Some stories are so powerful, they practically write themselves.
Katie Stuart’s is one of them.
I first met Katie years ago when we worked together at LPK, and when she reached out to be part of my 40 Over 40 Portrait Project, I was genuinely thrilled. Not just because she’s an incredibly sharp and seasoned HR consultant, but because I knew she’d bring her full, authentic self to this experience.
Spoiler alert: She did exactly that.
A New Chapter, Boldly Lived
2025 marked a major turning point for Katie. She stepped into a new role with a new team at HR Elements, making a courageous career move while balancing life as a mother of six. That alone is a feat worth celebrating.
But Katie didn’t just want a headshot or a few pretty portraits. She came for something more:
“Participating in the 40 Over 40 photo shoot was so much more than just a day in front of the camera! It was a chance to step fully into who I am at this stage of life and honor the journey that’s brought me here.”
That, right there, is why this project exists. It’s not just about photos. It’s about permission.
Permission to be seen. To take up space. To celebrate a life in motion, not just a highlight reel.
From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage
In her daily life, Katie pours herself into supporting others—coaching clients, solving people challenges, volunteering, showing up for her family, and building cultures that work.
But for once, she allowed herself to be the one in the spotlight.
“What I loved most was how the shoot pushed me out of my comfort zone while making me feel confident, strong, and unapologetically authentic.”
She stepped into the studio with that signature Katie mix of vibrancy and groundedness, and it was magic from the start. Whether dressed in bold colors or sleek neutrals, she brought energy to every frame. She didn’t need to perform—she just needed space to be.
And when you give a woman like Katie that space?
She lights it up.
The Real Work: Rediscovering Herself
Like many of us, Katie is no stranger to putting herself last. Life as a working mom with a high-demand career doesn’t often leave room for reflection or rest. But this session gave her something she hadn’t realized she needed:
“It gave me space to step away from the daily chaos and rediscover myself outside of all the roles I fill.”
“It reminded me that prioritizing myself doesn’t take away from my family—it makes me a stronger, more grounded version of me for them, too.”
This right here is the heartbeat of the 40 Over 40 project. We’re done with the outdated notion that women over 40 need to tone it down, fade into the background, or shrink themselves. These sessions are a way to push back against invisibility and reclaim identity—with boldness and grace.
Portraits That Reflect the Woman You Are Becoming
Katie’s photos are more than polished portraits. They are a visual representation of her evolution—personally and professionally.
“From a professional perspective, the shoot gave me images that reflect not just what I look like, but who I am. Confident, approachable, and bold.”
That’s what personal branding photography can do when it’s done right. It’s not just about being “photo ready”—it’s about capturing the version of you that’s leading, growing, shifting, and showing up in real life.
Whether you’re updating LinkedIn, launching a new business, or simply ready to see yourself differently, these sessions are about representation, not perfection.
“At the end of the day, I don’t need anyone else’s validation. I need to embody it, live it, and show it to the world. I am enough. And I deserve all the wonderful.”
Read that again.
A Final Word from Katie
In her post-session interview, Katie summed it up beautifully:
“I think every woman—at any age—should do this. Whether you’re starting over, making a big move, or just needing a boost, this kind of experience helps you show up more fully. The confidence is already there. You just need to see it for yourself.”
She’s right.
Let This Be Your Sign
If you’re feeling like it’s finally time to show up in your life more boldly—whether you’re 40, 50, 60, or beyond—this is your invitation.
Like Katie said, “You are enough.” Let’s celebrate that.
Want to connect with Katie or learn more about her work as an HR strategist and consultant?
🔗 Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
The 40 Over 40 Project is a celebration of women who are embracing midlife with confidence, wisdom, and fire. You don’t need to lose weight, find the perfect dress, or wait for the right moment.
You just need to say yes.
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