Life and Work with Barbie Holmes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbie Holmes.

Before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It was always a dream of mine as a young girl to be a model. Growing up in Canada, the fashion industry seemed like an unattainable fairytale world. I took a more conventional route choosing a teaching career, got married and became a mother of two. The dream to be a model never left me, even though I felt it would never come to fruition.
My marriage was toxic, a sad saga of lies, cheating and verbal abuse, in particular, disparaging remarks about my looks and weight. Self-limiting beliefs became the norm and I developed an eating disorder and body image issues.

Eventually, I left my marriage and met my present husband who is loving and supportive. We decided to split our time between Lake Havasu City, AZ, and LA. I retired from teaching after 30 years in the profession. Without a clear focus of what to do next I finally did the hard work in healing my relationship with food and body image.  This gave me the courage to fulfill my lifelong dream to become a model. At midlife, and not a fashion industry size zero, I signed with an agency as a lifestyle model. I have worked on print jobs and commercials and even acting jobs as background in movies and TV shows. I am also busy on social media as a brand influencer.

Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest struggle has been the burden of self-limiting thoughts and beliefs. I felt trapped and worthless. I believed the lies other people fed me. I had an unhealthy relationship with food and hid an eating disorder for decades. I lived with the shame of this secret, hated myself for not having perfect looks or a perfect body. Through my eyes, I was ugly and fat which was totally untrue on both accounts.

To young women I would say be true to yourself. If you have the desire or passion to do something, get out there and try! No regrets. Do not punish yourself by trying to look or act the same as someone else. Embrace your uniqueness and love and nurture your body in healthy ways. Stay clear of diet cultures that prey on unreasonable restrictions. Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you. Pay attention to people who are willing to help. Reach out; there are many kind people who will help you along the way!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am proud of my midlife reinvention, of walking through the fear to start something new. The risk was greater not to try than the risk to take a chance. Against the odds, in 2017, at the age of 57, I realized a lifelong dream in launching a modeling career.  Who says it’s too late? I am proud of my looks and my body size and embrace all the wrinkles and curves. It’s exciting to see my modeling career unexpectedly morph into acting, too. I’m doing more on camera video auditions, something I never imagined I’d be doing at this stage of my life.

I am a brand Influencer on social media and an advocate for pro-aging (as opposed to anti-aging). I also write a blog, and love to paint!

What sets me apart? I am not afraid of midlife. It is a grand opportunity to take life’s experiences and wisdom in the pursuit of new things! Time is more precious and rather than counting the days, it’s an opportunity to regroup and inspire others along the way!

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I have found incredible support and connections through social media. In particular, a Facebook group called the Forever Fierce Revolution which is a whole community of like-minded midlife women committed to helping one another “rewire and inspire.” Secondly, another support group on Facebook called Instagram Over 50 which is a forum of midlife women supporting one another in navigating the somewhat daunting Instagram world.

My engagement in these two groups has helped me sustain focus, vision, self-confidence and energy in taking the next steps of my journey. Most importantly, I have forged wonderful friendships in the virtual world with the best part being the opportunity to meet many of these women in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: barbieholmes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbieholmes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/classiclifestylemodel/
• Twitter: @barbie_holmes2

Image Credit:
Bry Penney Photography

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