Hair, Makeup, Fashion, Challenging Ageism, Brand Ambassadors

Nicola Griffin - Our Second Brand Ambassador

September 16, 2016

By Tricia Cusden

The idea of having several brand ambassadors for Look Fabulous Forever is to build a community of high profile older women who are inspirational in one way or another. So, we were thrilled when Sandra Howard (76) agreed to be our first brand ambassador because she's had an amazing working life starting out as a top model in the 60's and re-inventing herself as a successful author at the age of 65. Our second brand ambassador, Nicola Griffin, has an equally inspiring story of change and re-invention - this time in her 50s.

I first met Nicola in October 2014 when I was invited to go to Nottingham by Jayne Mayled, founder of specialist company White Hot Hair. Jayne and I have a very similar philosophy and she is doing with hair care what we are doing with makeup - i.e. formulating products that work better for the older woman. The occasion in Nottingham was a photo shoot with four amazing looking older models and I agreed that Linda Sullivan, our LFF makeup artist would accompany me and we would supply all the makeup for the shoot. Nicola was one of the four wonderful models and it was her very first modelling assignment - see the result below.

At the time Nicky was working from home for a French company, renting a room to students and was preparing for 'empty-nest syndrome' when her twin daughters headed off to university. Jayne spotted that Nicky has exceptionally thick lustrous grey/white hair so she would be perfect for the photo shoot. After that first modelling assignment and with advice from Linda (also a mature model) ringing in her ears, Nicky signed up with an agency and has now, aged 56 had a meteoric rise within the fashion industry.

"I’m delighted and honoured to have been asked to be an ambassador for Look Fabulous Forever. Makeup especially made for mature skin! How fantastic for us older ladies that Tricia is encouraging us to look fabulous in our fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond. I often think of my own mother who at 55 patted a little powder from a compact on her face for church on Sundays. She made her own clothes from a pattern and knitted her own cardigans. How far we have come since those days! Now 55 is young and we can still look wonderful and age really is just a number. We refuse to be invisible and ignored any more!”

“I was then approached by a fantastic agency called Milk and with them my career took off and I haven't looked back. I am now 56 years old. I am accepted as I am and have never been questioned about my weight or my wrinkles. This is what a real woman looks like at 56… and this is who I am. The modelling world has taught me a lot about being brave, being yourself and facing rejection. It’s the nature of the beast. I would consider myself to be confident and recognise that the fashion world is changing and plus size models and mature models are gradually being accepted by fashion houses like Hope Fashion (see above). It’s a great change and about time!”

“The photo that went into Sports Illustrated Magazine launched me as the oldest woman ever to appear in it. Wow! I appeared on all the USA TV news and morning shows. I spoke about body diversity and the war on ageism, the cult of youth and the rejection of old age in the fashion world. This was a big breakthrough in America. I walked the red carpet at the Sports Illustrated party with many other beautiful women all under 30! How come I was the only one in her 50's? I am so proud to be a part of such a movement that encompasses mature females who embrace their age!”

“I am thrilled to represent women of my age and hopefully I can help influence others to feature older women in fashion shoots. Beauty is ageless. My life as a model sometimes feels a little like a journey of self-development and I’m embracing this new life and all it brings. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and I celebrate my age , my wrinkles and grey hair. I have done the swimsuits and the lingerie shoots and wonder what next. I am very excited about what the future holds.”

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Our Third Ambassador - Lady Justice Anne Rafferty

Our First LFF Ambassador - Sandra Howard

30 Comment(s)

NEIL KEELING

Sep 13, 2020 12:15

Nicola's story mirrors LFF's amazing story. She looks superb and full of confidence and so attractive.

I am British and have lived in the West Indies for over 30 years. I read with interest how you have revolutionised so many woman over 50.

A huge question for you.

With the exception of Valerie (over 50's) can you send me more examples of African Caribbean skin colours and the available make ups?

I see my own country and all of the West Indies as prime for your products (especially as you have a warehouse in Florida) but would need a little help from you to 'kick start' the LFF 'revolution' here.

My wife is a beautiful 56 year old West Indian, ironically with a highly successful beauty salon.

Can we start a dialogue on moving forward?

Best regards,

Neil
+1 268 736 8484

Suzanne

Feb 17, 2018 06:51

Getting older was a change but the advantage of being mature is more peace and rest in live. Also me get compliments about looking good for my age. I also wear whatever i want even extravagant clothing. I do sports because i like to eat. Wrinkles are oke and so is the body.
I started this year with presenting clothing on catwalk and i feel happy while doing it. Also first steps for a photoshoot. I noticed that other women feel confortable seeing us doing this. Age is a number not a feeling.

Susan litman

Nov 19, 2017 11:51

Ive been letting my white hair shine for many years. Nicola is a dear friend who used to dye her hair, hide it if it had gray until finally she decided to not be a slave to it, and let it shine in all its glory! I'm so proud of her and love seeing her grow as a model and role model!

LuAnn Wilson

Nov 18, 2017 18:21

I love my age I love letting my hair go to its natural color dram and light gray .there is such beauty in plus size models and older gray women there is beauty everywhere if we open our hearts and eyes and look

Suzy Monty

Nov 18, 2017 18:00

I went back to modelling at 57. Am now 66 and still modelling swimwear. I modelled successfully in my 20's and 30's. Ran an award winning model agency. Then had a bad dose of Glandular Fever at 40 so retired. Little did I know that modelling would beckon yet again at 57. I've been internationally published. Featured on five covers including an American book. I love modelling it's my passion. Ballgowns are my favourite to model. I plan to continue modelling for as long as photographers want to point their cameras at me.

Janey

Mar 07, 2017 11:12

Thank you! I'm happy in my own skin & I love your tips & looking at all the lovely ladies. I just wish you could help me camouflage my facial hair. It's a genetic thing - Mum was the same. I had useless electrolysis for years but now I just wax in the salon or at home. But I'm in my mid-60s now & it's a nuisance especially when one's eyesight isn't as good as it was. I'm so happy with my figure, clothes, hair & make-up but the hair is a grizzly BEAR!
Love & Thanks.

Vivien

Mar 06, 2017 17:50

What a brilliant interview. Tricia and Nicola are inspiring women. I started a new professional working life at 50 as a Management Consultant. I did a philosophy BA and a Masters in Management in my 40s then landed a role with a brand new consultancy on the day my younger daughter got her A level results. I've retired from that after 18 years and am now launching a public speaking career for women kick starting their career after a long break or stuck in a rut. I'm about to launch my Facebook page ('Career Culture') and hold my first events. I'm doing it in response to a real need by women to overcome their loss of confidence and - especially - who want to find a role that really excites them, not just a way of paying a few extra bills. Yes, it's a bit scary but it can't be as hard as my last 'fresh start'. And there is far less ageism now than there was then. Wish me luck!

chris hargreaves

Mar 06, 2017 14:45

After colouring my hair for quite a while I decided to let it grow out and reveal my grey! I love it and have had so many compliments that I would say try it and see, you may surprise yourself! Your models are fabulous so keep them coming and I love reading your blog. Thank you X

June Fletcher

Nov 14, 2016 22:08

I am really looking forward to trying these products. I'm 65, and have been fortunate to come from a family who has 'good' skin! I have never had a spot or blemish!

I also have white/grey hair but listening to Nicola, as well as seeing Tricia's grey hair, I've decided not to have mine coloured!

Rhona Djaelani

Nov 03, 2016 07:39

I was thinking exactly the same thing. I work in an office and am very low profile, but I would love to be an ambassador. I am 60 and love wearing make up and looking good. The people I aspire to emulate are others like myself not, necessarily, people who have had high powered jobs and fabulous lifestyles.

triciacusden

Oct 30, 2016 10:53

No Susan - sorry we don't sell via retail outlets anywhere in the world. We do however have customers in South Africa, so we can send parcels there. Triciax

Susan Crosby

Oct 30, 2016 10:50

Do you have an outlet or supplier in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mary evans

Oct 28, 2016 17:19

Sound good

Jan Forsyth

Oct 21, 2016 14:50

Hello to everyone that is as lucky as I am to have found LFF. This year I have had a few changes in my life, moving house, being in an awful job but fortunate enough to find a brilliant new job and my wonderful family moving to Cyprus for 2 years (Son-in-Law in the Army taking my darling daughter and most precious grandson (4 years old age) with him). I am 63 and have always looked after myself as enjoy trying new make-up and hair styles (not all successful) so all in all life has taken it's toll on me. Looking in the mirror seemed to be a different person than I knew looking back at me. I have placed my first 2 orders with LFF (one will be waiting for me when I get home today) cannot wait. My motto now as I go through life is - not that I am old for this INSTEAD I am young enough to do this and with my LFF products I am sure I will also look it..

Megan Tuffley

Oct 21, 2016 06:42

I'm just so glad that I found this site!
I was a brunette and went blonde as I didn't want to be grey. I'm now considering embracing the grey.

Mollie Lord

Sep 28, 2016 22:07

I think this looks to be just what I need, I have pure white, thick hair and have had had it since I was thirty!!!!!. Yes, i have come to love it very much, my face went awful when i had heart disease. It sagged very badly, I felt old and miserable. Now since open heart surgery I look better and so i feel better.
I think I will try the aubergine and silver mist eye shadow first.
Thank you.

Paula Aldridge

Sep 22, 2016 13:33

I just wanted to tell Tricia that I've just returned from a cruise on Queen Victoria & one of our speakers was Sandra Howard. She was absolutely lovely-elegant & charming, just as I thought she would be. Her talk about her career was fascinating.

Val

Sep 19, 2016 14:03

Brilliant article. Thank you.

Tina Ferraiuolo

Sep 19, 2016 12:05

Hello Tricia, Sandra, Nicola and all you inspirational women! You are all gorgeous and amazing! :-)
I love this site and the products! I was born in New York 60 years ago, but have been living in Rome, Italy most of my life. My parents moved here when I was little. When I finished my studies, I worked for many years in a United Nations organization, got married, and when my children were little I decided to be a full time mother. Shortly after I left my job, my marriage ended badly, due to many years of psychological abuse. When I was in my 40s I became an interpreter/guide in tourism while teaching English as a foreign language part time. Fortunately, my parents were always there to give a helping hand while I travelled around Europe a lot for my job. At 50 I decided to dedicate all my time and energy to teaching, and am now a full-time freelance English teacher and I love it! Two years ago I published a book in Italian, which I then translated into English, and this has made me become a food/travel blogger. I’m sure there is more to come, this life journey offers us so many new opportunities and it is up to us to seize them. I live with my two dogs, and my spare time is dedicated to my family, my singing lessons and I’m an avid reader. I eat well, exercise and welcome every birthday with confidence and gratitude, looking forward to new challenges with open arms. I feel that situations which cause suffering, can only make us stronger, if we learn from them and keep an optimistic outlook on life.
Thank you and best wishes to all! Tina
P.S. - Nicola I LOVE YOUR HAIR! :-)

Lynne

Sep 18, 2016 12:59

My mum was only just 18 years older than me. When I look back I remind myself that when I was 18 my mum was only 36 still a young woman herself. This did not always lead to an easy relationship. However when my children were small she was a young vibrant and energetic gran to them. Mum had the most amazing skin, she never sat in the sun! She loved make up and having her hair done, she was stylish on a very very limited budget as there were 4 of us. She also knitted, made do and mend and went out to work. She was an amazing woman despite many lifes hardships that I have never had to endure. She would have loved your products Trica, she used serums and primers long before me. At 75 her skin was totally unlined and unblemished and I have her powder compacts as treasured mementoes. She inspired me to go back to university to gain a Masters Degree in my 50s and cheered from the sidelines when I won awards on behalf of the charity I worked for, which I dedicated to my volunteer team and the women we had had the honour of supporting. My work brought me into contact with many amazing women from whom I learned so much. As a woman being pro women is very importent to me we need to bang the drum for all women really loud in celebration of our achievements how ever big or small. I love street style on your blog Tricia that celebrates the diversity of women I look forward to your future ambassadors doing just that.

Lynda Banister

Sep 18, 2016 12:31

How I agree with Judith! It is great when older women (or women of any age) are energetic, hard working and successful. but am I the only curmudgeon who does not feel personally inspired by them ? The majority of us have, and continue to have, interesting and worth while lives which are rather less high-profile. This may be by choice, through illness, disability or caring responsibilities. Age is not really the issue but circumstances.
I used to make most of my clothes, to a very high standard, but health problems make it more difficult and clothes are so much cheaper than they were when I was young. I wish I could still have the satisfaction from it I had then!

Jan

Sep 18, 2016 12:10

Hi Judith,
I don't think Nicola was criticizing her Mother ,I think she was just pointing out how things have changed in the make up field,my Mother was the same a spot of powder then lipstick was all she ever had,making her own clothes and knitting our cardigans was the only way any of us could ever have new clothes!!! Things have changed and we now have wonderful choices.
Have a great day.
Jan.

triciacusden

Sep 18, 2016 12:09

Dear Judith
We feel that we already spend most of our time celebrating women like you and me. Our Gallery is full of photographs of women who are not 'high profile' but who are, as you can see, wonderful examples of fabulous women. Likewise our videos in which we feature our friends and acquaintances and women who have come forward thanks to a Facebook appeal for 'models'.

The comments that Nicola makes about her mother are not to put her down in any way. She is merely contrasting a different generation which lived their lives in a very different way. Nicola is now featuring in fashion campaigns to show that women over 50 not only love fashionable clothes but can also look wonderful wearing them. As LFF was part of Nicola's story and one of the reasons she pursued her new career, we felt she would make an excellent brand ambassador for us. Hope you agree!
Triciax

Jan Miller

Sep 18, 2016 12:03

What an inspiring story,and such a stunning woman.
I am well into my 70's and have lived in France now for nearly 40 years. I was an actress and model in London until I moved here,a life I loved,but was unable to continue as Perpignan is a little too far from Paris!!! My second passion in life is houses so I became an estate agent and sold many beautiful houses to foreigners until well into my 60's,and now believe it or not I am back doing fashion shows twice a year for a friend who has a beautiful boutique in Thuir called Titelles,she sells,Liluth,Isabel Marant,Ralph Lauren etc. so I am back where I started and loving it.
Your make up is wonderful,I am on my 2nd order and having such fun.
Thank you.

Laurie

Sep 18, 2016 11:46

I often see Nicola through social media. Nicola is truly inspiring and women like this give me hope for the next 20 years ahead.
www.vanityandmestyle.com

Karen Kopka

Sep 18, 2016 11:29

I'm not a model but would be very interested in being an ambassador for your company. I'll be 68 next week. And I live on the Big Island in Hawaii. Would love to hear from you!!!!

Kathy Sharp

Sep 18, 2016 11:10

Reinvention? Yes! In my late fifties I wrote my first novel. It took a while to find a publisher - but eventually I did, and the book was published in 2013. This year my third novel was published, and I am working on book number four. I had always wanted to write, but, as with so many of us, life got in the way. These days, when I meet new people, I happily tell them I'm a novelist. It's a real thrill, I can tell you!

Judith

Sep 18, 2016 11:04

I can understand you wanting to use older models as your ambassadors but also it would be nice to see ladies who are not in this type of high-profile job. Many older ladies like to keep themselves looking good even though they are retired or still have family at home and keep working or help to look after grandchildren. Myself and my close group of friends are made up of these categories. Many of us worked or still work in education which does not pay well but we do our best to keep fit, look after our skin and hair and wear clothes that are smart and comfortable and appropriate for use.
My second point is that I am amazed at the comments Nicola Griffin makes about her mother. How sad to put down your own mother in that way. My mum is now 93 and, like her own mother, has never used more than some moisturiser and powder on her face and has always looked 20 years younger than her real age. Due to financial circumstances she had to make her own clothes and I have grown up doing the same.
There is nothing wrong with making your own clothes and knitting cardigans! In fact making your own means that you can use better fabrics and wool than those used in clothes you buy in shops and know that it is made ten times better.
It is a joy to see so many older ladies today looking radiant but I'm sure many of them owe their good looks to their mothers - the generations that did not overindulge and were not subjected to chemicals and pollution.

Wendy

Sep 18, 2016 10:50

What an uplifting story from a beautiful woman! I am 76 years old, and in the last few months I have been baptised, and started a three year Foundation Arts Degree in Theology, Evangelism and Mission. My mantra is "you are never too old" - to receive God's love, to start a new challenge, to make a difference". And of course, never too old to look your best using LFF lovely products!

Debbie Muir

Sep 18, 2016 10:05

Hi
I am Debbie aged 58 and live in Dubai. I have just recently purchased the first of your products. I will be flying back to UK next week and so excited to try your products. I love make up and I am interested to see how my skin and your products react to the harsh environment here in the UAE. I came to the UAE 2 years ago looking for a new opportunities in work. Unfortunately I have just been made redundant and looking for another challenge/opportunity. What about LFF here in Dubai ? - just a thought !

Kind Regards
Debbie

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