Black and white portrait of someone reclining on white fabric in casual pose with closed eyes and gentle smile.
Fashion portrait of a person in a vibrant emerald green dress with flutter sleeves against dramatic lighting.
Dramatic black and white photo series showing a figure with blonde hair posing in an elegant black dress.
Elegant portrait of someone in a long emerald green dress with flowing sleeves against a gray background.
Artistic black and white portrait showing platinum blonde hair and bare shoulders in elegant black dress against light background.
Woman in flowing emerald green dress with cape sleeves poses elegantly against textured beige wall with arched doorway.

This is JoAnne~ age 57


When JoAnne’s application landed in my inbox, I had to sit with it for a moment—stunned. Her brief words were so eloquent and raw, they brought tears to my eyes. By the time I finished reading, I already felt connected to her story. And when she arrived for her Story of a Woman session, I realized something I don’t often say out loud~ sometimes I need the strength my clients bring into the room just as much as they need what I offer.

Yes, these sessions are for the women who come to me—but the truth is, I do this work because of them. Because of women like JoAnne. From the moment she walked through my door, I knew I was meeting someone who would leave a mark on me. I didn’t know for how long, or in what way—but I just knew.


During her session, she spoke with honesty and grace, but it was in the silences, that I understood her most. There’s a beautiful kind of resilience in JoAnne—not loud, not dramatic—but steady, lived-in, and real.


"I decided to do a photo session with Marlene for her 50 women over 50, Story of a Woman Project and strongly recommend ladies out there consider doing so as well!


I didn’t do this for anyone else but me. A feel good project.


Women are so busy with their work, families, life that we often forget to see ourselves as the remarkable people we are. We have the ability to give so much. We give life, and once this happens, we give ourselves to our kids and family.


Let’s face it, it feels good to look at our best version of ourselves and Marlene captures the beauty from within.


I do a lot for others. I love to help unselfishly. Generally, I do not share my acts of kindness as I feel it is the receiver's story to share, not mine. I’m happy to do it if I can without needing a pat on the back for actions of kindness. Being humble is one’s gift to yourself.


I enjoyed meeting Marlene so much and am proud to call her my new friend. After all, the world is full of friends we’ve yet to meet.


Thank you Marlene, for capturing my inner beauty on a great feel good day."



A glamorous figure in a sparkling black evening gown and beige fedora poses dramatically against a dark background.
Woman in sparkly black evening dress applies lipstick while looking into a purse mirror,in warm ambient lighting with foliage in background.
A person strikes a glamorous pose in a sparkling black sequin evening gown on a wooden floor with ambient lighting.

Among all the other things she does, she also writes. . .



I saw myself today.

As I walked along the streets of Paris.

On a beautiful rainy day. The air is fresh and smells of spring. The streets are glowing wet as the rain washes away traces of yesterday.

I stopped by the Seine and look at my reflection as rain drops fall around me.

I am protected by the shield of my umbrella as I look at myself and smile.

I see myself. Really see myself.

I’m wearing a black hat, red lipstick and a smile.

Some call me pretty. I am so much more than pretty.

I see myself for the first time as me.

Delighted with who I have become.

Kind and full of joyful life.

As people walk by, they do not see me.

They rush by without taking a moment to see what I see.

I am a proud and intelligent woman who has come from afar to discover who I truly am.

Today, 

I am not a wife.

I am not a mother.

I am not a grand-mother.

I am not a friend.

I am me. Alone with myself.

Unafraid of what is to come.

The reflection staring back at me is resilient and extraordinary.

A woman who is eager to see what is yet to be seen.

Engaging. Funny.

Eager to create new stories to share with new friends I’ve yet to meet, and old friends who know my heart.

I see who I am when no one is looking.

I see strength, empathy, courage, compassion, love and joy.

I walk. My boots splashing in the puddles, as I make my way to where I am going.

Happy to have seen the reflection of myself.

My true self.

I am authentic and effervescent.

I am content.

Content to be me.

Now am free to be me.

I can resume the titles I have earned in my life.

Mom

Sister

Friend

Me’Mere

Daughter

Me

Just me

Are you ready to tell your story?

Click HERE to apply!

Woman in black and white dress reclining on grey couch in sunlit room with white walls.