This week’s VMP Covergirl is…… JEANETTE THOMAS!

Jeanette is in finance and has big plans for her next chapter. I loved getting to know her and was thrilled to find out that her and her husband have all types of art throughout their home and are very knowledgeable about the local art scene.

We explored a few different looks for her sessions… bold and powerful, and sweet and feminine.

Did you have any older female role models when you were younger? Who were they and what impact did they have on you? Did they give you any advice that really helped you?

My biggest role model was my mother. She was a stay-at-home mother who found herself widowed in her forties with six children. I was 16 at the time. She hadn't worked in years. But she did what she had to do for her family. She taught me about hard work and perseverance and how you can use those two things to move forward. And she made it clear to me that I could do and become anything that I wanted to.

How did you mark turning 50? How did that feel to you?

My two sisters and a friend of mind celebrate each of our "zero" year birthdays since the first one of us turned 40. For my 50th, we went to Las Vegas and had a great time. I truly felt great about turning 50.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don't stress about the little things. I spent too much time worrying about details that in the big scheme of things are not important.

Do you feel like you've changed since you've turned 50? Example: have your values or your perception of being attractive changed?

I have become much easier on myself since turning 50. I have realized that I only need a small group of really good friends to make be happy. I have also come to accept that I will never look or feel like I did in my 30s. And that's ok. I can work to be healthy, but my goals are much different now.

What positives have come from being over 50?

Certainly my financial situation has gotten better. I have the flexibility and the financial ability to spend longer periods of time in Florida in the winter. Of course, Covid and remote work helped with that also.

Do you have any goals or projects you're working on? What dreams do you have for the future?

Definitely retirement soon. Hoping to sell the company in the next few years. Looking to purchase a second home in Florida.

What is your best advice for other women who are coming up on turning 50? What do you 'know' now?

Trust your instincts, but never be afraid to make mistakes. We learn from what we have done in the past.

How would you like people to describe you or see you? What do you most want people to remember about you?

As a leader. As someone who is worth following. That I was fair and kind.

Why are beautiful photos important to you right now?

Want to remember how I felt at this stage of my life.

Congratulations Jeanette!

For more information on this series and the 50over50 project, please visit https://www.villamontarti.com/50-over-50