interview by Nada Jones

Julie of @thefiftyist is a silver-haired, pro-age content creator and writer who is having an absolute blast on social media at 56. After working in education for many years, Julie left her position for more creative endeavors and found herself battling a second breast cancer (after 20 years) diagnosis. After being derailed for almost two years, she emerged from that period with a sense of gratitude and drive to have more fun while stacking the health odds in her favor by eating and living as healthy as possible. Her personal journey spilled over into all areas of her life, including Instagram. Julie found herself sharing her discoveries in clean makeup and self-care products. Today she is creating content with like-minded brands and writing a book, and guest blogging for Tangled Silver – an online magazine aimed specifically at women with silver hair.  Although entering the world of social media in her fifties has been a challenge, it has allowed Julie the creative space to speak her truths for the first time in her life. Her mantra, 'Do things that scare you!'

Liza of @hi_ho_silver_liza started an Instagram account documenting her transition to gray and in the process met a digital community of women called the Silver Sisters who she shares, "filled her journey with love, laughter, support, and friendship." At the start of lockdown, she decided to grow out her natural hair color which coincided with the London agency that represented her as a model closing their doors. This new chapter offered an opportunity to buy land next to her home and open the animal sanctuary she had always dreamt about. She is now the loving guardian to six beautiful sheep, two rescue dogs from Bosnia and Greece, and three rescue cats! After three years of growing her natural hues, the opportunity to return to her 25-year modeling career presented itself, this time as a silver-haired, 51-year-old changing the narrative about aging and beauty. Liza says she is first and foremost a mama to two incredible human beings and has been happily married for 30 years. 

In this episode, Nada sits down with Julie and Liza to discuss their experiences with going silver and with social media. Both did not start their Instagram accounts with the intention of becoming content creators; however, by being present and speaking their truths, their platforms grew. Julie outlines that the first step to conquering social media is having fun and engaging with your followers. Liza combats the falsehood that you should dye your hair, “because you are worth it.” She shares that by allowing her silver hair to grow, found confidence in herself in the new beautiful chapter that is midlife.

Listen on Apple Podcast | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcast | Or right here!

If you want a good read, we have lots of recommendations this week! Julie recommends Breath by James Nestor. Liza recommends Untamed by Glennon Doyle and Rumi’s poetry. Nada recommends adding There Are No Rules For This by JJ Elliott and Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks to your bookshelf! Follow both Julie and Liza on Instagram: @thefiftyist, @hi_ho_silver_liza

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

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