Makeup, Challenging Ageism, Brand Ambassadors

Elizabeth Bessant - Our Fifth Ambassador

March 31, 2017

By Tricia Cusden

Our Ambassador series is an initiative we started a while ago to interview older women who, for one reason or another, are a great example of fabulousness at an older age. The criteria we use when deciding who to feature is that they should have an interesting story to tell about their life and their achievements.

We loved the fact that Sandra Howard had decided to become a novelist at the age of sixty-five and now, at seventy-six, has six books to her name. We admired the guts of Nicola Griffin who had been spotted at fifty-three in a bank queue and had jumped at the opportunity to develop a whole new career as an older model. Then we interviewed two LFF customers - Lady Justice Anne Rafferty, one of the very few female Appeal Court judges in the High Court with a very moving personal story to tell and Annette Badland, lately of Eastenders fame as Babe Smith, who has had a long career in theatre, film and television. Our latest Ambassador is Elizabeth Bessant, a couture dress designer.

The clothes in the show were very beautiful special occasion outfits. There were exquisite long beaded evening and wedding dresses, shorter cocktail dresses, and dresses and jackets or coats which could be worn at a smart wedding, especially suitable for the mother of the bride or groom. Elizabeth had designed and made every one of the gorgeous outfits. I was very impressed with her skill and artistry. Having talked to Elizabeth it became clear that she is that rare combination of a talented creative artist and an astute business woman. However she has not had an easy life. Having left college, Elizabeth quickly established herself as a successful young artist selling her silkscreen prints to a wide clientele. She then found herself in an abusive relationship and with a young son, Billy who clearly had severe developmental problems.

Elizabeth eventually extricated herself from her marriage at severe financial cost to herself. She was now determined to provide a life for herself and Billy. It was no longer practical to continue with her silkscreen printing business, so she turned to her second love which was sewing. Over the past few years, Elizabeth has gradually built a loyal following among her clients who love the way that she is able to create a beautiful bespoke garment for their special event. Everything she creates is made to fit not only her clients' body, but also their personality, lifestyle and the event that they are attending. This is not a quick process as it requires several fittings after the initial consultation and it is not a cheap option either.

You will be amazed that she can possibly be nearly sixty! In this photograph Elizabeth wears warm toned colours from the LFF makeup range. She has the most beautiful skin I have ever seen on anyone of her age, so I asked her secret. It's no surprise that she has never smoked, drinks almost no alcohol and has never sunbathed (sickening I know but it goes to show how much these things age our skin!) Her hair is also un-dyed and has almost no grey in it, so she obviously has inherited excellent genes.

I really admire Elizabeth's indomitable spirit and determination. She has single handedly built a very successful international business and been a remarkable mother to Billy who was able to go to university, get his degree and now works full time and is in a loving relationship. I hope you agree that Elizabeth has an interesting story to tell and deserves her continued success.

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11 Comment(s)

lesleyann

May 04, 2017 05:37

What an inspirational woman. Hearing her talk about the trail and worries of bringing up a special needs child brings back all the problems I had with mine. However, we are strong determined mothers who fight hard and get our sons settled in with the appropriate help and guidance. My solace is my sewing, although not at the same level. I used to make all the children clothes and my husbands shirts.
My husband died 14 years ago and the children are scattered, but sewing and making keeps me focused and busy.
I would adore and outfit made especially for me--must make you feel so good.
Good luck to you for the future,

Anne M Wolfe

Apr 28, 2017 23:39

What a fascinating woman! She's quite a beauty and an artist, but I think what I find most attractive about her is her nobility of heart and spirit. Her gift of herself to her son's best development ended up developing her even more!
Wonderful ambassador!

Lindsey

Apr 03, 2017 21:12

Gorgeous and inspiring! Love all the positivity.

Apr 03, 2017 06:45

Another excellent interview. What a hard working person. It's bad enough to cope with an autistic child without having dyspraxia too. I'm a retired teacher and have worked with special needs children. I'm so pleased that her son has, through her efforts, achieved much in his life. It goes to show that you must never underestimate people.

Lynn

Apr 02, 2017 14:24

I enjoyed the interview with a very inspirational lady who has achieved so much. Hardwork and dedication, have paid off for herself and of course for her son. She must be very proud. Thank you Tricia for interviewing such inspiring people.

Marilyn Willis

Apr 02, 2017 07:27

Really inspiring interview. Fantastic collection of garments and of course her makeup was fabulous!

Gaye

Apr 02, 2017 06:06

What a beautiful lady in so many ways. Thank you Tricia for sharing this interview. So inspiring. And what a success story for her son Billy, no doubt initially due to a loving and dedicated mother who was never going to give in without a fight. She must be enormously proud.

maureen rooth

Apr 02, 2017 05:22

Your best interview so far, what a Woman, to overcome such obstacles and achieve so much, only wish I could afford to visit her.

Helen

Apr 02, 2017 04:48

What a truly inspirational lady! She has faced many challenges but her fortitude prevailed.. Thiis vidio is also appropriate as this is Autism Awarness week. It was interesting for me (I have worked in mainstream primary schools with children on the autism spectrum) to hear how much "easier" her life became after she had moved Billy to a more appropriate school for his needs.. So often parents understandably feel that their child should be "normalised" by going to a mainstream school.. This may work for some but other children find the challenge of coping with what may be an alien environments very difficult. Unfortunately finding that special school is not easy. As they are in short supply! But that's another story! It was wonderful to see Billy, now a handsome, successful young man. Elizabeth should be very proud of all that she has accomplished! X

Linden

Apr 02, 2017 02:00

So inspiring. Such hard earned but well deserved achievements for mother ...and son.

Brenda Harding

Apr 02, 2017 01:45

What an inspirational woman Elizabeth is. Her designs look wonderful. I loved her comment about giving the clothes away and charging for the time with her.

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Elizabeth Bessant - Our Fifth Ambassador

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