I’m Jackie, the founder of Made Of More and when I hit mid life I did not like what I ran into. Not one bit. No thank you. Not on my watch. I couldn’t understand what was wrong with me - mentally, emotionally and physically. It was a scary time because I didn’t recognise the feelings I was having and I couldn’t understand why I felt so ‘meh’. When I looked in the mirror I didn’t recognise myself. After wallowing in it for a bit I decided enough was enough and I took control of the situation.
It struck me that having gone from a career and really enjoying my job, I had unwittingly settled into a role of looking after everybody else in my family: 3 children, 3 dogs, husband and a cat - and not doing anything for myself. Ever. I put my own needs below everybody else’s and doing anything, even having a haircut, felt like a luxury and made me feel guilty. Writing this I look back and think how silly that was. When I reflected on my state and had some therapy I realised, it’s my time. This is the time for me. I’m going to do something for myself. For once in my life I am going to make this about what I want.
I began to learn about my hormones and how they were affecting me - in fact how they affect every physiological system in the body. I spoke to doctors, specialists, any woman who mentioned it to me and fully immersed myself in this new world. Along the way I met some truly inspirational women, some of whom I hope to introduce you to. Knowledge is power and armed with this new found information and fascination I started to try and reframe what was happening to me in a positive light. I had my lightbulb moment: the harsh reality was that I paid too much time and attention to things that really had no consequence in my or my family’s life. When I realised that I actually did not give a fu*k about those things my life changed irrevocably. I focus on the things that matter to me, I focus on the things I can change and I focus on the things that make me happy. Made Of More makes me happy and I hope it makes you happy too.
Made Of More was borne from the idea that midlife does not signal 'the end' but rather the beginning. I was sick of 14 year old models selling me anti aging creams - because we all know that no amount of cream is going to turn back the clock. And frankly who wants to turn back the clock? I don't know a single girl who wants to go back to her twenties. Why would you?! No thanks. I like me much more now; I’d just like to look the best version of me. You know that feeling you get when you walk out of the hairdresser having had the haircut of your life? That feeling. I want that feeling for my face which is why we created Made Of More.
I’m so glad you’re here so we can enjoy this journey together. I really do mean enjoy. Stop giving a sh*t. Live your life. Be with the ones you love. And come and join us for a dirty Martini and a bitching session where we discuss the important matters of the day; How do you deal with a crush on your kid’s teacher? Can anyone master liquid eyeliner over 45? Is there a phrase more annoying than ‘printer not connected’ when you're on a deadline? Why does my mother still insist on calling me on the landline when no-one else does and I’m not even sure I can still find it? Have I left the iron on?
Come and say hi on socials, reach out if you're struggling (we’ve all been there) and don’t forget to wear your temporary tattoo with joy!
Big love
Jackie
