2025 40 Over 40 Series: Jena Regan

By Brandi Stage / January 13, 2026

“You can start over at any age and I’m living proof of that. Life will break your heart, test your faith, and hand you loss you don’t think you can survive. But if you keep showing up, you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of building from the ashes.“   Jena’s story: You can start…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Angela Ritchie

By Brandi Stage / January 8, 2026

“After divorcing Caleb’s dad and escaping an abusive relationship with a narcissistic partner, I found the strength to rebuild my life. Now, 20 years later, I own a thriving insurance brokerage firm—one that gave me the freedom to raise Caleb without missing a single sporting event or special moment in his life.“   Angela’s story:…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Helen Haw

By Brandi Stage / December 30, 2025

“I think everyone has a part of his or her life we might choose to do something differently, but even the unpleasant experiences help us to grow.“   Helen’s story: I am a baby boomer. My mother was from Louisiana and met my Illinois born father who was in the army. We moved several times…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Jamie Paige

By Brandi Stage / December 10, 2025

“Put your heart into everything you do!“ Jamie’s story: Put your heart into everything you do!     What are some of the rewarding parts of the current decade you are in? The challenges? In this era of my life I have taken a leap of faith and made a big career move. The fear…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Susan Prestridge

By Brandi Stage / December 3, 2025

“You have to take the lessons learned and input in life to make you the person you want or become. It may take time but lessons are there for reasons. I would not trade it for anything.“   Susan’s story: Geez… I have no idea where to begin…I was tickled pink when Brandi called. I…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Yashica Mack

By Brandi Stage / November 26, 2025

“I would not do anything differently. I now understand that everything happened for me to be at this place, in this moment, loving myself at this time.“   Yashica’s story: “If I want to be free, I’ve got to be me. Not the me you think I should be, not the me I think my…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Stephanie Box

By Brandi Stage / November 11, 2025

“If I had the opportunity, I wouldn’t change a thing! With each decade, I’ve lived and loved and been the best I could be with the help of God, my family and friends.“   Stephanie’s story: This Bible verse has always brought me peace, letting me know that God truly has gone before me to…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Jamie Ball

By Brandi Stage / November 6, 2025

“If you want anything in this world, YOU have to work hard for it. For most of the world life is not easy, but hard work will pay off in the end.“   Jamie’s story: My parents divorced when I was 4 years old. My father re-married within about 9 months. My mom had custody…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Carol Lott

By Brandi Stage / October 6, 2025

“To my surprise and shock, I was diagnosed with a meningioma (a brain tumor). The location in my brain was the area that controls the speech and coordination. In March, I underwent a craniotomy to remove it. To describe my recovery process could be said nothing short of miraculous. I was admitted on a Tuesday…

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2025 40 Over 40 Series: Kristi Lovelace

By Brandi Stage / September 25, 2025

“I haven’t always extended the same love and care to myself that I give so freely to others. I’ve spent decades nurturing everyone around me—students, children, family—while putting myself last. Eventually, it caught up to me. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore.…

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Brandi Stage HEADSHOT NEW EDIT copy

Brandi Stage is a portrait photographer recognized by the prestigious International Photography Awards and based in Diamondhead, MS. She creates an exceptional magazine-style photo shoot and timeless heirloom portraits for women, men, children and pets in her studio or on location.