Tag Archives: Elena Dilai

What if the most beautiful chapter of a woman’s life begins after 40?

16 Oct

One of the benefits I’ve found from attending the Webster Chamber of Commerce meetings every month is meeting a lot of new people — especially business owners who are doing really interesting things.

Not long ago I connected with Elena Dilai, a portrait artist whose studio is on Ridge Rd. in Webster. She recently completed part two of her ambitious project called”40+ and Fabulous!” in which she photographed women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, to share with others the gifts of mature beauty and confidence.

Her finished works are on display now through Oct. 26 at Image City Photography Gallery. The press release I received describes the experience:

Sixteen extraordinary women – from entrepreneurs and grandmothers to cancer survivors and community leaders – have stepped in front of Dilai’s lens, revealing not just polished portraits, but profound transformations.

“Most women stop being photographed once they’re out of their twenties or thirties,” Dilai explains. “But our confidence, resilience, and beauty don’t fade – they grow. This project is about rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a woman over 40.”

Each portrait is paired with the participant’s story, capturing the vulnerability, strength, and vibrant individuality that so often get overlooked in a youth-obsessed culture. Part 2 of the exhibit brings new faces and fresh perspectives into the spotlight, featuring women from 42 to 79 and making it a must-see for anyone who has ever doubted the power of aging with grace and fire.

Elena added, “More than an art show, 40+ and Fabulous! is a movement. It’s about visibility. It’s about women reclaiming their place in front of the camera, and rediscovering themselves in the process.”

After the exhibit closes on Oct. 26, Elena will have an exclusive showing of all 16 portraits at her studio on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. Her studio is located in a restored church building at 1864 Ridge Rd., Webster (just west of County Line Rd.).

For more information, contact Elena Dilai at 585-967-4398 or elenadilaiphotography@gmail.com. You can also read the stories in advance on her website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/16/2025)

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Elena Dilai Photography named Chamber April Business of the Month

21 Apr

Congratulations to Elena Dilai Photography, honored as the April Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Elena’s business stood out to the Chamber of Commerce selection committee for several reasons.

Elena has studied under some of the most respected photographers in the world. Her hunger for perfecting her craft has been recognized by The Portrait Masters who have awarded her an Associate Accreditation. Additionally, several pieces of her work have earned entrance into the finals at the Professional Photographers of America’s International Competition. She was also recently named one of the Top 100 Photographers in the World by WPE.

Elena has been recognized outside of the field of photography as well. She is an awarded professor of mathematics at Monroe Community College, including being a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. 

Elena’s work, “Enduring Spirit,” recently won the Susan B. Anthony Museum Award through the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Currently, she’s working hard on fulfilling her “40+ and Fabulous” dream, where she is photographing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, share with others the gifts of mature beauty and confidence.

As for community service — an important criterion for selection as Business of the Month — Elena performs leadership roles in Rochester’s Ukrainian-American community. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of RocMaidan, a nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community. Length of service and commitment to our community are success factors the Webster Chamber of Commerce enjoys recognizing and celebrating.

Get to know the Chamber of Commerce

Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.

The first is the monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, on Friday April 25 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Join 70-90 Chamber members, guests and visitors at this great opportunity to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)

This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area! Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is on Wednesday April 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Webster Chamber of Commerce office, 1110 Crosspoint Lane. Garrett Wagner, Founder of C3 Advisory, will host.

The Chamber’s monthly Eat Drink & Connects are opportunities to professionally network and get further acquainted with members. There’s no fee for Chamber members to attend, and just $10 for guests and visitors. And there are DOOR PRIZES! All attendees must pre-register here.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/21/2025)

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