This week I attended a celebration of life for an early teacher and mentor of mine. With over 100 guests, many of them ex-models, the life and legacy of legendary Billie North of Billie North Promotions was commemorated in style.
Billie, or Mrs. North as she was referred to, was the doyenne of style, grace and good manners as you would expect from a woman who taught young women (and some men) the timeless traits of grooming and deportment.
As I reminisced with guests and heard various speeches of the lessons we learnt at a young age, the obvious modelling tips of how to walk, wear clothes well and apply make-up – we all agreed that there were many other life lessons she imparted and demonstrated through her leadership and presence.
Here are some of the “model” tips I have learnt from Billie North, my colleagues and others on how leading women can shine at any age.
Maturity Is Not a Barrier To Success
As I enter birthday week, I’m reminded that life expectancy is longer and we will most likely have to work for longer.
Mature women are often overlooked as employment candidates yet are starting up businesses in droves. Many women run or choose to work in their family business, maybe staying behind the scenes yet contributing significantly – certainly not ready for retirement and being defined as “over-the-hill”. Others have joined the information age and are contributing their wisdom and knowledge online.
Mature women are also carving out a huge following on Instagram as a “new generation” of influencers appealing to a demographic that doesn’t want to be seen as old or “past it”. They and the audience they appeal to have been identified as having a disposable income and like to live well.
Do Work You Love
Mrs. North loved her business and was dedicated to her work before selling to Faye Rolph, also an early pioneer of the industry, who was involved for over 30 years. Another early teacher was the late June Dally Watkins of the well renowned business finishing school.
That business is still flourishing after being founded in 1950. Ms. Dally herself at the age of 92 was actively involved and teaching etiquette in China, another still teaching at JDW is 83, attesting to the quote, “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius.
Head Turning Style Has No Age Limit
It is easy to think that style belongs only to the young. The truth is style has no expiry date and only really ceases when the person gives up caring or trying.
Great style and looking good, does not take a heap of money, designer outfits or a slender body. What it takes is a person with an appreciation and acceptance of their age and shape, an understanding of what suits them best and a willingness to experiment until they find a look that works for them.
Look good by putting the best version of yourself forward. A great haircut to suit your age and face shape and well fitting, flattering clothes to enhance the best you. Leading women always present a refined look that shows the world they look like leaders and take care about their appearance.
Leave a Legacy
Give back to society or make a philanthropic contribution whether large or small is embraced by many people.
With Mrs. North, her legacy was being known and respected as Auntie Billie within the Indigenous community. She was one of the first in Australia to teach and put young Indigenous models on her books. A story from one of these early students was of a ground-breaking, All-Indigenous fashion show Billie North Promotions staged at a major department store in the 80’s which amassed a huge crowd and extensive media coverage.
“She was a trailblazer with a social conscience”, as quoted by her daughter, Glen-Marie Frost in The Courier Mail.
Speak Up
For many women who aim to succeed in their career or business, they must acquire the confidence to speak on the platform. Whether that is public speaking at a conference, putting across your pitch at an investor meeting or speaking up in the boardroom and voicing your opinion.
You must become a confident communicator on and offline and not just rely on email, social posts and content. Be seen and be heard.
Keep Healthy and Happy
This one may be a matter of luck in many cases. Billie North’s life of 98 years was long, with family, marriages, career and business ups and downs and declining health in her later years.
But given that the population overall is aging and we will be working longer, it stands to reason to support a healthy lifestyle as much as possible with good nutrition, exercise and enjoyable lifestyle pursuits.
Yoga pioneer Roma Blair who introduced yoga into Australian lounge rooms via her TV show in the 1960s, still practiced daily until her death at the age of 90. It’s never too late to take up exercise and a healthy way of life.
I hope these few tips inspire you to live a"model" life.
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Sue Currie is an image entrepreneur who guides and empowers business leaders and entrepreneurs to have “Spotlight Confidence”. She is passionate about helping professionals elevate their personal and professional brand through her speaking, coaching and training programs on Self Brand, Style and Speaking Skills, providing a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
Photo credit: The Courier Mail
