I want older women to realize that now at that 50+ is not the time to consider that that’s it —I’m old and I have to accept this. THIS is still a time of deep growth and awakening. There is still so much to give.
Meet Linda
I am the manager of Drybar Kahala and Drybar Waikiki. I turned 58 this year. I believe in aging fearlessly - yes, stole that from Rupa. I have 4 grown children and service dog named, Olive.
Who do you help and why?
I want older women to realize that now at 50+ is not the time to consider that that’s it —I’m old and I have to accept this. THIS is still a time of deep growth and awakening. There is still so much to give. The thing that feels like limbo is fertile soil. Be mindful of the seeds you plant. Use this time to learn more about yourself and seek out whatever tools you need to use to create that transformation. Embracing the experiment of the wisdom of self effort and effortlessness. Keep growing, you have so much to give. Embrace everything about yourself, even those silvers which I love to call wisdom highlights. You got this.
How did you first become involved in your field? What drew you in?
There’s a saying, “When something goes wrong, yell “plot twist” and move on. That in a nutshell is how I got into hair. I got a full cosmetology license and it seemed a good way to support 3 kids as a single parent. But as I began to grow as a stylist I realized how many insecurities women of all ages and even young girls struggled with. What I could do with my talent allowed me to listen, and encourage them as well as help them feel beautiful inside and out.
Who/what was your biggest inspiration?
My daughter. She amazes me with how she’s grown. What she has accomplished. She always encourages me to keep striving to be a better version of myself and to pursue what I want no matter how old I am.
What were some trials you endured in your journey?
Lol, the biggest trial I think I had to endure was myself. I joke that it’s amazing that my kids survived my parenting skills as a single parent. It took me so long to figure out that I actually liked myself but it took the journey and the insecurities. I went through what I call life rehab about 16 years ago. It was the proverbial moment of getting hit by the bus. I think it ran over me forward and backwards a couple times just to make sure I got the lesson. I learned, balance, peace and self-worth. If I didn’t have my kids and current husband’s support and love I honestly don’t know where I would be today without that. I’m grateful for the ugly, for the struggle and the lessons learned. I wouldn’t be here without that.
What do you attribute your success to?
If you want to be successful, you first need to believe in yourself and then move forward.
What are your current projects?
To be honest I don’t have any currently as most of my time is consumed with work and stabilizing a business still affected from the pandemic. It’s getting better but it requires a lot of focus and long hours.
What is your advice for other women pursuing their goals?
- Don’t let fear stop you.
- Learn from your mistakes.
- Press on.
- You’re never too old.