I may not have their applause, but I’ve learned to give myself my own. Stepping into the world of modeling at my age was something I never thought I’d do. It wasn’t just about the industry or the camera; it was about proving to myself that I could embrace a version of me I had long buried beneath responsibilities, doubt, and fear.

When I first shared my dream, I didn’t expect overwhelming support, but I also didn’t expect the silence that followed. The lack of encouragement stung more than I cared to admit. Comments like, “Why now?” or “Aren’t you too old for this?” made me question whether this path was even worth pursuing. But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became—this was about more than proving something to others. It was about reclaiming my confidence and believing in my own worth.

The journey has been far from easy. There were moments of self-doubt, standing in rooms filled with younger faces, wondering if I even belonged. But every time I stepped in front of the camera, I felt something shift. I saw myself in a new light—not perfect, not youthful, but strong, beautiful, and unapologetically me.

Modeling at this age has taught me so much more than how to pose or walk a runway. It’s shown me the power of resilience, the beauty of self-love, and the importance of standing tall, even when no one is cheering. My applause is all the validation I need, and it’s louder than I ever imagined.