Painting with Light's 40 Over 40 Project

I turned 40.

I did not look at this milestone as a death sentence like some do, but more as an honor. I’ve made it further in life than many I know, and reaching this age is a wonderful thing. Being able to watch my children grow and share my days with those that I love is something I will never take for granted. This “milestone year” inspired some self-reflection. As a woman reaching her 40^th year, I realized how much I’ve overcome to get to where I am today.

The collection of memories I’ve created in adulthood brought me pure amazement. How the hell did I end up here? I made it through everything that has been thrown at me, and somehow, I got my version of happily ever after. The truth is

that my life hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows. At 18,

I joined the Marine Corps and spent 2 years in the military, just after the 9/11 attacks on our country. At 19, I married, and at 20, I had my first child. My second baby came shortly after, at 22. After the Marines, I held a few administrative and customer service roles. For the next few months and years, I would be working two or three jobs at a time to make ends meet. At 25, I had my third child and filed for divorce. At 26, I was staying at my sister’s house, looking for an apartment, and raising 3 beautiful little girls on my own. Dad was absent most of the time, so it was basically me and my girls against the world for the rest of my 20s. These years were dark, lonely, and REALLY freaking hard. We did what we needed to do to build a

life again. Food stamps, daycare assistance, before and after school care, and Badger Care weren’t just headlines then – these programs meant our survival. My 20s shaped who I am today.

The end of my 29^th year brought me a best friend who became my husband and a brother for my girls. My 30s were my favorite so far.  We spent our days building the life we wanted. We were blessed with 2 little ones together, completing our family. The opportunity to open a portrait studio presented itself when we had our youngest. I can’t picture any life other than the one I have, and I don’t want to. This is what dreams are made of.

Through all this self-reflection, I realized I am not alone. As women, we always put ourselves on the back burner and keep pushing forward, because that’s just what we do. We spend our adult lives celebrating our partner’s promotions and new positions; we praise our children for being awarded cheer captain and getting the lead role in the school play. We take care of everyone ahead of ourselves. Women need to take the time to celebrate our accomplishments, too. This realization inspired the 40 Over 40 Project.

I’ve had the joy of interviewing women throughout the Fox Valley who have endured so much, such as eating disorders and major health issues. They’ve fought generational trauma, and some survived domestic abuse. Even women who “just” went to college, got married, and started a family - but you know what? We have ALL survived EVERY obstacle put in our way! Our struggles have made us who we are today. And it’s OUR time to shine!

I know what you’re thinking – “but Nichole, I don’t have a story worth telling,” am I right? Take a minute to think about these questions:

·       Where were you working 20 years ago?

·       Who were the important people in your life?

·       What were your 5 and 10-year goals?

Now, compare these answers to where you are today and think about how many strategic steps you have taken to get here. What if you made a different decision in those moments? How would your choices help shape the future? I believe you DO have a beautiful story to tell, and I want to hear it! After we talk, I will plan a unique photo shoot tailored to your story. Because you are amazing, and you deserve to be seen and heard. If you want to boast your corporate climb, your struggle as a single parent, or how you were the first in your family to attend college – I will arrange the perfect photoshoot to reflect your story.

Every participant's story and photo series will get a full spread in a magazine produced by Painting with Light, along with ads and coupons from local woman-owned businesses. I will also be hosting a ticketed portrait gallery celebrating all 40 Women and their stories. I cannot WAIT to hear your story, and to celebrate with you!