Mary Beth Mazurek: Legendary Ladies Spotlight
In 2022, I completed a portrait project called Legendary Ladies which was all about celebrating women over 40. As I’ve started a new project, This is Me, I’ve been thinking back on the sessions from my first portrait project at my studio in Cisco, TX.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be featuring each participant of the Legendary Ladies project on my blog. Follow along as I share these amazing women’s stories.
Today we’re spotlighting Mary Beth. I hadn’t met Mary Beth before this experience. She came to me after a couple of her friends had participated in the project. I’m so glad she decided to work with us!
Mary Beth is a runner, and she has such a calm and happy personality. I loved all the outfits she brought, and we helped her choose the ones that would photograph best for her. We created a wonderful variety of images, and I love the results!
Get to Know Mary Beth
“In August I will have been married 40 years. I was a Nuclear Medicine Technologist before becoming a full time mom & rancher. I can drive a tractor, help round up and work cattle. Anything that needs to be done. I have 3 children (one deceased now at 22) and 3 grandchildren. I’ve been a part time certified personal trainer for around 22 years in a group setting. Now I only train a few more serious clients. 25 years total. Ranching and family always came first. I am a runner & represent the Texas Beef Team. I currently raise zebras…or I’m trying to breed them at the moment.”
How did your view on life change after turning 40?
“40? That’s still very young. Lol I think views change more as you pass 50. You are a lot more mature in your thoughts. You really understand how short life is and live it to the fullest. You also understand not everything requires a reaction. It’s more peaceful.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Let it go… It really is true when they say don’t sweat the small stuff.
Stand up for yourself. You are free to choose but you aren’t free from the consequences.
Some people won’t like your confidence…keep it anyway. It has nothing to do with you.
There is no advice to my younger self about child loss…nothing can prepare you for that journey until it happens to you. I did get good advice from others though that had been on that journey a lot longer than me.”
What is one of the most rewarding things about aging?
“New found freedom & fun! You’ve spent all your life making sure everyone & everything is taken care of, raising your children and putting so much into life and loving every minute of it. Then one day it all changes…children are grown and married. You wonder what do you do with yourself now? It’s rewarding knowing your children are happy and living their dream. Now, I’m running races in different towns and states. Each season brings new rewards.”
Here’s what Mary Beth had to say about her experience with us:
“This was an amazing experience & not something I would have done if not for Tyler offering hair & make up by the lovely Roz. Together they made it an easier decision for me. I felt comfortable the entire time. They helped me pick from the clothes I brought and will change up anything you want. They made this photo session so easy after me almost backing out. Thank y’all for making everyone feel beautiful. You may not like having pictures made of yourself but do it for you kids and grandkids. It’s something they will have to look at years down the road.”
My new portrait project: This is Me, is accepting clients. This project is not age based, but is designed for women at all stages of their adult life to step into their highest self confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about the project, click here.
