Tracey’s story in her own words

I would love to hear your story! What are the experiences that shaped who you are today?

The biggest thing that has shaped me into who am today is losing both my parents at far to young ages. My Mum was 49 and I was 23, my Dad was 61 and I was 33.  Mum had a cancer journey that made me grow up very fast at a young age. She was my best friend and such an awesome Mum who would have loved to have seen her grandchildren but never got to do that. My Dad had a 7-year journey of kidney dialysis with heart surgeries also so a lot of time spent at hospital, I was his daughter, nurse, friend, wife, voice and together with my husband we did the journey with him with absolutely no regrets at all while bringing up 2 small boys and running a business. So, I have learnt from young to make the most of what you have and who you have round you. Surround yourself with people who pull you up not drag you down! 

I have two adult boys 23 and 19 who I love more than words can say and have grown into Fine young men and have been through a lot in their young lives as we have lost a lot of family members in their young years.  My husband who I met at 15 has been my biggest rock and has been the one who helped me through so much by always supported and backing me and built my confidence up. He lost his only brother suddenly at 35 and also my best friend at 45 all in a couple of years of each other together with other close family members too far too young. So, all in all a lot of grief but it also has made us who we are now and with a lot empathy, and to enjoy those little things in life.  I now own a salon that is based inside a large care centre rest home so I feel I am nurturing and caring for people in their journey of life. And I think due to not having my Mum and Dad and grandparents I enjoy being round them and feel like I am brightening their days! 

Tell about the time in your life when you felt the most powerful?

It is probably now with the life experiences I have had and my children now being grown up. Probably at the stage now where you back yourself the most.

What is your inner attribute that you like the most?

My kindness.

What words of wisdom, based on your personal experience, would you like to share with others who struggle to see their own worth?

Even though you will go through some tough times you also come out a stronger person for those experiences.  

Are you at ease with your own body and age?

Def age as it’s just a number and make the most of it as some don’t get to this age! Body I have never been one to flaunt what I’ve got (so to say)

What would you try to do if you felt that you couldn’t fail?

Turn back the clock and have the confidence I have found in my forties back in my 20s. And mend everybody!

Research shows that women want to know that the work they do is significant, meaningful and embodies their highest potential. What do you think?

For me personally my job is my way of nurturing and helping people which is meaningfulness. I have always done my job as I love it and never about how good I am or the money or how significant it is,  it’s about enjoying my clients and making them feel good . A bit like you!

Who are the women that you find inspiring and have influenced you in some way?

My mum influenced me either though I lost her so young she is my influence to be kind, caring, give hugs and to make the most of your special people around you as you never know when that may change. My dear Friends also for the great people that they are.

When was the last time you invested in yourself? What do you do to let your hair down?

Letting my hair down is just being with my people. I class myself as low maintenance so a eyelash tint etc is about as far as it goes but I do like to use nice skincare!!

Why are beautiful photos important for you right now?

As I am getting to the age where my Mum got unwell and she never liked having her photo taken so I am very much about having them. I love photos but usually not to be in the front of camera. It is something I have thought about doing for a long time but never had that self-backing to go and do it.

Have you been professionally photographed before? If so, is there something you would have liked to be improved?

No never have, but would love to see what I can actually look like!

Editor’s note:

Tracey’s story in her own words is so powerful and inspirational, there’s hardly anything to add. She was such a joy to be around with and to photograph that I was a bit sad when it was over. But as a bonus I got to photograph her husband who had come to pick her up and so got some lovely photos of the two of them.

I am sure Tracey is spreading her joy among her client community and their families. Much love to you Tracey, you’re truly an inspiration!