Article by Tricia Cusden, Look Fabulous Forever
At 74 years old, our ageist society expects me to be retired, it expects me to be lonely as I don’t have a partner, and it expects me to be thrifty, saving money perhaps to better contribute to my grandchildren’s future. Oh, and it also expects me to be invisible and, preferably mute.
In fact, I am still working in a very successful business that I launched at the age of 65 and have never been happier in my single state which I see as the true expression of who I am rather than the default consequence of my long-ago divorce. As to thrift, I am just about to book another one of four overseas trips which I intend to take this year, pandemic permitting. And as to invisibility – I wear bright red lipstick most days as an act of defiance!
So how can we break the bias that expects me to conform to an old-fashioned stereotype of what it means to be an older woman?
I wonder what ‘breaking the bias’ means to most people when they hear it in the context of IWD? I am fairly confident that first thoughts will be of race, gender, misogyny and sexist working practices. So, please spare a thought for the double whammy of being both female and older. I’d also like to be Included as part of the conversation – after all – if you’re lucky enough, you too will be an old woman one day!
At the age of 65, Tricia Cusden spotted a gap in the market for a new approach to cosmetics for older women. She invested her own savings in a range of specific makeup suitable for more mature eyes, faces and lips. In October 2013, Look Fabulous Forever was launched to 80 friends and family at a party in London.
In November 2015, she was awarded CEW’s Digital Achiever of the Year Award and in 2016 LFF was shortlisted for Amazon Digital Business of the Year part of the Lloyds National Business Awards. Tricia also won Nectar Small Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year and SME Emerging Businesswoman 2016 awarded by HSBC’s National Women in Business Awards.
Tricia’s book, Living the Life More Fabulous – a Handbook to Beauty, Style and Empowerment was published by Orion Spring in February 2018 and has been on the Amazon Fashion and Beauty best seller list ever since.
Tricia has two daughters, Anna and Suzy, who both work in the business, and five grandchildren. She lives in London.
December
05dec18:0021:00Gigglemas Party - Centenary Action
05/12/2024 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
80 Strand
London, WC2R 0RL
Brace Yourself, The Centenary Action Gigglemas Party is Coming to Town! Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs and festivities. 🎉
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs and festivities.
For one night only, we’re putting down the placards and letting our hair down. Thursday 5th December 2024, we’re bringing you the funniest fundraising event of the year — Sandy Toksvig headlining and it’s a cause that’s worth every penny.
At £75 a ticket, you’ll be laughing till your sides hurt while making a difference. 😎
What’s the deal?
It’s the holiday season. Get your glad rags on — there are only 60 tickets available so be quick, tickets won’t last long. Book yours now!
Support Centenary Action while you’re laughing.
09dec17:3019:3016 Days of Action Against Gender-based Violence Vigil | Protecting People Angus
09/12/2024 17:30 - 19:30(GMT+00:00)
Arbroath High School
Keptie Road, Arbroath, DD11 3BN
Join us for a candlelit vigil as we come together to honour the lives of women tragically lost to gender-based violence in the
16 Days of Action Against Gender-based Violence Vigil
Monday 9 December 2024
17.30 – 19.30pm
Arbroath High School
Keptie Road, Arbroath, DD11 3BN
Join us for a candlelit vigil as we come together to honour the lives of women tragically lost to gender-based violence in the past year.
Shockingly, statistics reveal that in the UK, one woman is killed by a man every three days. Let us unite in remembrance, solidarity, and a shared commitment to combating this devastating issue, lighting a path toward a safer, more compassionate world for all.
The evening will feature speakers, music and a moment of reflection followed by refreshments. Please ensure to wrap up warmly for the December weather.
Free
13dec09:0017:30The Enjoyable Life Series What's Your Story?
13/12/2024 09:00 - 17:30(GMT+00:00)
Convene
133 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7DB
Join us for a day of learning, sharing and inspiration. Be inspired by our storytellers, connect with awesome people and leave full of JOY! What is your
If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, then you are invited to join us for a day of inspiration, encouragement, empowerment, and JOY.
Are you stuck?
Are you wondering what your life’s purpose is?
Do you feel like life is passing you by?
Are you wondering how to let go?
Are you looking for help in overcoming a challenge?
Can I get over the apology I never had?
Are you lonely?
Are you wondering if to make that change now?
Be reassured. These are questions that many people have asked themselves and indeed our storytellers too. It is the reason why we are grateful for the opportunity to listen to them, and also to learn, share and be inspired by what we hear from them and from others like us in the room.
This is therefore no ordinary conference. Come along with your colleagues, friends and family and join me Yetunde Hofmann and a community of awesome storytellers from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences on Friday 13th December 2024. They are leaders willing to share their stories of life and experiences from a place of who they are, not what they do or have.
You will have the quality time to reconnect with who you are and with others on the one thing we have in common and that unites us: We all are human.
No matter our backgrounds, our race, our gender, our status or what our history is.
Join us for a day of inspiration, learning and sharing.
You’ll make new friends, connections and leave with a refreshed feeling of hope as you look forward to closing 2024 and starting 2025 with a spring in your step.
Your coming along will also enable us to raise monies for two awesome charities – Dress for Success and Quo Vadis Trust (QVT) whose line of work and purpose is dedicated to supporting the currently disadvantaged in our communities.
We are pleased to say that you can purchase your ticket with our special discount of 20% on our ticket price of £95.00.
Here is the code to use when you book: WYSVIP24