. They are all different in view and outlooks. Just keep moving and learning.

Do you have a life motto that you live by?

Live and make your memories. Memories are all we really leave behind. Make them happy and good ones.

Do you have a quote or a phrase that represents you or your view on life?

As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never face the wrong way.

What are your aspirations and goals for the future?

I plan to make the most of all the time I have been gifted. Life is about memories, and I hope to make many more with my family and friends. Live, make memories, laugh and be in the photos.

How do you plan to continue celebrating your age and experiences?

God willing I plan to celebrate every day and be thankful for all I have been given in this lifetime.

Thank you, Elena, for coming into my life at the perfect time. God is Good!