Read what one of our clients, Autumn, had to say about her experience with the 40 over 40 Project and why she wanted to be part of this confidence-boosting experience!
A Little About Autumn’s Background and Life
Autumn Eklond is a Nashville Native that graduated with honors from Lipscomb University and spends her free time traveling, hiking, and riding motocross. Her parents passed away when she was in her twenties, and she has a unique perspective about living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment in life as a gift. She has over two decades of business experience, from large profile organizations to nonprofit with positions in leadership, sales, account management, operations, and marketing.
Autumn is currently the Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Ambassador of the Iroquois Steeplechase where she is responsible for bringing in new strategic partners and enhancing the benefits for future sponsorship programs.
She has three children. Kaylin, Matthew, and Victoria. She also has an Aussie named Asher.
Q+A with Autumn:
Why was being part of the 40 Over 40 Project important to you?
As an ambitious, career-oriented individual and also the sole provider of my household, I play a balancing act every day. Turning 40 didn’t change the balancing act, it made me appreciate all the women in my life who have helped shape me into the woman I have become today. I have learned so much from the very talented women around me and hope that I can be a role model for those around me, just as I have learned from those around me.
Turning 40 made me realize that many women around me struggle with society’s standards of expectations just as much as I do. The being all and everything to everyone without ever having a bad day is a really high expectation for all of us to live up to every single day. And if someone should just so happen to catch us at just the wrong moment, we might be categorized by a word none of us like to ever be called. I have learned who I am allowed to be vulnerable with and with whom to remain guarded.
What is your profession?
Non Profit
What are your achievements and hobbies?
That’s a hard question for me. I love being behind the scenes in regards to achievements and enjoy instead rewarding everyone else during the success stories. It takes a village for something truly remarkable to happen and I never want to ever leave anyone out so I tend to let others shine and take all the credit when something magnificent has occurred. I have many hobbies and I could talk about those for days! I love traveling, camping, hiking, redecorating old furniture, meeting new people, volunteering for a new charity, doing something spontaneous, listening to a book while on a trip, watching a horse race, watching a car race! It doesn’t take much to talk me into trying something new or adventurous!
What is your greatest accomplishment?
I would say healing through a divorce. It’s hard on adults and children. Two people who may or may not love each other and have made a decision that they can’t be married, but love their children. It’s real, and it’s hard. It requires a lot of healing and maturity.
What is your personal motto?
“Live your life while you’re making a living. Don’t just make a living.” Pretty sure Dolly Parton had a quote very similar to this. It’s fitting, and I relate to this very well.
What is something that matters to you?
My family always matters the most. I have friends that I also consider family.
What quote defines you?
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” –Mae West
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Suck it up, buttercup. Therapy or margaritas – talking about it for longer than either of these two will not fix it or erase it. You have to do something eventually.
What would you like your legacy to be?
Leaving people feeling better about themselves by knowing me than not knowing me. I want to be a person that truly respects and honors others for who they are, regardless of where they came from or where they are going in life.
What are 3 words that define you?
Loyal. Kind. Energetic.
When you look at your final portraits, how do you feel about yourself? What words would you use to describe the woman in the portrait?
Beautiful! I could not believe it was me in the photos!
If you’re ready to book your photoshoot, you can start the process by sending an inquiry here.
Or you can see more of my Portrait Photography photos here!
You go, Autumn! From our humble beginnings!