This week’s VMP Covergirl is……Teresa Countryman!

Teresa came to the project through Kelly Komondor and as soon as we chatted I knew she would be a great fit. We talked about transitions and how at this point of our lives we want to make it count. As the daughter of a strong Italian mother she’s cognizant of how she’s standing on the shoulders of those who came before her and setting a good example for her daughters. She made a career change later in life and loves her job now as a realtor helping families find their forever dream home.

For her session we of course got some headshots, but then she put on this red dress and WOW! It was just a simple little jersey knit dress she picked up but it’s perfect!

Here’s what she says about this time in her life and being in this special sisterhood of dynamic women over 50:

Did you have any older female role models when you were younger?

My mother is my hero.  She was only 18 when she immigrated to the Pittsburgh area from Italy. She was newly married and pregnant when she left behind her entire family to come to the United States for a better life with my father.  She did not speak the language, had no formal education but knew how to sew. She became a seamstress and worked hard her entire life while raising 3 children. The courage it took to leave her entire family, her country and all that she knew behind is just extraordinary. She is by far the strongest woman I know.  While she has consistently offered me guidance throughout my life, she taught me the most by the day to day examples she set.

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

The year I turned 50, my beloved brother was dying of cancer at the age of 57.  It made me reflect on my own mortality and I knew I had to make some changes in my life.

What advice would you give your younger self?

That it's okay to put yourself first once in a while.  That does not make you selfish.  It makes you human and a much happier one at that.  Also, it's never too late to start over and reinvent yourself. Don't let fear stop you from starting something new. It's never too late!

Do you feel like you've changed since you've turned 50?

Turning 50 stirred an "it's now or never" attitude with me.  Confidence, kindness, honesty and a giving nature became things that I found attractive. I no longer felt the need to compete with anyone other than myself and wanted to surround myself with likeminded women.

What positives have come from being over 50?

The not caring about other people's opinions of me. I know who I am and I'm proud of myself.   It's truly linberating!

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

I do have professional goals, but I am the type of person who keeps them to myself. Age has made me not need validation from anyone when I accomplish something I set out to do.  My dream is to keep working in real estate until I physically can't.  I love it that much!  Personally, seeing my daughters established, happy, and healthy is all I could ever ask for.  I would also love to travel more and hopefully become a grandmother someday.

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

Age is truly just a number. There is so much to be said for the life experience and the knowledge I have gained by getting older.

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

I would like to be known as kindhearted, fair, and honest. Someone who can be counted on to help whenever there is a need. A kick ass Realtor who always puts her clients' needs first. Most importantly, a woman my daughters can be proud of and someone who loves her family fiercely!

Why are beautiful photos important to you right now?

So my daughters can look back at their mom and say "look at her, wasn't she something!"

Have you ever been professionally photographed?

It's been a minute, but I always found it uncomfortable.  We are always are own worst critic!

Congratulations Teresa!!!

You can find more information about the 50over50 Project here. To see Jen’s portrait and the rest of the 50 women in the project at our upcoming Gallery Exhibition on November 10th, go to the event page here.