Notes on Birthday 55

By Sonia Rishi

I turn 55 this week. And while I’ve always loved July, this particular birthday feels… important.

Some of you already know that my mum died on my 50th birthday. My dad passed away the year after. Since then, running a small business through a pandemic, an economic rollercoaster, and more personal upheaval than I could have imagined, has at times felt like crossing an ocean in a rowing boat (and I’m a really poor swimmer).

But this isn’t a sad post. I wouldn’t write one of those today. It’s also not what I’m feeling.

Because despite it all - despite how hard it’s been - this birthday feels different.
Not lighter, necessarily. But more grounded. More hopeful. More real.

Looking Back, Thinking Ahead

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself reflecting not just on the past five years, but on the next five. And this year, instead of setting goals or resolutions, I’ve simply started again.

And I’m trying - really trying - to take myself seriously.

It’s a privilege to work alongside such passionate and talented skin experts. But being the 'owner' and the oldest team member, comes with its own narrative. One I hadn’t realised I’d internalised. If I’m honest, I don’t think I always felt… worth it.

This Month, I Started Properly

I didn’t wait for someone to “need a model” before I booked a treatment. I didn’t just take home the products closest to expiry. I began where I’d ask any of our clients to begin: with a proper skin consultation.

Fatma did my very first skin scan back in 2017. She was, understandably, appalled that I hadn’t repeated it since. We laughed, but it was a moment - a reminder of everything that’s happened in between.

This time, the results were better. I’ve at least been listening. (Wearing SPF counts for a lot)
Fatma was not horrified - and I now have a proper AM and PM routine to build on. Thank you, Fatma.

The Consultations I Never Booked—Now Booked

Next, I booked in with Dr. Jannany for an injectable consultation. That’s where the photo is from. I’m not sure what’s going on with my hands, but what I do know is this: I trust our team completely.

No pressure. No quick fixes. Just Jannany’s calm, measured expertise and the sense that I’m in the right hands.
And yes—I’ve booked in.

I’ve also committed to regular facials with Nicole and started a course of Radiofrequency. Importantly, I’ve even noted down what I eat and will share (honestly) with the fabulous Swati next week. I want structure. Not just good intentions.

And the big one: I finally scheduled my Human Health Consultation with Dr. Mayoni. I’ve known for a long time how much I’d benefit - but I hadn’t made the time. Until now.

Because If Not Now, When?

I’m doing this not just as the founder of Skin & Sanctuary, but as someone, like many of you, navigating midlife with both gratitude and grit. Someone who wants to feel strong, clear, and confident again… without feeling like I need to change me.

Someone who’s learning that investing in yourself isn’t selfish - it’s how we care for the people we love, too.

So this birthday, I’ve given myself the gift of focus.

I’m not trying to turn back the clock. And I’m not promising I’ll get everything right.
But I’m paying attention.
I’m building something better—from the inside out.

Still Learning

This was a hard blog to write.

I’m a Gen X’er, and though I can share, this is usually with those I know very personally. Even saying “it’s my birthday” still feels slightly alien. But I often talk about “the journey,” and somewhere along the line… I’d paused mine.

I’ll share the results of the treatments in time. In the meantime if you have any questions, or you’re thinking of starting your own journey—please ask.

Happy Saturday and thank you so much for reading

With love,
Sonia
#LiveBeautifully