At 54, this executive/artist/surfer is riding a wave of self-confidence.
Name: Stephanie Allen
Born: 9/20/52
Children: Brandy, 27
Status: "Cohabitating"
Occupation: Executive Vice President of Creative Advertising and New Media at a major film company; part-time artist
Hometown: Santa Monica, California
Q. What inspired you to enter the MORE/Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search?
A. My friend Suzanne, who is a model, has been following [the contest]. She's been a model for her whole life, and she just thought it would be really fun for me to try it. My daughter, who is a fine arts photographer, took some pictures, and we just had a great time doing it. I think the most important thing for me is that I feel great about being over 50, and I feel like I'd love to share that with other women.
Q. If you could go back and speak to your 25-year-old self, what advice would you give her?
A. Don't be afraid. Even at 25, I was a person that always went for it, but there was a part of me that was holding back. There were a lot of adventures that I had that could have been even richer experiences if I hadn't second-guessed myself along the way. Now I think that when you make choices, you dive in, you do it, and then you end up on a certain place on your path. You can always make changes.
Q. What won't you ever give up, no matter what your age?
A. I'd like to say I'll never give up surfing, but at 80 it may be hard! I started so late [at 49] that the thought of giving it up is something that I never ever want to happen.
Originally published on MORE.com, February 2007.
