Ann Baker

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Why I Started Modeling Over 50 (And Why You Should Too)

2025-01-04 09:03:52

Happy 2025! Many ask how I got my start. It is a bit of a jagged path. As a child, I was placed in theater productions. It was a way for me to stay out of my mother's hair while she wrangled the other children. We moved a lot with my father's career, so building momentum as a child actress was a bit tedious. I was also in the hospital a lot as a child (dying and near death a few times (another story for another day) making consistent performances difficult. That said, we made it work as we could. It was good outlet for me to feel "normal" in a world that didn't want me to live. In my later childhood and teen years, I participated in pageants and local modeling gigs which led me to my adult life and from time to time participating in ads and local plays where a local model or actress was required. I still had to deal with random and unexplained anaphylaxis. I figured out how to work around those moments * I was born with a mutated chromosome. I have lived with Mast Cell Disease since day 1. My life for the past 50+ years has been dotted with multiple ER trips, many hospitals, endless medical specialists, and always feeling “rough”. The best way to describe living with this disease is on a good day, always feeling like you have a mild case of the flu, without the fever. The disease progressed in 2017 when my husband and I were living in Germany. He flew me back to the US and from 2017 to 2023, my life was entirely defined by this illness as well as those that spin off from it. Most days, I spent 18 hours on the sofa, feeling like life was passing me by. Diagnosed with Mast Cell Disease, a condition that causes unpredictable and severe allergic reactions, I often felt trapped in my own body. Why was the diagnosis so late in my life? The answer is Science finally figured out what was making me sick all these years and could finally give it a name and treatments. Every aspect of my life from that point revolved around managing symptoms, avoiding triggers, and simply surviving. * One day in 2023, I made a powerful decision: “This is not how my story ends.” * I made a decision that changed everything: I was no longer going to live a life of isolation. I refused to let my illness define me or dictate my future. I no longer wanted to spend my days preparing for death. I took my health and life into my own hands which started me down a new path, or chapter. Shortly after that shift in mindset, an unexpected opportunity came my way. I was invited to submit to a modeling contest—a world I had never imagined for myself. To my surprise, I won and was gifted a photoshoot. That first photoshoot became my portfolio and my springboard, and within three months of submitting my work, I was signed by an agency. * Embracing Challenges in a New Chapter. * Modeling at any age comes with its own challenges, but doing so in your 50s with a chronic illness adds an extra layer of complexity. My condition requires constant vigilance. At every photoshoot, I have to navigate potential triggers like fragrances, makeup ingredients, and even the foods provided on set (I bring my own). Traveling for jobs means careful planning: I always keep emergency medication on hand and backup supplies in case of a reaction. * Some people have asked, “Why choose such a demanding career when you’re already managing so much?” The answer is simple: To Inspire. * Living Life Beyond Diagnosis. * When I started modeling, it wasn’t just about the images or the runway—it was about breaking the narrative. Chronic illness often feels like an ending, but I’m here to prove it can also be a beginning. For those of us living with long-term health challenges, it’s easy to feel forgotten, overlooked, or underestimated. But life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. * Through modeling, I want to show others that it’s possible to pursue your passions, even in the face of obstacles. It might not look like the path you expected, but there’s always a way to make an impact. For me, that impact comes through representation, resilience, and embracing life’s gifts with gratitude. * Every Day is a Gift. * With Mast Cell Disease, there are no guarantees. Reactions and flares can be unpredictable and life-threatening, and over time, the body bears the weight of this constant battle. Knowing this, I approach each day with intentionality. As long as I wake up and have breath in my lungs, I have a purpose. Modeling allows me to fulfill that purpose by inspiring others to find strength in their challenges and live boldly despite the odds. * Why Should You Consider Modeling Over 50? * If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the spotlight, why not now? Modeling isn’t just for the young or the picture-perfect. It’s for anyone who has a story to tell, a message to share, or a dream to chase. Starting in this industry later in life brings a unique perspective—and the world is ready for it. * No matter your age, your circumstances, or your challenges, there’s a place for you to shine. Whether it’s modeling or another passion you’ve been putting off, take the leap. Let your story inspire someone else to do the same. * My journey from the sofa to the runway taught me this: life doesn’t wait, and neither should you. * So, what are you waiting for? It’s never too late to rewrite your story. * Set your intentions for a spectacular 2025! Let me know how you are doing. * ...With all my love…Always yours, ...Ann Find me on Instagram @AnnBakerModel www.Ann-Baker.com Photo by: Pat Ventrello IG: @pat1955