I prefer the way I look now than when I was younger. You relax, go with the flow, and grow into yourself
Never in a million years could Shayne Brodie have imagined she’d be a model in her 60s.
But after taking semiretirement from decades working in advertising, she realised it was the perfect job for her.
The 61-year-old, who lives in Edinburgh, said: “I used to work with Saatchi & Saatchi in the ’80s and went to a lot of castings.
“And about eight years ago, I was working with the Leith Agency, when one of the photographers, David Boni, asked me to do some test shots for him.
“He said I should be a model and contacted an agency.
“Before I knew it, I was on their books and on the way to my first job!”
Shayne, who has two daughters Jessica, 27, and Annabelle, 24, has modelled for big brands such as Trespass, M&CO., Specsavers and Anthropologie.
“I’m always busy,” she said. “There seems to be plenty of work, which is great, and it’s an income I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
“Never in a million years would I have said that I would be modelling at 61, but here I am – and I’m loving it.
“I thought I would be done when I got to my 60s, but this has opened up a new world for me and given me a new lease of life.
“I would have never done this when I was younger, but with age I’ve matured, grown in confidence and learned not to care what people think.
“I go into a shoot and I’m not tall or skinny and I’m older, but I feel accepted.
“And I don’t have to try very hard because I’m accepted for who I am. It’s now more about ‘life’ models than the old stereotype. The doors have opened.
“I’m vegetarian and do try to go to the gym a couple of times a week, but I won’t say no to a dessert or a glass of wine and that’s how I like it.
“I think I look more attractive now than when I was younger, but perhaps I’ve just grown into myself.
“And I think just relaxing and going with the flow and what makes you happy is a big part of that.”