When her agency-sponsored organization lost its funding three years ago, Amy was given a choice: shut it down or relaunch it as an independent nonprofit. With so many elderly people dependent on her volunteers, Amy did not hesitate. Through her work with The Doula Program to Accompany and Comfort, not to mention her consulting and training efforts, she has become an international advocate for end-of-life companionship.
With your business, Scarlett Image, you specialize in helping professional women transform their image and “stop stressing about dressing.” What would you say are the greatest challenges you see among the women you assist?
I see three common challenges: Weight, money, and fear.
When her marriage fell apart and Sarah needed to support her son, she went into banking, where she worked for 15 years. But in midlife, she woke up to her dream and went back to beauty school; after a successful run in Minneapolis, she’s recently moved her business to Santa Barbara, CA, where she is building her clientele anew.
After a long career at the Central Intelligence Agency, Nancy chose to honor her faith by becoming a Unitarian Universalist Minister. She went from addressing international problems to ministering to the needs of individuals, as chaplain to the patients and staff of a cancer center in South Carolina.
You have helped women meet their health and fitness goals for over two decades. What is your philosophy?
My philosophy has been the same for decades. Health and fitness goals are a lifestyle. I don’t believe in the word D—T for how to lose weight. I learned that from my friend Richard Simmons. The first three letters are DIE. I also believe that nothing happens overnight and in living a life of moderation—never going overboard with anything.
The loss of a friend and the prediction of a psychic propelled Kate to launch the nonprofit LifeChronicles, helping families heal through videotaped interviews of their loved ones who are elderly or seriously ill.
When Tracey hit midlife, she did something about her longtime regret—never having gone to college—but she didn’t stop there. She went on to get her Master’s and is now living her joy, helping individuals, couples, and families improve their relationships.