The Art Of Her

Meet The Woman Behind The ‘Women Over 40’ Portrait Project

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Originally from Dysart, Alyce Holzy has called Mackay home since 2008, and while she has always had a camera in her hands from a young age, it wasn’t until 2011 that she began exploring photography as a hobby before leaving her corporate career in 2020 to turn her passion into a full-time business, known as Alyce Holzy Photography. And in 2024 opening a studio for Boudoir By Alyce.

After turning 40 herself this year, Alyce felt inspired to create something that would give women the opportunity to step in front of the camera, be pampered, and most importantly, feel seen, celebrated, and heard.

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“I thought this could be a really great opportunity for women over forty to embrace this season of life, who have a story to tell, and ultimately, I just wanted them to know that they matter.’”

Inspired by authentic portraits proudly displayed in her nan’s home from decades ago, Alyce wanted to create a supportive space and bring a renewed focus to the traditional portrait, while creating something every woman could treasure.

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Sixteen women ultimately took part in the debut project, with each woman bringing her own experiences, memories and stories to the space Alyce had created.

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“The project was never about who’s endured the most in their life. It’s just a place and a unique experience where they can show up, be themselves, and tell their story.”

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Some women were starting over, some had experienced significant challenges, while others simply wanted to celebrate the life they had lived.

“The women who are in it, are just incredible.  

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“It’s truly eye-opening what some of them have walked through in their life, and honourable how they’re still standing – how they’re still showing up – it’s just so inspirational.”

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Through the experience, Alyce said she was reminded that there is often far more to someone’s story than what can be seen on the surface.

“We really don’t know what others have gone through to get here, which is why we just need to treat everyone with grace and kindness.”

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The women were pampered, photographed and professionally framed, and each participant had the opportunity to share her story. A coffee-table-style book was also created, with a special exhibition and gala to be held at the Barrel Room (Deli Nook) for the sixteen women involved in September.

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For Alyce, the project has become close to her heart, filled with moments of connection, laughter and emotion.

“I’ve had laughs with some of the women, even belly laughs!  

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“I’ve also shed tears with some of the women – it’s truly been a touching experience.”

The project also proudly supported The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay, with the 40 Over 40 Portrait Project donating $1,600 to the organisation.

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Alyce would like to thank the following supporters who have helped make this Project possible:

• Funk It Up Mackay

• Atkins Lab

• Barrel Room by Plattered Up/ The Deli Nook

• Soleil Coastal

• Nancy’s Gym

• Ella Bache Mackay

• Laffos

• Hotel Mackay

• Laffos Cookies

• The Avenue

• Hairway Mackay

• Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal

• All the unsung heroes who advocated for the 40 over 40 Project

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For Alyce, beauty is not only captured through a camera lens, but rather it’s found in kindness, compassion, grace and the stories people carry.

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What’s a quote or motto you live by?

“Choose to see the beauty in all things.”

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https://alyceholzy.com
boudoirbyalyce.com

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