• Women Over 40 Project About & Submission Form
    • Women Over 40 Interviews
    • Boudoir, Beauty & Tattoos
    • Brand & Product
    • High School Seniors
    • Destination Shoots
    • Contact
    • Investment & Product Overview
    • About Shawnalee
    • E-Gift Cards
    • Raves
    • Video
    • Blog
Menu

Shawnalee Studios Photography

Top Women's Boudoir & Maternity Photographer in Portland Oregon
  • Women Over 40 Project
    • Women Over 40 Project About & Submission Form
    • Women Over 40 Interviews
  • Genres
    • Boudoir, Beauty & Tattoos
    • Brand & Product
    • High School Seniors
    • Destination Shoots
  • Contact | Investment | About
    • Contact
    • Investment & Product Overview
    • About Shawnalee
    • E-Gift Cards
  • Raves, Video & Blog
    • Raves
    • Video
    • Blog
×
 

Women Over 40 Interviews

Stories are meant to be shared.

Below are words of lived wisdom, inspiration, challenges and aspirations from women in their forty’s, fifty’s, sixty’s, seventy’s, and beyond.

Interested in joining? Click HERE to go to the Women Over 40 overview & submission form.

Featured
Women Over 40: Interview with Jillynn
Women Over 40: Interview with Jillynn
Women Over 40: Interview with Fern
Women Over 40: Interview with Fern
Women Over 40: Interview with Carolyn
Women Over 40: Interview with Carolyn
Women Over 40: Interview with Barbara
Women Over 40: Interview with Barbara
sapphire-5x7-7.jpg
Women Over 40: Interview with Sapphire
Women Over 40: Interview with Krista
Women Over 40: Interview with Krista
Women Over 40: Interview with Bobbie
Women Over 40: Interview with Bobbie
Women Over 40: Interview with Krista D
Women Over 40: Interview with Krista D
Women Over 40: Interview with Tara D.
Women Over 40: Interview with Tara D.
Women Over 40: Interview with O'Brien
Women Over 40: Interview with O'Brien

Women Over 40: Interview with Sapphire

Shawnalee Anderton December 23, 2024

What year were you born? What year were you born? Do you have any details about that day?

1983. I was born in San Francisco.

It was a Friday, I don’t remember them (my parents) telling me any important details, except for a rift with my grandmother about my name. She wasn’t fond of Sapphire, because of this Ashley was chosen as my first name. I never felt in my skin with that name so I started going by my middle name Sapphire at the age of 17.


What was your life like growing up? What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?

My life was rocky and I was neglected as a child to be honest. Both of my parents, although successful running restaurants and B&B’s were both heavy alcoholics. I spent much time alone or with my sister Jessica playing outside our B&B in Estes Park, CO while my parents worked and drank around the clock. Dance was my outlet, I remember putting on shows for the staff in the kitchen singing to Paula Abdul and showing my best dance moves. I honestly thought I would be a backup dancer for someone famous until I was 12. As I got older life turned into a game of survival…. So my dreams became muddy. I remember talking to a college counselor once and told her I thought I would be great at interior designer. Mind you I grew up in a small town and she thought I should “aim for something a bit more attainable” Ha! I never graduated high school because my mother died from alcohol complications when I was 17, and my father had already passed from the same when I was 10. Due to trauma I found myself aimless from 18-22…I did have a lot of fun mixed with chaos, but it is all a blur now.


When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?

This is the most confident I have been in my life….and it has nothing to do with looks. I feel intelligent, and able to be humble when it comes to learning new skills. I see my worth and know that I can accomplish big things when I am focused. I think this is the first time in my life where my dreams are actually becoming clear. My goals are grounded and simple, they include joy, health and family. Money isn’t my 1st priority any longer. Much of my prior life felt tainted by childhood trauma. I made many mistakes chasing money as I was trying simply to survive.


Name at least one outstanding experience you have had in your life.  How did this or these events affect you?

I became a young mother to Rowan at the age of 23 and my daughter saved my life. I can’t imagine what path I would have chosen if she hadn’t grounded me. I was literally a leaf in the wind until I felt the love that a child brings. I chose to be focused on motherhood and turned my life around to be healthy for my girl. Many years later the meeting of the love of my life Jerred changed my path completely, our son Dealan who was VERY unexpected makes my life feel very happy and complete. My soul connection with my children and husband are the most important gifts I have ever been gifted. Finding true love when you have come from a neglected childhood is so healing and eye opening.

Was there a time in your life where you felt ‘stuck’, unable to find the energy or strength to move forward or to make a big change? If so, can you share what it was &/or what helped you get past this road block?

First let me say I have a good relationship with my Wasband (my ex) however he really wanted a small town life. We had moved to Ashland, OR to be closer to his parents after the birth of our daughter. I love the town and my friends from there, however I always wanted more culture, music, people, and opportunity. I chose to dissolve the marriage and move to Portland, it wasn’t easy in fact it took 2 tries before it stuck. What helped me make this choice is because I met the love of my life Jerred and simply couldn’t live without him. We are going on 9 happy years together now.


What is the one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Invest in Apple… ha just kidding! (sort of)

The voice inside you that says you aren’t enough is lying! Make the big leaps no matter how scary.


How have your dreams and goals changed now that you are 40+?

I just want stability and a comfortable healthy life. My family is #1

I still dream of traveling and pray I can get myself to many of the places I drool over in photos. Portugal, Bali, Greece and Brazil are on the top of my list. I also still dream of owning my own brick and mortar resale store to accompany my online business House of Sapphire that has already been built.


Have your core values changed over time? What do you value now?

Yes I value mental health, and time with my loved ones more than partying and a social life. I do however need music in my everyday and that will never change. My husband and I both share that value so we see live music together monthly.


Share an indulgence:

I love a super sexy candle lit bubble bath with pretty scents. I also love a good fruit tart with custard!


How do other people describe you or see you?

Intelligent, determined, resourceful, influential, empathetic, creative, powerful, kind, thoughtful, helpful, and sometimes wild. I have been called an open book, but I always think this is funny because my first thought when someone says it is “If you only knew the pages you've never seen!”


What is your super power?

Project management, in fact I have considered pivoting my career to this. I think of all the details, and put on great events whether it be a small dinner party or something big like filling 3 trucks up with supplies for Alameda fire survivors, or raising $15,000 dollars for a friend's son battling Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Can you share what your favourite part of your body is? Why?

My hair I love being a redhead. I always playfully joke that it's a good warning! I also love my back… I love how milky and soft my skin is and it's my favorite place to be touched.


Do you like being 40+?  

Yes and no. Aging is weird when you look in the mirror and at times I don't recognize myself. My confidence on a physical level has changed. I feel awkward in this now curvy body. There are wrinkles and soft parts that feel foreign.

My husband hates when I say this, but I also feel less seen in society. Men walk past with no acknowledgment, this is strange when in my 20’s I could turn heads. I still think I'm beautiful, it's just different, my mind and personality are becoming my greatest assets.

Has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older? How?

I am way more aware of who I am. I forgive my mistakes and do the work when I see trauma taking control. I breathe when triggered and find solutions instead of running. I am present and take it all in. I think much of my life before 35 is a blur because I was in survival mode.

What are you passionate about now? Ie: career, volunteer work, hobbies, how you spend your time. Please describe and include any links that you would like to share. Alternatively, If you are challenged in some way and unable to do what you love/wish to do, please share.

I am passionate about my business House of Sapphire, and being a healthy present mother. I am passionate about breaking generational trauma and giving my children a better chance at success than I was given. I enjoy music, dancing, cooking, friends enjoying fancy dinners together and any reason to dress up! I am deeply in love with travel as well, however it seems like a far off dream as I focus on raising children and stabilizing a small business in what feels like an uncertain time.

Thank you for taking the time to share Sapphire!


Calling ALL women over 40!

No matter where you are at, there is a place for you in this years project:

You are a strong, driven woman over 40,

or

You are trying to get your footing in this next chapter of life.

or

bouncing back and forth.

It’s a wild ride that’s for certain.

Join my Annual Women Over Forty Portraits and Story Project 2025.

Learn more

What’s the purpose of the Women Over 40 Project?


1. Unleash Your Potential:
I believe that age is just a number and that women over 40 have an incredible amount of untapped potential, wisdom and beauty. Through this project, you will have the opportunity to get back in touch with who you are at your core. See the beauty you have BECAUSE you are over 40 and achieve personal growth like never before. It’s time to give back to yourself.


2. Empowered Community:
Join a community of like-minded women who are passionate about lifting one another up & shifting the narrative of this age group. Upon completion, the project celebration will provide the opportunity to meet and surround yourself with inspiring individuals. Fostering connection and new friendships.


3. Diverse Perspectives:
I value the unique experiences and perspectives that women over 40 bring to the table. By joining us, you will play an integral role in shaping and shifting limiting beliefs for others, perhaps also for yourself, drawing upon your wealth of wisdom and abilities and sharing them with others.


Join Today!
If you're ready to embark on an exciting adventure, tap HERE. This link will take you to the Women Over 40 project overview and submission form. Take the first step towards fulfilling your potential and joining this incredible cohort of women over 40.


Apply Now:
Once you reach the project overview, you'll find all the details about the exciting opportunities that await you, project goals, and application process. The application is straightforward and quick to fill out.


Join Women Over 40 and Make a Difference:
Don't hesitate to seize the chance to be part of something game-changing. Join Women Over 40 today and redefine what it means at this stage of life. Together, we will break barriers, challenge norms, and erase limiting beliefs! It’s time to come together. Join Today!

Learn more
In 40 Women Over 40 Tags mature women, wise women, portrait, story, wisdom, interview, life story, beauty, shawnalee studios, portland photographer
← Women Over 40: Interview with BarbaraWomen Over 40: Interview with Krista →

FOLLOW US

Just put one foot in front of the other. It's been working for me so far. #lifeishard #nobodyelsecandoitforyou
Because you are old enough to do whatever the f&# k you want.
-
#thepowerofyou #thepowerinyou #40pluswomen #agingwithattitude #40plusandfabulous #pdxmom #portlandstyle #portlandoregon #portlandphotographer #pdxphotographer #beinphotographs #insta
Beautiful human alert.
Be not afraid.
#thepowerofyou #thepowerinyou #40pluswomen #agingwithattitude #40plusandfabulous #pdxmom #portlandstyle #portlandoregon #portlandphotographer #pdxphotographer #beinphotographs #instagood #bodypositivity #mindpositivity #bodymindspirit
When I showed @lindawongmuah this bts of her, she said the image feels like right before marriage (but wearing absolutely nothing.) -sounds like either the best time ever or one of those dreams!!
 We then discussed how this occasion is so similar to
Yup, same image as the previous, there appears to be a discrepancy with resolution that I'm working on. Bare with me. Will be deleting the first if it's been resolved here. Carry on....
#staycool😎
The beauty that exists when you are not looking at the camera can be quite astounding. 
#myfavouritething #40womenover40 #thepowerofyou #thepowerinyou #40pluswomen #agingwithattitude #beautyhasnoexperationdate #40plusandfabulous #pdxmom #portlandstyl
Me taking in every aspect of my new space, including important things like seeing how high I can toss popcorn into the air & successfully catch it. Left hand throw btw, never to be repeated again. #newstudio #fun #thingswedoforfun #portlandphotog
BIG news! Got the keys to my own studio!!! Woohoo!!! It's pretty surreal. And oddly, just how I imagined it would look. There is something to manifesting so #becarefulwhatyouwishfor
"As paradoxical as it may sound, I find black and white more authentic than colour. Portraits in particular appear stronger by the reduction." ~Peter Lindbergh
Which do you prefer?
There is something beautiful about incorporating personal elements into a portrait. Among other items, this client from my #40Womenover40 project brought in her favourite painting she created of a pear plus some of her brushes and an actual juicy, pe
Covid has slowed things down but it can't stop us! 

This post is a reminder of: What the heck is 40 Women Over 40?🤔 Read on!...

For many as we move into & beyond 40 we experience incredible transition. Feeling lost is extremely common. Yet wit
Just kickin' it. Is what this post 'looks' like. Meanwhile, my real self is heading up for a few more turns before the ski season is completely over. What are you up to this fine Saturday?
-
-
#boots #chill #portlandphotographer
Follow on Instagram

Women Over 40 Project Vol 4 has officially launched

Click the button below to learn more!

Women Over 40

Branding/Commercial   ~  Senior Graduates   ~   Destination ~ Contact

Subscribe

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!

Stay Connected…..Explore & Like us on Facebook HERE

View & follow us on Instagram, tap HERE

HOME