40 over 40 and the Art of Reinvention
Words: Ani Lu Doran | Photography: Oliver Doran
When Oliver and I decided to swap Jersey’s rugged coastlines for Marbella’s sunny charm this winter, we knew it would be an adventure. What we didn’t expect was just how eventful that adventure would be before we even got there. Our plan seemed simple enough: pack up the car with cameras, backdrops, and (far too many) coats, then make our way to Andalucía. But life, as it so often does, had other ideas.
An Unexpected Holiday in Méribel
Our first detour was a planned one: a visit to the family in Méribel, the picturesque French Alps resort. It was meant to be a quick stop—a few days to catch up, enjoy the snow, and maybe sneak in a ski run or two. But as we were preparing to head south, our car decided it wasn’t quite ready to leave.
A breakdown in Méribel turned what should have been a three-day visit into a ten-day stay. Of course, if you’re going to get stuck somewhere, it might as well be in a place with breathtaking mountain views and excellent après-ski. Life is terrible, what can I say?
The extended stay gave us time to slow down and reflect on this big move. And while we may have been itching to hit the road, the snow-covered detour reminded us that sometimes, the journey is as important as the destination.
Why Marbella?
Jersey has been an incredible home for us, both professionally and personally. Over the years, Oliver’s 40 Over 40 campaigns have become a cornerstone of our work, celebrating the strength, beauty, and individuality of women over 40. Seeing the transformative impact these portraits have had on both the women in front of the camera and Oliver as an artist has been nothing short of inspiring.
This winter, we’re taking that ethos to Spain with 40 Over 40 Andalucía. The project will bring the same empowering message to a new stage, showcasing the stories of 40 women from the vibrant and sun-drenched culture of Andalucía. Marbella, with its mix of Mediterranean charm and international energy, feels like the perfect place for this next chapter. For us, this move is about more than a change of scenery; it’s about inspiration. The sunny weather, bold street style, and slower pace of life are already pushing us to see the world—and our work— through a fresh lens.
My Story: From Chef to Stylist
This move is also a new chapter in my own journey. Born in Mexico, I spent more than a decade living in France, where I gained French nationality before moving to Jersey. My career began in the culinary world—I trained as a chef and loved the creativity and precision it demanded.
When Oliver and I started working together, I transitioned into fashion styling and personal shopping, which allowed me to blend my love for artistry and connecting with people. I worked at Voisins Department Store in Jersey, a vibrant hub of culture and style, and still return occasionally on a zero-hour contract. It’s a place that taught me the importance of creating experiences that are as personal as they are polished.
Today, as the studio manager for Oliver Doran Studios, I oversee client coordination, production, and styling. It’s a role that keeps me on my toes—and working alongside my husband has its challenges, too.
The Art of Working Together
Collaborating with your partner can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires a healthy dose of patience and boundaries. For Oliver and me, mornings are sacred coffee time (no work talk allowed), and we make an effort to switch off when the workday ends—though that’s not always easy when one of you can’t resist tweaking the set design! That said, we’ve found that trust and complementary strengths make all the difference. Oliver’s creative vision and my eye for detail are a powerful combination, and this move to Marbella feels like the natural next step for us both.
The Detour We Didn’t Expect: A Scam in Barcelona
Just as we were leaving Barcelona, a car pulled up beside us, honking aggressively. The driver, a man in his 40s, was shouting and pointing frantically at our back tyre.
”¡Fuego! ¡Fuego!”
Flames? From our car? Given our recent automotive history, it didn’t seem impossible. Fear kicked in, and against all common sense, we pulled over to the hard shoulder.
The man reversed up to us, jumped out of his car, and ran to the back of ours, waving his arms.
“Look! Look!” he shouted, pointing at the tyre.
I got out to translate, trying to understand what he was saying. But oddly, he refused to speak Spanish—only English, with a thick accent. That should have been my first red flag.
But in that moment, with trucks roaring past us and the panic of a possible fire, instincts took a backseat.
Then, as suddenly as he arrived, he was gone. “Okay, okay, I help you! I go now!” he said, jumping back into his car and speeding off.
What we didn’t realise—until five hours later—was that while we were distracted, his accomplice had crawled around to the passenger side, opened the door, and stolen three of our bags.
Gone. Just like that.
At first, I was furious. Then, as we went through the list of what was missing, I realised something—while they had taken my cosmetics (which anyone who knows me knows is personal), they had completely missed all our camera gear, lights, and laptops. The universe had at least some mercy.
And, in a small act of poetic justice, they had also unknowingly stolen Oliver’s dirty laundry bag. Enjoy that, fellas.
Staying Connected to Jersey
While we’re embracing this new adventure, Jersey remains at the heart of our work. The studio there is still very much open, and we’ll be returning every month to shoot portraits and reconnect with our incredible clients. Jersey has shaped so much of who we are as artists, from its breathtaking coastlines to the vibrant community we’ve been privileged to work with. This dual-location model allows us to blend the best of both worlds and continue telling stories that matter.
Looking Ahead
As we finally prepare to arrive in Marbella, we’re filled with excitement for what lies ahead. Whether we’re photographing the stylish locals on a sunlit plaza or creating intimate portraits for 40 Over 40 Andalucía, we’re ready to embrace the chaos, beauty, and magic of this next chapter.
And if you ever find yourself driving through Barcelona, just remember: no pares, no mires, y sigue adelante.
