A mum credits her incredible transformation to getting divorced - and joining Tinder. Emma Sheppard, 42, split from her husband of 18 years in 2020.
She says her busy life as a wife had left her unhappy - both within herself and with her look. But, two years on, Emma says she is "walking on air" having turned her life around.
The mum-of-two joined a gym and ditched junk food - instead eating healthy meals she had cooked at home. And she also glammed-up and started going out again - and set up an account on Tinder.
READ MORE: 'Irish women make four big mistakes with fashion' - Designer Paul Costelloe shares his thoughts
Emma says she's since received loads of attention, including from a man who claimed to have been on Love Island. Emma, a welfare case worker from Blackpool, Lancashire, said: "I'm so happy now that I've totally turned my life around.
"I feel amazing and it's like the beauty comes from within. It's like walking on air. Before I'd always just worked hard and cared for everyone else. But, one day after we separated, I realised it was my turn.
"I looked old empty and drained, but now I'm living my best life. I'm happy and I look completely different."
Emma tied the knot in 2000, aged 22. She thought she would be married for life but the relationship started to break down several years ago, she says.
Her husband then moved out in January 2021, and the divorce was finalised in October of that year. Emma says she was initially down but, after listening to Roar by Katy Perry, she decided to move on.
First she gave her wardrobe an overhaul, booting out her usual black trousers and flats for skirts, heels and brightly coloured jackets and coats. She also started wearing red lipstick for the first time, and cut her 20-a-day smoking habit to just four.
The non-drinker also took an extra job two nights in a cocktail bar and started going to the gym for weights and cardio five times a week. And Emma says she also switched up her eating habits, replacing egg and chips and bacon sandwiches with chicken pasta and homemade bolognaise.
She said: "I'd married for life. It was him, the girls and work. I felt I'd got it all sorted. It was really bad after he left, it really broke me. I felt worthless - I was having panic attacks.
"I had no confidence in myself and was so isolated. I was just existing, working to pay the bills and just getting through. One day I woke up and thought, 'You come from a family of strong women, you are free and you can make a difference in your life'.
"I realised I can be so much more. It was like a force from somebody watching over me. Everything about me is completely different now.
"People say I look incredible compared to before, and I think it's because I'm so happy inside. Now I just smile all the time. And this is just the beginning."
Emma does not have a new partner yet, but is looking for love on Tinder. She said: "It was funny to get hit on by that Love Island guy. I didn't recognise him at first but I thought, 'My type on paper'.
"I worked it out when we talked over Snapchat and I saw videos of him. He was messaging saying how pretty I was and that I don't look like 42. It was very flattering, and a shock, and quite funny."
READ NEXT:
- 'Do the right thing' - Family of boy injured in Cork hit and run make heartfelt plea to driver involved
- Ireland weather LIVE updates as Met Eireann issue rare double warning amid brutal storm forecast
- Daughter of man being remembered in Listowel mass hits out at 'hateful' priest after sermon rant
- Experts warn against viral TikTok trend that could cost you up to a €5,000 fine
- Ryanair travel warning for Irish passengers flying in November to avoid little-known fine
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
