FABULOUS 50 Campaign | Meet Jill

" Don't be afraid to fail - failing is okay.”

Born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens & Long Island, Jill, an attorney is now living in Bucks County. She is mom to 2 “fabulous, strong willed and fascinating” daughters. She’s been married for 33 years and wanted to celebrate being 57.

I’ve loved chatting with Jill, she’s very funny and very deep at the same time.

Here’s what she had to say:

What's the best thing about being over 50?

The best thing about being over 50 is I care way less what other people think - that's just the truth.

How did you mark turning 50?

I marked turning 50 by taking a trip to Europe with my two daughters. We went to Versailles. And we were supposed to bicycle around the grounds, which is a fabulous experience. And instead I have photos of them literally wrestling with each other physically wrestling each other, to the ground over whether one of them was going to be in a picture with another, and who was prettier. (And my daughter's 21 and 18 and they actually were fighting on that trip over who mommy and daddy liked better.) So, clearly, there's no point my going on.

What piece of advice would you give your 20 something self?

Don't be afraid to fail. I was always too afraid to fail, failing is okay. You don't have to be perfect to be loved. And if you're truly loved and you know it, then it doesn't matter.

What do you remember about being taught about beauty from a young age?

What I remember most was my mom wasn't overly concerned with beauty, my mother was absolutely beautiful. She was no nonsense, she never wore makeup. She did her hair, but she wasn't fussy.

I lived in a house with my great grandmother, my grandmother, my mother, my father my grandfather. My grandmother insisted that she wanted me to look and behave like Grace Kelly, and being beautiful was about everything being perfect- always combing your hair and I rebelled. I didn't wear makeup for years and years and even into my 40s. My grandmother would scold me and say, ‘why don't you wear makeup?’ It wasn't until after I hit 50 I came up with the proper answer (only after she had passed) in which I said, “I was thinking, I don't want to make the other ladies jealous or feel bad, so that's why I don't wear makeup.”

It was like beauty was Grace Kelly perfection.

What is your favorite trait about yourself?

My favorite trait about myself is that I can laugh at myself. I can be a perfectionist, and I can be overly anxious, and I can be overly judgmental and I can do a whole bunch of things that are very unattractive. But I can almost always recognize it and laugh and try and do better.

I feel like I like to use humor. I like to be self-deprecating and human also to make other people feel comfortable and also to help everyone understand, and just be honest that we're all kind of a mess. And if I'll at least admit I'm a mess, maybe you'll feel more comfortable about it yourself.

Are there any myths you would like to bust about being in your 50s?I think that women in their 50s are sexier than ever. And the Hollywoods of the world, they just think of women in their 50s as moms and grandmas, and men in their 50s are playing the lead, and women in their 50s are playing the mother. There's a story about how Sally Field played Tom Hanks love interest in one movie and then in another movie she paid his mother. The distance between their ages hadn't changed.

It's a very liberating, lovely time.

What is your guilty pleasure?

It would have been food, but now that I'm 50 I can't eat anything!

Watching HGTV, usually a show like Hometown because it just seems so sweet and creatively nice, and it's like, it's like a value for me.

If you have a bucket list- what's your favorite thing that you checked off and what do you still want to do?

I want to go scuba diving, that's on my list.

In the Bahamas and went snorkeling with sea turtles, and I thought it was phenomenal. I loved it.

How would you like to be described by people?

Well, I was described by someone and I like this - I am good at being friendly. And I really like that because I've never thought of myself that way before.

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If you have any questions, I am happy to talk image content (and most other things…) so go ahead and give me a call at 215.208.5803 or send me an email HERE OR

Unapologetically you, shining from the inside.

xoxo

We are honored by your referrals of family and friends. 

Thank you.

Let’s stay connected:

Join my VIP Facebook group Unstoppable Women to get early notice of upcoming specials 

Follow me on Instagram: @brenPhoto3

Choosing the best outfits for a professional headshot or personal branding photoshoot are just as important as getting your hair and make-up done and finding the right photographer. Should you go with that flowy dress, the white button-down Oxford shirt, jeans or the leopard print pantsuit? High-heeled pumps or flats, barefoot or those cute above-the-knee boots? You want to be intentional and dress with style to create a look that will be on-brand for your business and marketing message.

Dressing with intention shows others that you are bringing your best self to the game.

It also impacts how YOU feel.

Nancy Dilts, Personal Brand Stylist

Think about your go-to outfit for meetings or when you meet with an important client. Keep your brand colors and mood in mind as you follow these simple tips to dress with style and show up with confidence. You want your clothes to convey your expertise, professionalism, and personality.

• Solid, one-piece dresses create a flattering silhouette and make it easy to pose in.
• A wrap dress gives your waist shape and allows you to move with ease.
• Classic styles keep the focus on you and not the clothing. Add some punch with a trendy pattern under your blazer or your favorite color to bring out your eye color.
• Form fitting clothes accentuate your body and work especially well when being photographed. Lots of layers or oversized clothes tend to create bulk and will make you look bigger than you are.
• Always keep your brand message and target audience in mind when you choose colors (for example use your brand colors in your clothing) and decide on how classy or edgy to dress. Are you looking to connect with people in the art scene or finance world? Your styling will send a message. Make it one that fits.
• Before you put on any clothing I highly recommend investing in good undergarments that support you in the right places and allow your clothes to flow smoothly over your hips.

What Colors Should You Wear?

• First and foremost you want to choose colors that flatter your skin tones. That is especially important close to your face. Your eyes will sparkle and your skin will look healthy and glowing.
• Send a brand message with your choice of colors. Blues and greens are colors that exude trust and work well in the finance and health industries. Black, gold and jewel tones are luxurious and elegant.
• Together with your photographer consider the environment you will be shooting in and choose colors to fit well.
• What is your skin or hair color? Find contrasting colors to create interest. Red heads can easily wear greens or teals while a person with darker skin or hair can wear very light colors to create beautiful contrast. Pull out a color wheel to experiment with finding your best complementary colors.

Avoid Clothing That Draws Attention Away From You

• Anything with words or logos, unless the words are part of your brand’s marketing message.
• Shiny and reflective clothing. Stand in front of the window and notice how the light is reflected off your clothing. Take a selfie and evaluate your image.
• Loud prints can overpower you. You can definitely wear an animal or bold print when paired with a solid piece.
• Clothing that are off-brand will confuse your audience, and you want your message to be clear in ALL of your marketing images. 

Dress With Your Brand Message In Mind

Communication with your photographer is an important part when choosing your wardrobe. Together you will create a session roadmap that keeps your marketing focus and brand message in mind. A professional photographer will always discuss styling with you as well as the right accessories to finish your looks.

Bonus Tip

Create a style board on Pinterest. It’s a great way to see what clothing styles you are attracted to. Share this board with your photographer as well and make sure you leave comments on each pin with details about what you like about that particular style or outfit from color to fit to what it makes you feel.

THINK SIMPLE . STYLE FOR SUCCESS . LOVE YOUR LOOK

If you have any questions, I am happy to talk image content (and most other things…) so go ahead

and give me a call at 215.208.5803 OR

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That's it for this issue.

Thanks for reading.

Don’t forget to take a few minutes FOR YOU.

Unapologetically you, shining from the inside.

xoxo

We are honored by your referrals of family and friends. 

Thank you.

FABULOUS 50 Campaign | Meet Wendy

"Find out what your strengths are and lean into them.”

Wendy, founder of Rebel on the Go, a transformational travel and coaching business, is a wife, and mom of twins who are in their teens. When she’s not taking a pilates class, she can be found kayaking or walking her Yorkie. She decided to celebrate herself with a Fabulous 50 photo session.

You can catch up with Wendy on her Rebel on the Go facebook page HERE:  https://bit.ly/3yIIjtj

What intrigued you about the Fabulous 50 project?

When I was younger, I hated taking pictures. From high school all the way to adulthood. And I just thought the opportunity, since I'm finally comfortable in my skin, and happy with myself, just the way I am, the opportunity to take photographs, just sounded like a lot of fun.

What is the best part of being over 50?

Not caring what anyone else thinks. Actually, I used to think it was in being invisible. And that may be true, but that comes with it the freedom to be whoever I want to be, however I want to be. And look, however I want to look.

What is one piece of advice you would give your 20 something self?

It's your journey you're on your own path. Just kind of go with it. The stress that I remember having in my 20s and worrying about all sorts of things that were really nothing. So, just lean lea into your own intuition, your own gut and trust yourself.

What is your secret talent?

I own my own fantasy football team and I win every now and then. So I know how to pick football players.

What, what is your guilty pleasure?

Bubble baths with wine.

What's on your bucket list?

Antarctica. The Galapagos. And I can keep going. Travel. Travel travel travel.

How did you mark turning 50?

It was a typical birthday dinner, dinner with friends, and I went to see Dar Williams in concert, which is actually something I typically do.

How do you feel being a woman in her 50s today makes you uniquely powerful?

There's nothing stopping us. We live in a world where we're able to pivot and we're able to have a truly amazing second half of our lives because of opportunities that I don't think were ever available - I know they weren’t available when my mom was 50. Opportunities for second careers, opportunities to pursue our passions and interests. It’s really powerful.

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who struggled to see their own beauty?

Lean and find out what your strengths are and lean into your strengths. Know that you have strengths. Which I think a lot of women who have spent time living in the shadow whether it's as a wife or a mother it's time to really lean into yourself.

When do you feel the most beautiful?

When I'm moving under my own power. When I'm in a kayak in the middle of a river or sweating on a rowing machine. I feel really good and powerful when I'm that forward motion.

Are you a fabulous woman over 50? I invite you get on the Wait List for the next campaign. This is your time to be seen, be heard and be celebrated!

Get on the Wait List

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If you have any questions, I am happy to talk image content (and most other things…) so go ahead and give me a call at 215.208.5803 or send me an email HERE OR

Unapologetically you, shining from the inside.

xoxo

We are honored by your referrals of family and friends. 

Thank you.

Let’s stay connected:

Join my VIP Facebook group Unstoppable Women to get early notice of upcoming specials 

Follow me on Instagram: @brenPhoto3

5 Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid

Is one of your goals to level-up and become known as the go-to person in your niche?

If you answered yes, then read on.

It’s no longer an option to ignore the impact a strong online presence will have on the success (or failure) of your business. 

Are you ready?

Whether you’re full-time in your business or you’re side-hustling with a dream to make your passion your paycheck - having a strong personal brand that establishes your know, like and trust factor as well as clearly representing who you are, what you do, why you do it and who you do it for - is essential for your success.

Why?

Because when someone is making a decision on whether to invest in working with you; interview you for their podcast; consider you for a speaking opportunity; or purchase one of your digital products - they will be googling your name, checking out your website and ALL of your social media channels.

As the CEO of your business, it’s your job to ensure that how you’re being represented across your digital channels is aligned with the vision you have for your brand.

What is the simplest way to do this?

By having a digital footprint and creating consistent content that aligns with your brand vision; demonstrates your knowledge, and positions you as the go-to expert in your niche.

This begins with how you show up online and sharing your story with the world.

So, how can you ensure you stand out and captivate your audience? 

By avoiding these five mistakes:

1.Being invisible.

Hiding behind your brand and being invisible to your audience is something you want to avoid at all costs.

Here’s the thing: people buy from people they like. To help your audience develop a relationship with you, you need to get in front of them so they can relate to you and establish a meaningful connection.

While I’m the first to admit, it can be super awkward and uncomfortable putting yourself out there (especially if you’re an introvert like me!) the more you do it, the easier it gets. 

Think about it this way: the more you’re willing to get uncomfortable, the more chance you will have of your business being a success.

Here are a couple ways you can do this:

Video. There are a ton of options when it comes to creating video including YouTube, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, IGTV and Instagram Stories.

If you want to dip your toes in the water, start by showing up on Instagram Stories. This is the lowest barrier to entry as your content doesn’t need to be polished and you can start with short 15 second stories. And hey, you can always add a filter on your story so it helps make you look even more amazing than you already are!

Photography. Do not underestimate the power of using photographs that show your face on your website and your social media channels.

Ensuring you have a photo of yourself on your social media profile pictures and including several on the About page of your website, instantly builds trust and helps create transparency around who you are.

Preferably you have invested in professional brand photography, but if you’re just starting out, get someone to take some shots of you and use these (an iPhone is perfectly fine - there are plenty of apps that make it easy for it to look like it’s a professional shot).

2. Lack of clarity on your brand purpose.

Your Brand Purpose is simply the Why behind everything you’re doing and creating in your business. Lack of clarity around your why is not only going to make it challenging for you to show up and share your story, but it’s also going to confuse the heck out of your audience.

And guess what? Confusion kills conversion.

So to avoid this at all costs, start getting super clear on your brand purpose. 

Here are some questions you’ll want to consider:

• Why did you start your business? Did you start to make money? Or perhaps you wanted to create a business around doing something you love? Or maybe you just want the freedom to live the lifestyle you desire (this one is definitely true for me!)  
• What does your business do? What is the primary way you are solving problems for your clients? Is it through offering a service? Perhaps you sell digital products or host workshops? Maybe it’s a mix of all of these things!
• Who are you doing it for? For your business to be successful, you need to be specific about who you’re serving so you can address their problems through the products and services you offer. Get as specific as possible with this - imagine your dream client as one person you would LOVE to work with and go into detail describing them!
• What problem are you solving for your clients? There are many ways for people to go about finding solutions for a problem they have, so you have to get clear about the solution you’re offering to solve a particular problem your dream client is facing. What is the key transformation that you can offer if they work with you? How will it impact and change their life after they have bought your product / invested in your services or attended your workshop?
• What is your unique selling point (USP)?: how do you do things differently than your competitors? Maybe it’s a specific process you take your clients through or a system you’ve created that gets results; or perhaps it’s a super personalized service people can’t find anywhere else. 

As Simon Sinek says: People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.

The goal is to do business with people who believe the same thing as you. Never underestimate the power of being purposeful in your business; owning your story and why you started your business in the first place. 

Which leads me to….

3. Not sharing your story.

These days there are no shortage of platforms to show up and start sharing your story. Whether it’s Instagram, podcasting, YouTube or my personal favorite, blogging.

But I get it, it’s noisy out there - how are you expected to stand out in a sea of a million other coaches and creatives, seemingly doing the exact same thing as you?!

By sharing your unique magic.

The secret sauce to being successful is showing up and bringing all of YOU into everything you do and create. Underestimating the power of your story (AKA your unique magic) is the biggest mistake you can make. 

While it’s not necessary to share your whole entire life story, you do need to share the relevant and pivotal moments that led you to where you are and have impacted your business journey.

Consider:

• Who or what inspired you to start your business?
• Was there a key event or pivotal moment that led you to where you are now?
• What obstacles have you had to overcome or challenges you’ve faced in your business? How did you get passed these?
• Who or what has helped you navigate your business journey? A great mentor? Your supportive partner? 
• Was there an ‘aha’ moment you knew this is what you were meant to be doing?
• What do you think is normal that everyone else considers to be weird?
• What do you believe in above all else?
• Why do you do what you do?

When it comes to sharing your brand story, don’t get caught in the trap of wanting to appear perfect - this will only hold you back from showing up being authentically YOU.

The truth is: perfection doesn’t exist. Humans have a desire to connect and want to do this with people they can relate to. So what if you don’t have an Instagram perfect life? People want to know the real you and what makes you so awesome. 

Keep in mind you are not for everyone. Expecting everyone to like you is a complete waste of your time and energy. Focus your energy on serving the people you’re most excited to work with and ones you know will value you and your expertise.

4. Lack of consistency. 

Consistency breeds trust. The more consistent you are showing up on your chosen platform and focusing on serving your audience relevant and valuable content - the more you’re helping to build trust. 

Being consistent can be hard in the beginning, especially when it’s taking a while to see the results. But if you stick with it and remain focused on your goal, the results will pay off over time.

Consistency also relates to having a cohesive online brand experience across all of your various touch points. 

Perform an audit across all of your brand touch points and assess:

• Is your bio and photo consistent across your social media profiles?
• Are you using consistent fonts and colors to represent your brand?
• Do you have a consistent tone of voice across your content?

5. Not having a website.

Last but definitely not least, the biggest personal branding mistake is not having a website to showcase who you are and what you do, as well as securing a domain with your name.

First impressions count - especially online.

When people Google your name, you should feel proud, knowing that they will find a fabulous website that provides your dream clients a way to get to know you. And most importantly - a platform that guides them on a carefully crafted journey that will ultimately lead to booking your services and purchasing from you. 

LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS:

WHAT IS 1 THING YOU CAN TAKE ACTION ON TO LEVEL UP

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND BEFORE THE END OF 2021?

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PS If you found this article valuable,

I invite you to continue the conversation in my free Facebook group- Unstoppable Women.

If you have any questions, I am happy to talk image content (and most other things…) so go ahead

and give me a call at 215.208.5803 OR

*********

That's it for this issue.

Thanks for reading.

Don’t forget to take a few minutes FOR YOU.

Unapologetically you, shining from the inside.

xoxo

We are honored by your referrals of family and friends. 

Thank you.

About the Author

Brenda Jankowski has a full service boutique portrait studio in Bucks County PA specializing in Vanity Fair Magazine Style

and Corporate type Head Shot & Personal Branding Photography.

FABULOUS 50 Campaign | Meet Brenda

"Live life first. All of the things that I thought were so important,

just are not. It doesn’t matter. I learned the hard way.”

Brenda is 58, mom of 3, grandmother of 8. She is also owner and chief everything officer of Honey Bees Bath & Body products - natural home made bath and skin care products. You can visit Facebook page HERE.

Brenda has had some setbacks during her life, but she has kept moving forward. Read on to learn more about what has made Brenda who she is today.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Brenda Ross and I’m 58 years old. I have three children and I’ve been married 40 years. My husband and I were married young. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year and we share eight grandchildren.

What made you want to celebrate yourself at this time and what intrigued you about the project?

I liked the idea of working with someone who was willing to work with me, to help me feel confident about having my photo taken. I’ve wanted to have professional photos done, but never felt comfortable enough to do it. So I figured now was the time, I certainly wasn’t getting any younger. I am very comfortable with Brenda and was ready to give it a go.

What is the best part of being over fifty?

I made it! I suffered a catastrophic illness at 32. I wasn’t supposed to see 33. On my 33rd birthday the doctors told my family I wouldn’t make it through the day. Well, I lived through that day and I’m here today, 6 months past 58.

My mother passed when she was 39 years old. At one time I thought 40 was all grown up. I’ve surely changed my mind about that.

I’ve had the privilege of raising my children, and celebrating all their milestones. And I met all eight of my grandchildren. Oftentimes it feels beyond what I deserve.

What is your secret talent?

I love to dance. I studied ballroom for a year. I’m hoping to go back in the near future and get some more practice under my belt. It’s probably one of the things that makes me feel most free.

With your husband?

He initially joined with me but he didn’t seem to enjoy it as much as I did. But for me, it was liberating.

What advice would you give your 20 something self?

It doesn’t matter! All of the things that I thought were so important, just are not. I learned the hard way.

Live life first, be the guy who who spent his money on living life rather than working to save money. The saver will spend his money on healthcare and staying alive just like the rest of us, but he’ll have no memories. No joyful times to reflect on.

Memories prove you lived your life well. They’re the changes I’ve tried to make. I want to live and make memories.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I am addicted to the news, I think if I watch it and yell enough, I can change things and make it all better. And so I stay over focused on wanting the world to be a better place. It’s about right and wrong and love. If we all just love each other, the world would be better.

If you have a bucket list what’s your favorite thing you checked off, and what is to come?

We went on a cruise to Alaska. My mother in law, before she passed, would encourage us repeatedly to go while we were young. She felt we could enjoy it more if we didn’t wait until we were older or retired.

Hubby wanted to study forestry and live in Alaska. So if we didn’t live one more day, we made it there. It was very rewarding.

How would you like people to describe you?

That she loved.

Are you a fabulous woman over 50? I invite you get on the Wait List for the next campaign. This is your time to be seen, be heard and be celebrated!

Get on the Wait List

***************************

If you have any questions, I am happy to talk image content (and most other things…) so go ahead and give me a call at 215.208.5803 or send me an email HERE OR

Unapologetically you, shining from the inside.

xoxo

We are honored by your referrals of family and friends. 

Thank you.

Let’s stay connected:

Join my VIP Facebook group Unstoppable Women to get early notice of upcoming specials 

Follow me on Instagram: @brenPhoto3