Article from 'Woman and Home' magazine from February 2007.
THE SECRETS OF CONFIDENT WOMEN
We all need to discover our potential. Barbara Dickson, OBE, is a multi-platinum-selling, Olivier Award-winning artist. Barbara, 59, lives in Lincolnshire with her husband, TV director Oliver Cookson. They have three sons, Colm, 20, Gabriel, 18 and Archie, 16.
"Confidence is an elusive thing and I certainly don't have it in bucketloads. Like most performers, I cover it up. I come from a modest, working class background, where we weren't encouraged to be loud and proud. But I always knew I had a great voice, which did give me confidence.
I never felt attractive until I had my hair and make-up done professionally and wore clothes that flattered my figure for some publicity shots for an album. I didn't realise I could look like that. We all need to discover our potential.
I'm going to be 60 in September and it astonishes me. It's a big deal, but I'm fine about it. I've had a successful career, but I also measure my success in terms of a happy marriage and bringing up three well-rounded sons. My career is wonderful, but if it ended tomorrow, I know I would still have my family.
I don't believe in facelifts. They devalue older women and make society believe they don't have anything to offer. I want to be a good role model and let my wrinkles be.
Touring gives me a real buzz. I still get nervous, but it's the nerves that make a great performance. Singing is part of me; it's how I express myself.
My confidence tip: Wear what you love. For me it's black. with diamonds. Put me in my favourite black dress, black velvet shoes, my diamond earrings and Cartier watch and I feel fantastic."
Barbara's latest album Nothing's Gonna Change My World is available now. Her UK tour runs until 11 March.
