10 Women Who'll Make You Look Forward to Your Next Birthday

"I just launched an e-commerce business and I take setbacks in stride. After years of raising children and working for large corporations, it's wonderful to be able to take a vacation whenever I want, go out to dinner on the spur of the moment, and not have to commute five days a week. Flexibility is fun!" — Cynthia Weber Cleary, 58, Founder of Apprécier.com

"I finally understand that life is about accumulating knowledge, skills, and experience — because of that, I am wise enough to make choices I never thought possible. This is the best time of my life — an amazing, blossoming moment. I've always been a dancer, but I feel like now, I can fly." — Virginia Johnson, 66, Artistic Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem

"I welcome this decade of my life truly happy to have found my inspiration in a career. My company makes children's clothing mainly using vintage materials from the 1920s-90s that are sustainable and US-made. I'm proud knowing that as I turn 50, I'm setting a trend in my industry that can inspire others." — Alisha Welsh, 50, Designer and Founder of Magnolia Lake Clothing

"I know how to Snapchat, I can high kick, and I still have long hair. I have zero fear and I'd send out flyers broadcasting my age — I'm an open book with no hang-ups. I enjoy my kids and really don't give a rat's ass what anyone thinks about me. I laugh, have fun, and don't take it all so seriously." — Sasha Charnin Morrison, 51, Author of Secrets of Stylists

"In this decade there's no need to worry about a few pounds or gray hairs. All doubts are relaxed, and I know that this is it, I've gotta go for it. And, of course, if someone gets on my nerves, I let them know. I try to do it with a nice tone, but I no longer feel any need to hold back. Let the chips fall where they may." — Norma Jean Darden, 70s, Former Model and Founder of Spoonbread Catering

"You can't be seasoned without some years behind you. I've lived in five countries, I've raised three kids, I've been married almost 30 years, and I've started three businesses. Just as there are women out there who helped lift me up, I know there are women I can help and mentor. Give, get, give, get." — Ruth Olbrych, 55, Owner of Antiques by ZAAR

"The idea of 'it's too late' is a thing of the past. I took up yoga a year ago and traveled to India to better my form. I just started taking drawing classes. Could it be another career? Who knows. I dusted off my violin and started practicing again. Change excites me — and I am not done yet." — Alicia Connolly, 50, Couture Textile Designer and Decorator at Alicia Connolly Design

"I'm in better shape than ever, and I'm 25 on the inside, like the models I coach. I'm too young to feel old, but as I age, I plan to do it gracefully. I'll be a funky old lady who people see and wonder, 'What's her story?'" — Mariana Verkerk, 56, Runway Coach and Judge for Holland's Next Top Model

"I'm forward-thinking and constantly questioning. At this age, it becomes very easy to prioritize, to speak my mind, to ask for what I need and want, to forgive, and to make sure my goodness and giving are not misplaced. With each year, I grow increasingly bolder." — Eden Grimaldi, 53, Founder of MediaCraft

"I have the freedom to do what I want to do — I design, I paint, I draw, I sew — and have the confidence that nobody's gonna critique me. Since my time at Parsons with Betsey Johnson, Mary Quant and Joel Schumacher, I've been constantly inspired, and I believe that if you've had a beautiful life your face gets its patina. I respect my wrinkles." — Carol Cohen, 74, Founder of North Fork Apparel