Beauty is in The Little Things

I love sharing my client’s stories through portraits and interviews. Here are a few snippets from Mona’s interview.

Are you married and do you have kids?

I am married, we have been married for 27 years and I have 3 kids, 21, 19, and 18.

What made you get pictures done?

I was turning 50 and I wanted to do something nice for myself. I enjoy posing for pictures and getting my hair and makeup done. I just wanted to do something special before my 50th birthday.

How do you feel about turning 50?

I feel good actually I’m in a good place, my children are doing well, my family life is really good and I feel like I’m more mature and I’m living my best life.

What made you come to the US?

I came to America because my husband got a job here so I had to follow him. I haven’t given it much thought but I love this country now because I’ve lived my life in equal parts in America and India. One is the mother land and this is my adopted land, so I love both the countries.

How do you think the definition of beauty has changed over the years?

I know that beauty is definitely not perfection because we are all flawed, but there is beauty which is in grace, in elegance, in your heart, how you feel about others and that shows on your face. The glow shows on your face. It doesn’t have to be a completely flat stomach which I wish I had but its ok I’ve had three kids so I’ll deal with that. Beauty is also being heathy, both mentally and physically. Beauty is just in the little things, it’s definitely not in perfection anymore.

What would you tell your 20 year old self?

I would tell my 20 year old self that everything doesn’t have to be so serious. I was a very serious person, my husband actually taught me how to lighten up and laugh at myself. If I did anything wrong I was really very hard on myself when I was that age. Now I know that you know when you know better you do better and you can’t keep thinking about why did I do this or why did I do that? So I would tell my 20 year old self to relax.

What piece of advice would you give your daughter today?

My daughter is so much smarter then I was at that age because she’s private, she’s not too crazy on social media. When I was her age I would tell everyone you know what I was thinking. But I would like to give her some advice on time management because I feel like she could be a little bit more organized and just not wait until the last minute to do everything. I think that comes with age. When you have kids and have to put everything on the calendar for the whole family.

When do you feel you were the most confident in life?

I think I feel confident when I know I can do something well and I do it well. When I organize casual programs at the library and I talk to people about India and the culture from India and people respond to it and appreciate it, I feel really confident.

How do you think the younger generation perceives your generation?

I think the youth perceive us with respect and they value our advice even though they will not always show it, but they do value our advice. The children sometimes they’ll get embarrassed if you are with them but it’s just that age. I think the new generation they are smart people, and they know what they’re doing, they know what they want out of life, and they do respect us.

What is your favorite quote or scripture?

I love Maya Angelou I mean I love all her quotes she almost seems like a surrogate strong mother figure to me. Her quote on success, I live by it because in society people make you feel so bad if you haven’t achieved certain things in your career. Her definition of success is liking yourself which is number one, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.

Thank you Mona for taking part in the 40 over 40 project. I love sharing the words of wisdom from the ladies taking part in this project and showcasing them just how beautiful they are. Be sure to click on the video and hear Mona in her own words. Hair and makeup by @beautybylizyturria. For more information on the 40 over 40 portraits, please visit www.brandiblake.com/40over40.