Trailblazing Women
For many women, turning 50 can feel like a time to slow down or retreat from professional pursuits. But a growing number of women are proving that age is no limit when it comes to achieving great things. From starting businesses to pursuing new careers and mastering new crafts, these trailblazing women have embraced their 50s and beyond with energy, passion, and vision. Their stories show that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a significant impact. Here are some real-life examples of women who have made their mark after 50.
Credit: Barbara Hillary
Barbara Hillary: Conquering the Poles in Her 70s
Barbara Hillary was a retired nurse living in New York when she decided to embark on an adventure that would make her a trailblazer. At the age of 75, Barbara became the first African American woman to reach the North Pole. Not satisfied with that remarkable achievement, she went on to reach the South Pole at the age of 79, making her one of the few people to have conquered both poles.
Barbara didn’t start her career as an explorer until she was in her 70s. After surviving lung cancer in her 60s, she felt a deep sense of motivation to experience life to the fullest. Her expeditions were a personal challenge and a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to live boldly. “Age is no barrier when it comes to exploring your dreams,” Barbara famously said. Her legacy continues to inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter their age.
Vera Wang: Reinventing Herself as a Fashion Icon
Vera Wang, now one of the most famous names in bridal fashion, didn’t begin her career in design until after her 40th birthday. A former figure skater and fashion editor at Vogue, Vera spent years in the publishing world before deciding to pursue her passion for design at the age of 40. By the time she turned 50, Vera Wang had become a leading designer, known for her timeless and elegant wedding dresses that have graced countless red carpets and bridal runways.
Today, in her 70s, Vera Wang continues to run a successful global fashion empire that includes ready-to-wear clothing, fragrance, and home decor. Her story is a testament to the idea that reinvention is possible at any age. “I didn’t start as a designer until I was 40, so there is no ‘right time,’” Wang has said. “The only right time is when it feels right for you.”
Julia Child: The Chef Who Took the Culinary World by Storm in Her 50s
One of the most iconic figures in the culinary world, Julia Child, didn’t begin her cooking career until she was well into her 40s. After working in a variety of government roles during World War II, Julia discovered a passion for French cuisine while living in Paris with her husband. In her late 40s, she enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and co-authored Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which would become one of the most influential cookbooks of all time.
But it wasn’t until she was 51 that Julia Child became a household name. In 1963, she made her television debut with The French Chef, a cooking show that brought gourmet cooking into the kitchens of everyday Americans. Julia’s success shows that age is no barrier to becoming a pioneer in your field. Her lively personality and passion for food made her a beloved figure, and her career flourished well into her 80s.
Diane Keaton: Embracing New Roles and Creative Pursuits After 50
Diane Keaton is a name synonymous with Hollywood, but her career has evolved significantly since she turned 50. Known for her iconic roles in films like Annie Hall and The Godfather, Keaton’s career took on new dimensions as she entered her later years. In her 50s and beyond, she expanded her creative endeavors to include writing, directing, and photography. Her book Then Again, a memoir that explored her family life and career, became a bestseller and showcased her talent as a writer.
In addition to her work in film and literature, Diane Keaton has also pursued real estate, developing a passion for restoring old homes in Southern California. Her eye for design and architecture has earned her recognition outside of Hollywood, further proving that creativity knows no bounds.
Keaton’s ability to continually reinvent herself demonstrates that new chapters of life can bring fresh opportunities for creativity, learning, and success. At 78, she continues to act, write, and explore new creative projects.
Joyce Tenneson: Mastering the Art of Photography After 50
Joyce Tenneson is an acclaimed American photographer known for her ethereal and deeply emotional portraits. While she was already an established photographer in her 30s and 40s, it wasn’t until her 50s that she truly became a global sensation. Tenneson’s book Wise Women, published when she was 54, featured portraits of women over 65 and celebrated the wisdom and beauty of aging. The book became a bestseller, and her work has since been featured in museums and galleries worldwide.
Joyce’s career blossomed after she embraced her own aging process and began to explore themes of beauty, strength, and wisdom in older women. Her work continues to challenge societal views on aging, highlighting the grace and dignity that come with life experience.
Inspiration for Every Stage of Life
These trailblazing women, from Vera Wang and Julia Child to Barbara Hillary and Diane Keaton, show us that there is no expiration date on dreams and ambition. Whether mastering a new craft, starting a business, or pursuing a lifelong passion, their stories are an inspiring reminder that life after 50 can be filled with exciting new opportunities. They encourage us to keep pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and creating legacies that reflect the richness of experience and the wisdom of age.
