Margarette | The Empowered 30+ Spotlight | Hadonica's Photography
Meet Margarette!
Many young girls know what it feels like to hear external voices critique their appearances. Sometimes it only takes one occurrence for it to turn into an internal voice that’ll last a lifetime. Margarette still remembers the moment when someone close to her told her that she was ugly and years later someone else told her that she could never wear red lipstick. Luckily, in Margarette’s story, she was able to overcome that adversity in order to accept her beauty inside and out. She worked on her self-esteem through her relationship with God. Through that experience, she finally embraced herself. Now at 61, she says that confidence is a gorgeous thing to wear.
61 is her new “Sweet 16!”
“Delay does not mean denial.”
Margarette knows better than most that just because something doesn’t go the way you want it to doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever. Rejection is divine intervention. Anything that you’re passionate about will require you to hold the course. Through her perseverance and hard work, she has made history as the first female, first African-American, and first African-American female city attorney in 2017 for the city of Clarksdale.
She carved a place for herself in history all the while thinking of how her parents would be proud to see the woman she’s become today. She has faced and overcome the oppression and racism of where she grew up. The strength of her soul and faith helped her beat the odds every time. She purchased a home in a neighborhood in her hometown that her parents would not have been allowed to enter through the front door. All of these obstacles have made her tough as steel, yet still humble and grateful for all her life’s achievements. She knows that her work will open doors for many others who come from similar backgrounds as hers.
At 61, she stands tall and proud as a lawyer in Mississippi, and as an accomplished Black female role model.
MARGARETTE’S Q&A:
One word to describe yourself. Why did you choose this word?
Overcomer
I became a student of adversity. I have learned to allow challenges and difficulties to facilitate the development of a better version of me.
Who are you as an individual?
I am a person of faith, focused on leaving people, places, and things better than I found them as I walk in integrity and consistently demonstrate compassion and kindness toward people.
Why do you want to be photographed?
I want to be photographed to celebrate my becoming “me.” I am a low self-esteem survivor. Growing up, someone told me I was ugly and I believed it. I struggled to look at myself in the mirror. Years ago, someone told me I could not wear red lipstick and I believed it. I am not that person anymore. I like me!
In your opinion, what are some stigmas and beliefs that women face after they turn 30?
Over the hill
What advice do you have for other women in their 30s?
Embrace the journey in becoming.
What do you currently love about yourself?
Open to change
How do you hope to feel or look in your portraits?
I hope to feel confident and beautiful as a black woman.
