08/27/2026
"Reinvent yourself as many times as you want. "
Those words from Ann Bromery’s Forty Over 40 story tell you a lot about the woman I had the pleasure of getting to know better.
Growing up in a small New England town, the path others imagined for her was familiar, predictable, and comfortable. Her journey carried her far beyond that town it into a more suburban and cosmopolitan world. She became a wife, mother, executive, entrepreneur, investor, and a lifelong learner who continued following opportunities that challenged her.
By 40, she was Chief Financial Officer. At the same time, she built a real estate business, spending more than two decades buying, rehabilitating, and renting properties. She's trained in Krav Maga, loves refurbishing furniture, has a passion for construction projects, and has never stopped listening to that little voice that says:
“Try."
When she had children, many assumed that her professional ambitions would slow down. Instead, her daughters inspired her to think creatively, take risks, and pursue opportunities.
During Ann's Design Consultation, I quickly realized her portraits couldn't fit and neatly into one definition of who she is, because Ann doesn't either. And that was going to make this experience incredibly special.
We coordinated with her daughter Grace, who came from North Carolina to share in the experience, making an already meaningful day even more special. Ann also found beautiful, personal ways to honor her daughter Hannah throughout the experience.
We started in the studio with Mary beth’s makeup artistry, created portraits there, then headed to one of our local trails before finishing at The Collective Offshore and Encore, creating completely different looks that reflected the many sides of Ann.
One of my favorite passages from her story says: "You can be analytical and artistic, professional and adventurous, practical and bold." Ann is definitely living proof of that. She is a wonderful combination of intelligence, curiosity, strength, humor, and willingness to try something new.
And perhaps that's the message and story for all of us and especially the generations coming behind us:
"Your life doesn't have to look like anyone else's idea of what it should be.”
Trust your instincts. Take the chance. And be willing to surprise yourself.
Thank you, Ann. What an absolute joy was creating these with you and getting to know you better.
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410.988.5568
https://www.pamlongphotography.com/forty-over-40-experience
Bra-La-La Richcroft, Inc. Zaching Against Cancer