Kamie Conover

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
The fact that it comes with years of experience and wisdom, which can only come from aging.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
I do. Every day is a precious gift, even if it comes with some not-so-fun things that age may bring.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I would have to say at this stage in my life. I think this is the case because you reach a certain age or point in your life where you find your voice, your own thoughts & opinions, and you start to live a life you never knew before. With that comes self-love, acceptance, and confidence. Some people reach this point early in life, some later than others. For me, it wasn’t until my 40s that I began to realize this and transform into the real me. I’m not where I need to be, but I’ve truly come so far from where I used to be.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
My boyfriend (Gary), my dog (Ruby), my cat (Merlin), my loving family, and my friends, who are very much my extended family. My time with them is a precious gift.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
My ability to love and laugh. In life, there is absolutely nothing I enjoy more than to love and to laugh.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Eight years ago, I purchased a home on my own. I was so scared. My brother said to me, “If Almeda can do it, you can do it”. That is my grandmother. That brought me more strength than my brother even knows. To this day, I still draw strength from what he said to me.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Treating myself to something fun from the TikTok Shop, my boyfriend, Gary, was quick to point this one out….lol.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My home, which is now shared with Gary. It is truly my most treasured and safe space.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
A trip Gary and I took to New York City to visit my sister. I never thought I would visit New York City. It was on a bucket list of a bucket list, that is how much I didn’t think I would get to go there. Because of Gary and my sister, they made it happen. It was the trip of a lifetime. New York City is absolutely breathtaking in person. If I have one suggestion, it is that everyone go there at least once in their lifetime.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
I think perfect happiness can’t truly exist, as no matter the good that life brings, it still throws curveballs our way at times. It is a matter of trying to constantly focus on the good things in our lives and stay strong when the hard times come our way, and surround ourselves with those who keep us in a positive headspace.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
I am most proud of my work ethic and loyalty to those I love. My parents taught me this at an early age, and I have carried it with me throughout my life.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
There are so many hardships that life throws your way. It is hard to choose just one. When hardships happen, there are times when you have to just live day by day until you get yourself through. Later, I think, is when the growth and reflection can happen.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Learn to love yourself before you can truly love another. It is okay to have your own voice and be your own person. That is part of the self-love journey.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Counseling is the best way to reach or advance your self-growth. It is a wonderful tool and should be utilized without shame or criticism.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?I actually have two. Live, Love, Laugh is the first one. The joy they bring can brighten any day! Just doing my best is the other. Some days we get disappointed at what we don’t achieve. When really, we are doing our best every day. Some days, with what life brings, our best looks different. Sprinkle just doing my best with a little Grace, and you have a recipe for a much better day!

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Unconditional love. Being able to both give and receive it.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
Mostly, I have found my own voice. I am confident in the person I am, and in my thoughts and values. I try to live by this now.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
That would have to be my perfectionism. I work on this constantly. I want everything to always be perfect, but it can never be. I’m trying to accept this and give myself more grace when things don’t go as planned. I’m slowly making progress.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I wish that future generations could come together as one and live in love and peace. That they will understand that everyone has different views of the world, and that is what makes it go around.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
I want to thank Julie Heang for her kindness in gifting me this photo session. She sees the best in me, even when I don’t always see it in myself.