Women Over 40 Project:
Celebrating women whose power, beauty, strength, grace, and spirit do not diminish with age.
I have photographed, profiled and celebrated women over the age of 40.
WHY OVER 40?
I have been witness to the strength and resilience of all kinds of women in my life but the stories that get to my heart the most often, are the ones of women that society used to label as “past their prime”.
What gives me hope for the future is that I have met woman after woman that have said HELL YES! Women that refuse to be labelled or diminished, are now stepping into their own power. Personally, I feel like I am only beginning to hit my stride. Now I feel called to give a platform to these women. I want them to be seen, celebrated and have a platform to use their voice to call out to us. I want women all over to hear their stories and be inspired. Will you join me on this journey?
I would like you to meet the UNSTOPPABLE
ANNE MINER
I met Anne at a fundraiser for Hope’s Eating Disorders Support that I held in my studio. I am on the board of that organization. I was immediately struck by her great sense of style, humor, and charm. I secretly hoped that I would photograph her one day. To my surprise, she applied to be a part of the Unstoppable Project, and I was delighted. Although she was nervous about being photographed, I think she was more nervous about arriving at my studio without her makeup and her signature lip. I think she is gorgeous with and without makeup so there was no need to worry. I am in awe of her energy and passion for her work and for the people that she loves.
Anita Watkins
Anne Miner’s Portrait taken at Anita Watkin’s Studio in London, Ontario.
What is the one piece of advice you would give your 20 something self?
“Slow down. There is no need to be in such a hurry!”
Slow down!
Every day is an adventure"
What gets you up in the morning?
“Every day is an adventure! No matter how well planned and orchestrated, I expect to learn something new every day.”
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
“I feel the most confident now. As I look back over 60+ years of life, I recognize moments when I lacked confidence, when I allowed myself to absorb someone’s non-supportive comment such as, “Are you sure you are qualified to do that?” Or, “Who do you think you are?”
I now realize that the most important person to please is myself and what others think or say or do is neither in my control nor my responsibility. I am here to make a difference and I will decide when and how and where I do that.”
I feel the most confident now.
I am my most confident self.
Have your perceptions of what being “attractive” means changed over time?
“I think I am the most attractive I have ever been today. I am my most confident self. I have stopped dying my hair and accepted the silver gray that signifies my experience in life. The wrinkles are well-earned and they are another sign of my experience.”
Are there any myths you would like to bust about being a woman over 40? If so, can you tell us about them?
“I have heard it said that “Life begins at 40,” and I am sure for some it does. Since I am more than 20 years past that milestone, I will say that I have experienced ageism firsthand. A young woman told me that the reason she assumed I was retired (I am not), was that I looked to be about the same age as her mother and her mother is retired.
Women continue to learn and grow and become their true selves; they do not get caught up on worries about what others will think and thus are free to be their highest and best in every situation.”
Women continue to learn and grow and become their true selves!
More about Anne!
“Anne Miner is an International Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Business Owner. She’s a confident leader. A creative genius. And a cool and collected woman of style and charisma. Her proven ability to bring calm to chaos, success to failures, and solutions to problems weave to¬gether seamlessly to define her executive charm as the President of The Dunvegan Group.
Since 1987, Anne’s trusted expertise in business excellence and customer retention have made her a highly-respected woman of influence. But it is her ability to use her deeply-rooted values, unwavering determination, and array of experiences that attracts many who seek her professional guidance.
It is Anne’s experiences, and her valuable perspective on life that has attracted audiences to her candid, motivating, and genuinely comforting speaking engagements at seminars, conferences, and networking events worldwide. She has successfully empowered many “to go over, under, around, or through the obstacles on any path… and to be courageous in pursuing dreams.”
Anne wears many hats and brings the experience of a variety of roles to bear on her speaking assignments:
Founder and CEO of The Dunvegan Group
Business Coach and Mentor
Certified Trainer of the Platinum Rule®
Author of three books and co-author of Amazon Best-Seller, “Succeeding in Spite of Everything!”
Chair, Toronto Chapter of the International Women’s Forum, Canada
Anne weaves anecdotes and humour into her spirited presentations ensuring the audience will be engaged, uplifted, entertained, and inspired! No wonder she was awarded the University of Guelph’s Alumni Achievement Award!”
Do you want to learn more about working with Anita?
