A radiant woman in her 40s captured in a series of portraits, expressing confidence, warmth, and self-assurance through a mix of relaxed and refined styling

The 40 Over 40 Project was created to celebrate real women, real stories, and the powerful beauty that grows with age. Every woman who steps into this experience brings something deeply unique, her history, her wisdom, her strength, and the parts of herself she’s still discovering.

Today, I’m honored to highlight Michelle Reese Parsons, a woman whose compassion, creativity, and uplifting spirit reflect exactly what this project stands for.

At 57, Michelle embodies the confidence, clarity, and joy that so many women say they didn’t expect to find until later in life. Her story is an inspiring reminder that beauty evolves, identity strengthens, and life continues to open in meaningful ways well beyond 40.

Her words below capture the heart of who she is and why this project celebrates women just like her.

Q&A With Michelle Reese Parsons

Q: Who are you today, and how would you describe yourself in a few words?

Michelle: I'm an encourager at heart. Family and friendships mean everything to me, and I try to show that through kindness, creativity, and the little things that make people feel special. Whether I’m organizing something for our Jazzercise community or spending time with my family and friends, I’m always focused on connection, gratitude, and making moments matter.

Q: What are three words or short phrases that describe you?

Michelle: Wife, Daughter, Aunt, Friend, Encourager.

Q: What do you love most about the season of life you’re in right now?

Michelle: What I love most about this season of life is the balance between wisdom and wonder. At 57, I feel more grounded and confident in who I am — I’ve learned so much, but I’m still curious and learning every day. Being retired has given me the freedom to truly be present — to think, to create, to enjoy the people I love, and to find joy in everyday moments. I know what’s important now, and I’m savoring it.

Q: What’s something you’ve discovered about yourself after turning 40 that surprised you?

Michelle: What surprised me most after 40 was realizing that I actually like myself and that was a turning point for me. Professionally, I was grateful for it — suddenly, I felt like my voice carried more weight, that I was finally being taken seriously for the experience and perspective I brought to the table. Personally, I was surprised by how freeing it felt. I stopped (well I slowed up a bit) striving so hard for perfection and started focusing on what made me feel fulfilled. It was the beginning of a more confident, balanced version of myself.

Q: If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Michelle: If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, I’d tell her to relax — you don’t have to have it all figured out. Life unfolds in its own time, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. You are enough just as you are. The things that feel so urgent now won’t always matter, but the people you love, the kindness you share, and the joy you create will mean everything. I’d tell her to trust herself more and to stop being so hard on herself — that perfection isn’t the goal; peace is. One day, you’ll find freedom — freedom to create, to love, to just be — and you’ll realize that everything you were searching for was already within you all along.

Q: What does beauty mean to you now, compared to when you were younger?

Michelle: When I was younger, beauty was something I thought I had to achieve. Now, I see it as something you live. It’s in how you treat people, how you carry yourself, and how you use your gifts to lift others up. Beauty isn’t about appearance anymore — it’s about peace, purpose, and presence.

Q: What do you love most about your body or yourself right now?

Michelle: Right now, I love my arms and shoulders — the secret? Jazzercise! Years of movement, lifting, and dancing have made them strong, defined, and powerful. But it’s more than that. My arms and shoulders represent strength, resilience, and joy. They’ve carried me through every stage of life — they’ve lifted others up, embraced loved ones, held space for friends, and celebrated many happy moments!

Q: What do you think society gets wrong about women over 40?

Michelle: I think society often underestimates women over 40. There’s this idea that our best years are behind us, when in truth, so much of our confidence, creativity, and joy comes after 40. My friends and I often say, "What a privilege it is to get older." Especially when so many didn't get that chance. We’ve learned who we are, what matters, and how to use our voices — and that’s a kind of power and beauty that can’t be measured by age.

Q: What’s one challenge you’ve faced that helped shape who you are today?

Michelle: One of the biggest challenges that shaped who I am today was moving to Cincinnati to attend the University of Cincinnati. I grew up in a small town and went to a small school, so heading off on my own to a big city and a big university was a huge leap. I was quiet, shy, and not all that confident, but I knew deep down that I needed to do it — that it was an important step in becoming who I was meant to be. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me how to stand on my own and find my voice. I’ll always be grateful for my small-town roots, though. They’ve kept me grounded and connected, no matter where life has taken me.

Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Michelle: One of my proudest accomplishments came during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was serving as an HR Director, and our team was tasked with something that felt almost impossible — hiring over 400 people in just three months. While most companies were downsizing, we were growing, which was exciting but also incredibly challenging. We had to do everything under strict COVID restrictions — masks, distancing, temperature checks, limited capacity, constantly changing safety rules. But through it all, our team stayed focused and united. Looking back, it felt like everything in my career had prepared me for that moment. It tested my leadership, my adaptability, and my empathy. I was proud of what we achieved, but even more proud of the way we did it — together.

Q: How do you keep yourself feeling strong, empowered, or inspired?

Michelle: What keeps me feeling strong and inspired is empowering and encouraging others. During my career in Human Resources, I found so much fulfillment in helping people reach their fullest potential. Movement also keeps me grounded — Jazzercise has always been a source of both physical strength and joy. My faith keeps me centered. And, most of all, my family and friendships keep my heart full.

Q: What advice would you give to women about embracing this stage of life?

Michelle: I’d tell women to lean into this stage of life with curiosity and confidence. There’s such a freedom that comes with knowing who you are and what really matters. Don’t waste time trying to fit someone else’s mold — this is your time to enjoy what you’ve built, to be creative, and to live fully in the moment. And most of all, give yourself grace — you’ve earned it.

Q: Who has inspired you most in your life and why?

Michelle: Definitely, the person who has inspired me most in my life is my Mom. She’s a source of so much of who I am — my strength, resilience, faith, and even my sense of style. She’s hardworking, caring, and full of life. What I admire most about her, especially as a woman over 40, is that she has never let age define or limit her.

Q: What traditions, lessons, or values do you hope to pass down?

Michelle: The traditions and values I hope to pass down are simple but deeply meaningful — love your people well, stay grateful, and find joy in everyday moments.

Q: When do you feel most alive and joyful?

Michelle: I feel most alive and joyful when I’m surrounded by family and friends — when there’s lots of laughter, love, and that feeling of being completely yourself.

Q: What do you hope people remember most about you 20–30 years from now?

Michelle: I hope people remember me as someone who made a difference — that I gave more than I took, and that I encouraged, helped, and supported others along the way.

Q: Why did you decide to be part of the 40 Over 40 Project?

Michelle: I decided to be part of the 40 Over 40 Project because I finally feel good in my own skin. I’m happy with my life, I know who I am, and I’m proud of the woman I’ve become. There’s such freedom in reaching a place where you’re comfortable being yourself. I also wanted to share what I’ve learned with other women — to remind them that every stage of life has its own beauty and strength.

“I’d tell women to lean into this stage of life with curiosity and confidence. There’s such a freedom that comes with knowing who you are and what really matters.”

Ready to Celebrate Your Own Story?

If Michelle’s journey inspires you, imagine what it would feel like to honor your own story in this way.

The 40 Over 40 Project is a transformational portrait experience for women who want to celebrate their strength, beauty, confidence, and the life they’ve lived so far.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign… this is it.

Your story is worth being seen. Your legacy deserves to be captured.

✨ Join the 40 Project and step into your moment. Click to learn more.