If you think modeling is only for the young, check out the stylish Ong Bee Yan of Singapore.
The 65-year-old grandmother and business owner is also a part-time model. She caught the fashion scene by storm when she graced pages of Vogue, L’officiel, the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, and other lifestyle publications.
Ong Bee Yan isn’t your typical 60-something female. While she admittingly enjoys being a grandma, the “senior influencer” or “granfluencer” actively runs a cold brew coffee business, attends regular exercise classes, and enjoys café hopping with her husband. Her Grey Evolution IG account has inspired seniors to look beyond their numeric age and leave their comfort zones.
She first caught media attention in 2016 when she and her husband opened 1 degree C, a cold brew coffee business.
“We received a lot of media coverage. Most of them said, ‘You are an elder and yet you dare to venture into a business like this,” Yan excitedly shared with Manila Standard Life.
Taking advantage of the attention from media, Yan launched Grey Evolution on Instagram to empower seniors to embrace their age, but without allowing it to define their happiness.
“I am a Christian, and I feel it is my mission to do this. I want to encourage seniors to get out of their comfort zone, to face their fears, if I can do it, they can do it,” she said.
Brand experts worldwide have acknowledged the growing popularity of “granfluencers” in the digital segment. According to The Social Standard website, a US-based Marketing, and Advertising agency, the segment is breaking stereotypes with its authentic content, “better captions” and by encouraging followers to “ live freely without fear of judgment.”
Yan’s Grey Evolution on IG promotes aging in a whole perspective. It talks about embracing one’s age, but also doing the unexpected.
“Even at our age, we should remain active. We are still alive and just sitting around will not be good for us, physically and mentally.”
Her interesting posts also cover the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise, with stylish photos of her elegant silver tresses together with finely curated fashion pieces.
The name Grey Evolution actually symbolizes freedom from hiding her grey strands.
“When I decided to grow out my grey hair it was empowering. This hair is me, and who cares?” she said.
Never in her wildest dream did she ever see herself being photographed in haute couture.
“My perception of a model when I was young, was someone tall, lean, drop-dead gorgeous with a beautiful body. I am none of that.
Actually, I am camera shy. I feel awkward, I feel I am not pretty. To actually be in front of the camera is very daunting, I start to freeze,” she said.
All that changed during a family photo session several years ago.
As she was having a hard time posing for the camera her son sensed her difficulties and said “it’s just a family photo, what’s the fuss?” His reaction prompted her to release all inhibitions, and just strike a pose. That same comment continues to play on her head until now, during her photoshoots.
Yan’s modeling stint started two years ago (at 63) in the midst of the media frenzy for her cold brew business.
“I was approached to showcase clothes. For me, if you want to collaborate and showcase my drinks. Then I do not mind. So, when Harper Bazaar approached me, I said ‘okay, I did not hesitate at all. If I have to encourage seniors to get out of their comfort zone I should walk the talk.’”
She describes her style sense as “street smart and monochrome, nothing elaborate.
“I prefer clothing that is flexible and multi-functional, like a shirt that can be an outerwear, it has to have a few functions, to help minimize my wardrobe size.”
Fashion has no rules according to Yan simply because everyone is unique.
“If you can carry it off, even at your age why not! There are lots of grandfluencers and senior models in the US who flaunt themselves in bikinis, and they look gorgeous,” she concluded.