Brenda's 40 over 40

Why is it important to be part of the 40 over 40 campaign?
I wanted to support my friend Amy’s new business, and create some photos to use for marketing projects. Also being part of a group of accomplished, amazing women will be an honor.

What is the most valuable lesson life has taught you?
To take a risk, try something new, and love what you do, and do what you love.

What wisdom would you like to share with your younger self?
Stay active and involved. Travel as much as possible while you feel great and have the energy!

Who was the most influential person in your life and why?
My Mom and Grandmother. My mom was such a hard worker, an excellent motivator and cheerleader. She made me feel like anything was possible. She went thru some very challenging times in her personal life and health, and was very brave thru it all. My grandmother was so kind, loving, and full of energy.  She loved unconditionally. She made me feel so special.

What's your favorite beauty secret?
Take your vitamins, eat as healthy as possible, and get out there and exercise. Find something you love to do, like yoga or biking or even just walking.. Everything in moderation! Remember to recharge and take a moment for yourself, whatever that may be. Try to keep your stress down by laughing and having fun with friends and family.

What are you most excited about when it comes to this photoshoot?
Working with Amy to create some professional and fun photos.

What do you hope to gain from participating with the 40 over 40 campaign?
I hope to feel very confident with the images Amy create’s and use them for marketing projects. It’s also a great opportunity to meet some incredible women and make new friends or share business ideas with.

Describe yourself in 3 words
Kind, fun and forgiving

Describe when you felt the most beautiful.
At both of my sons' weddings, because I wore a beautiful dress, I had my hair and makeup done, and I was over the moon happy for them.

When were you the most proud of yourself?
Watching my two son’s grow up and have their own amazing families and careers makes me so proud and happy. I have three beautiful granddaughters that I adore and love. I am also proud of my accomplishments in my career at Walter E Smithe Furniture, rising up the ladder to multi-store-manager, and doing some incredible projects with them, including working side by side with Nate Berkus, being filmed for the Oprah show, and being in a Commercial shot at Wrigley Field. After Smithe, I discovered painting and had some fun success with that… selling 10,000 tote bags to a drug store chain that distributed them to 850 stores across the country. I am also proud of taking another risk and getting my real estate license in 2008! I am continually on the top producers list and love it! Today, I continue to paint and take art classes for pleasure and fun, and use some of my art in my listings. I am also very proud and honored to see my art hang in homes and businesses. I love painting with my granddaughters or finding a cool place to paint outdoors...I am proud to have created a pretty cool life and look forward to new adventures… I hope to never stop learning and growing.

If you're interested in booking your own portrait session, click here for more information.