Swimming has always been a huge part of my life. I love nothing more than diving into the water and swimming for an hour each day. It’s my time to unwind, move my body, and feel completely at peace. When I’m not in the water, I spend my time writing children’s stories—another passion that brings me so much joy. Life has been a healing journey for me, and I truly believe it’s never too late to heal, grow, and embrace new experiences.
“Real Women Deserve Real Representation”
I love that Ocean Road Swimwear celebrates women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Seeing real women in media and advertising is so important, and I admire brands that reflect the true diversity of our world. It makes a difference when we see people like ourselves represented—it helps us feel seen, valued, and confident in our own skin.
“My Friends Were So Excited!”
When I told my friends I was going to model swimwear, they were thrilled! It was such a fun and empowering experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone. Modelling for Ocean Road Swimwear was about more than just wearing a swimsuit—it was about stepping into confidence and embracing myself as I am.
“Sun Protection and Style in One”
My favourite pieces from the Ocean Road Swimwear range are the long swim tights and the colourful rashie. They give me great sun protection, are incredibly comfortable to wear, and the bright rashie adds a fun pop of colour to my wardrobe. Whether I’m swimming or just enjoying the outdoors, I love feeling stylish and protected at the same time.
“I love helping others find confidence in the water and in life.”
I’m 45, married to Jason, who’s been by my side since high school. Our daughter, Letishia, is 21 now, and being her mum has been the joy of my life. I’ve spent the past two decades teaching swimming, focusing on infants, kids with autism, and beginner adults. I love watching my students overcome their fears and find confidence in the water, just as I have in other areas of my life.
“There’s power in shedding layers on stage and in life.”
Three years ago, I started Burlesque dancing with Bombshell Burlesque in Brisbane, and it’s done wonders for my confidence. Burlesque is about shedding insecurities as much as it’s about shedding layers on stage. You’re out there, bare and vulnerable, and yet you’re cheered on by people who genuinely appreciate you, exactly as you are. Seeing women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities on stage inspired me to embrace my own body in a way I never thought I could.
“Losing 50kg was one step, but loving my body has been the real journey.”
In 2019, I had weight-loss surgery and lost 50kg. It was a big decision and one I don’t take lightly, but it’s helped me feel healthier and more comfortable in my skin. Then last year I was diagnosed with ADHD and learned I was in perimenopause. These are things we often feel embarrassed to talk about, but I believe they’re part of a journey many women face. I want to be open about these experiences because society still shames women for things like body size, age, appearance and mental health issues. We’re expected to stay young and flawless, but life is so much more real and wonderful than that.
“When I saw the Ocean Road Swimwear post, I thought, why not?!”
I came across a Facebook post from Ocean Road Swimwear looking for real women to model their range, and I thought, why not give it a go? It felt like a natural extension of everything I’d been working on with my own self-confidence. Modelling for Ocean Road has been about celebrating who I am, and it’s an incredible feeling to represent a brand that values real women’s bodies. Wearing their swimwear, especially my favourite piece—the rainbow tie-dyed leggings—made me feel vibrant, comfortable, and stylish. Those leggings are fantastic for anything, from swimming to running errands!
“Body confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s about being happy with where you are right now.”
Body confidence has been a gradual journey. When I was younger, I felt immense pressure to look a certain way, especially during the ‘90s, when the waif look was everywhere. I went from worrying about body image to fully embracing what makes me feel strong and beautiful. Being on stage with Burlesque helped, and now modelling swimwear has added a new layer to that confidence. Ocean Road Swimwear has been a platform for me to show up exactly as I am, bumps, curves, and all.
“Representing a real woman in her 40s in the swimwear industry means a lot to me.”
I love that I get to show women my age that we’re allowed to be bold, beautiful, and comfortable in our skin. Society often expects women to “tone it down” as we get older, but Ocean Road Swimwear celebrates us exactly as we are. The industry has traditionally been about an unattainable ideal, but more and more brands, like Ocean Road, are recognising the importance of real, relatable models. It’s a privilege to represent a size 14-16 woman in her 40s, showing others that we can be stunning, confident, and proud of where we are in life.
A Journey of Self-Acceptance and Embracing New Adventures
“I’m open to trying something new.”
Two years ago, I made a huge life change. I packed everything I owned into my car and drove from Melbourne to the Brisbane, where my sisters and their families live. I felt it was time for a fresh start. I’ve been working remotely for five years—three of those during lockdown and the last two on the Sunshine Coast in IT. I recently quit my job and am on the lookout for a new career!
“I love beach life and collecting shells.”
When I’m not working, I spend my time enjoying everything the coast has to offer. I absolutely love kayaking and the beach life. There’s nothing better than walking along the shore and collecting shells; it really brings me joy.
“This is me.”
So, how did I get into swimwear modelling with Ocean Road Swimwear? A friend of mine, who knows Tanya, asked if I’d be interested, and I thought, “Why not?” I’ve never modelled before, but I was open to trying something new. I won’t lie; I had some concerns about my body—my stomach and thighs were my biggest worries since I don’t usually show my body. But about a year ago, I decided to embrace who I am. This is what I look like, and I’m not here to impress anyone. This is me!
“A confident person is a sexy person.”
A pivotal moment for me came just over three years ago when I decided to give up alcohol. It involved a lot of soul-searching, but it changed my life for the better. I started to accept and love myself, and while I strive to get fit—doing Pilates every second day—I’m genuinely happy with who I am, and it shows. To me, body confidence means empowerment. A confident person is a sexy person who can achieve anything.
“Just do it, embrace it.”
I feel so honoured to be part of a movement that challenges traditional beauty standards in swimwear. It’s amazing to be part of a team that embraces our unique looks. My family has been incredibly supportive of my decision to model. My sister sends me pictures daily that appear on the Ocean Road Swimwear site! I encourage other women considering modelling to just do it! It was such great fun, and the results were wonderful.
“The bright colours are perfect for my beach lifestyle.”
When it comes to my favourite items, I absolutely loved the bright-coloured leggings! They’re not only stylish but also functional for my beach lifestyle. I can wear them while kayaking, which means I can enjoy my time in the sun without worrying about getting burnt. It’s great to have swimwear that makes me feel confident and comfortable at the same time. I hope people see that I had fun, the swimwear looked great, and they want to try it for themselves!
Discover Celena’s incredible journey from loss to leadership
“Confidence has never been an issue for me.”
I am so grateful for the opportunity to model your gorgeous swimwear. For me, confidence was not an issue as with a background in business development, marketing, events, celebrant, public speaking, I am used to be photographed as well as standing up in front of many people. In 2019 I was recognized and awarded a Sunshine Coast Senior Leadership Award – in recognition of previous years in initiating the establishment and structure of Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network, and running a women’s retiree group.
“Losing him, just as I turned 66, was heartbreaking.”
But that was in my past. A life where I felt dynamic, a leader, initiating and identifying opportunities for businesses as well as conducted many ceremonies as a celebrant. However, my life was irrevocably changed when my husband of nearly 50 years, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He struggled for a few months and when he passed I had only just turned 66 years old. To lose your husband in the middle of your ‘younger’ retirement years was just devastating and hard to come to terms with. For the first 9 months, I would cry every day, and only go out to walk a little Cavoodle I adopted, or a quick dash to get groceries. After nearly 50 years together, everyday was surreal, I felt so fragile, vulnerable and when I looked into the mirror I saw a sad and old looking woman. Waves of grief and tears would come at any time, sleeping was hard and cooking for one was too hard for the first couple of years. I had to learn to turn loneliness to solitude and learning to not only fill those hours, especially from 4pm onwards, from sadness, depression and aloneness to ones where I felt OK with my company. Engaging mind coaches for support and learning NLP and how you can change the pathways of thinking, my art, listening to Podcasts and time with family, particularly my young grandchildren , all contributed to helping me to help myself. I was determined to regain my mental and physical health. Grief never disappears, sadness and loneliness are still a part of my life, but I am stronger and now loving life and always looking for opportunities of new experiences and friendships.
“I longed for companionship and a community that understood my experience.”
Since then I have spoken to many widows, and we all share the same thoughts of how do we go on, how do we travel again, how do we go out for dinner, walks, etc. Your whole life as a couple is suddenly gone. I struggled and tried attending some single groups but I just couldn’t find my tribe. Women who understood, and who were also looking to develop friends, who they might be able to go out or away with, to laugh with, to restart a new life.
“It’s been a reminder that life doesn’t stop and that fun, laughter, and confidence can still be found at any age.”
So I started a facebook group “Sunshine Coast SOLO Baby Boomer Women’s Group, so I could not only meet single women but likeminded women in my age group. The first lunch I had 3 attend, then 5 and then amazingly watched as the number of members escalated. Currently there are around 460 women, who meet up throughout the coast with many friendships made, and travel buddies for Australia and overseas travel. Women have commented on appreciating how they now have a reason to put on make up and dress up.
“I hope my journey can inspire other women – especially widows and those in my age group – to try new things.”
I also appreciated the opportunity to be, I hope, an inspiration to other unexpected widows and divorced women in the baby boomer age range. Life can go on. You can laugh again. Equally, at my age, now nudging 70 years, mature aged females seem to become invisible. We are often overlooked when standing waiting to be served in a shop or hotel and been short as well as obviously mature age, I can wait a long time unless I speak up.
“Thank you again for the opportunity to feel alive, be ‘seen,’ and laugh.”
So here I was, on the beach – I don’t think anyone was watching as I changed swimwear outfits. Me, modeling swimwear, mature aged, lots of wrinkles – everywhere, sagging skin, varicose veins, of my gosh, but I didn’t care. I wanted to just have fun and enjoy the opportunity. And hopefully for my grand daughters to be inspired to try new things, not to be afraid.
I loved the outfits also, the colours, the softness, designs and fit. I plan to wear some of the pants to gym sessions. Of course I was always going to be attracted to the more colourful outfits as I am a creative and paint multi media and water colour art, as well as some slow stitching of cards and organic textured weaving.
