"Live life first. All of the things that I thought were so important,

just are not. It doesn’t matter. I learned the hard way.”

Brenda is 58, mom of 3, grandmother of 8. She is also owner and chief everything officer of Honey Bees Bath & Body products - natural home made bath and skin care products. You can visit Facebook page HERE.

Brenda has had some setbacks during her life, but she has kept moving forward. Read on to learn more about what has made Brenda who she is today.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Brenda Ross and I’m 58 years old. I have three children and I’ve been married 40 years. My husband and I were married young. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year and we share eight grandchildren.

What made you want to celebrate yourself at this time and what intrigued you about the project?

I liked the idea of working with someone who was willing to work with me, to help me feel confident about having my photo taken. I’ve wanted to have professional photos done, but never felt comfortable enough to do it. So I figured now was the time, I certainly wasn’t getting any younger. I am very comfortable with Brenda and was ready to give it a go.

What is the best part of being over fifty?

I made it! I suffered a catastrophic illness at 32. I wasn’t supposed to see 33. On my 33rd birthday the doctors told my family I wouldn’t make it through the day. Well, I lived through that day and I’m here today, 6 months past 58.

My mother passed when she was 39 years old. At one time I thought 40 was all grown up. I’ve surely changed my mind about that.

I’ve had the privilege of raising my children, and celebrating all their milestones. And I met all eight of my grandchildren. Oftentimes it feels beyond what I deserve.

What is your secret talent?

I love to dance. I studied ballroom for a year. I’m hoping to go back in the near future and get some more practice under my belt. It’s probably one of the things that makes me feel most free.

With your husband?

He initially joined with me but he didn’t seem to enjoy it as much as I did. But for me, it was liberating.