Women Over 40 Project:
Celebrating women whose power, beauty, strength, grace, and spirit do not diminish with age.
I would like you to meet the UNSTOPPABLE
Michelle Teichrob
Michelle is a successful and passionate non nonsense business woman. You can feel her determination as soon as you meet her. We laughed about her signature colour being “black”, but I think it suits her perfectly:)
Anita Watkins
Michelle Teichrob’s Portrait taken at Anita Watkins’ Studio in London, Ontario.
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?
What is the one piece of advice you would give your 20 something self?
Do what you want, not what others want you to do. Living for yourself is limitless, living for others is limiting. It took me years to realize that it’s ok to live your OWN life.
Living for yourself is limitless. Living for others is limiting.
Give me silence to start the day, and I will love you forever.
What gets you up in the morning?
My dog gets me going… as she and I both get older, her wake up routine and the need to stretch her legs, gets earlier. She’s a motivator, if only I could teach her how to bring me coffee. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not a morning gabber. Give me silence to start my day and I’ll love you forever.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
The last years of my 40’s have been amazing. I now know who I am, I now know what I want and what’s important in life and I now have the right people surrounding me. I now live authentically. That in itself is freeing.
I now live authentically.
Happiness inside equals real beauty outside.
Have Your Perceptions Of What Being ‘Attractive’ Means Changed Over Time?
Attractive used to be an outward look – now it’s inward. Happiness inside equals real beauty outside. I’ve learned that a smile is one of the most attractive things you can wear. It’s infectious. That said I’m still dying my greys, dabbing on eye cream and keep a tub of lipgloss in my pocket. I do love the “art” of getting ready.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about being a woman over 40? If so, can you tell us about them?
I can do anything I want, if I really want to. Over 40 isn’t old. It’s the new prime time! I hope to still be out hunting and fishing well into my 80’s, learning new technology to be on par with my future grandkids and wearing red lipstick as a bold statement in my retirement years. You are never too old for anything.
You are never too old for anything.
Is there anything you would like to share with people in your life?
Live life authentically. I had some real pivots in my late 30’s. Since then I’ve learned to not judge, to ask for what I want and that I matter. My goals are just that: my goals. You are happiest when you are internally happy and at peace. I say “no” much more these days to obligations and “yes” to the things that bring me joy. I love what I do, I’m so proud of my kids and their partners and eternally grateful those cheering me on. Having a husband who’s your best friend is also very cool. Who knew? We do things we love, together.
Do you want to learn more?
