Cover Interior designer and textile expert Iris Apfel became a fashion superstar later in life (Photo: Desiree Navarro/Getty Images)
Interior designer and textile expert Iris Apfel became a fashion superstar later in life (Photo: Desiree Navarro/Getty Images)
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These women didn’t let age, circumstances or expectations dictate their paths. They remind us that success doesn’t have a deadline—sometimes, life’s best chapters start later than expected.
For women, the pressure to succeed is intense. You need to get married at this age, bear kids at this age and reach some kind of personal achievement before you are “over the hill”. But the truth is that greatness has no deadline. Some of the most iconic women in business, fashion and entertainment found success later in life—not just by climbing the ladder, but by making major career breakthroughs.
These women prove that reinvention is always an option. Whether they pivoted careers, found their passion later or simply refused to let age define them, these women remind us that it’s never too late to build an empire, transform an industry or step into the spotlight.
Also read: How Asia’s Most Influential women are paving the way for future female leaders
1. Lao Gan Ma
In the ’80s, Tao Huabi created a sauce for her family. Five years later, she opened a noodle shop that would serve as a vehicle for her product. She was 49 years old. The noodle shop struggled. But when she saw how popular her special chilli oil was, she shifted her focus to selling condiments instead. She named her new company Lao Gan Ma or “Old Godmother”. Today, her chilli oil is a global pantry staple, with fans ranging from celebrity chefs to college students looking for the perfect spicy kick.
Also read: 7 must-try Asian condiments: XO sauce, sambal, and more
2. Vera Wang
Vera Wang’s venture into fashion is pretty well-known. She was originally a competitive figure skater, later a fashion editor at Vogue and then the design director for accessories at Ralph Lauren. When she couldn’t find the right dress for her 1989 wedding, she designed her own. At 40, she launched her eponymous label, redefining bridalwear with her modern romantic aesthetic that married luxury and sophistication.
See more: In conversation with Vera Wang—navigating the pandemic, best red carpet looks and more
3. Rosa Saito
Tyra Banks started modelling at 15; Cara Delevingne at 10. Most people expect models to rise to fame in their teens or 20s, but Rosa Saito shattered those expectations when she began her modelling career at 68. The Brazilian-born beauty had spent her life as a caregiver and mother. She only stepped into the fashion world after her children encouraged her to pursue it. Now 73, she graces runways and campaigns, proving that beauty—and the courage to reinvent yourself—has no age limit.
4. Julia Child
Above Julia Child's story has been immortalised in the film ‘Julie & Julia’ (Photo: Lynn Gilbert via Wikimedia Commons)
Julia Child's story has been immortalised in the film ‘Julie & Julia’ (Photo: Lynn Gilbert via Wikimedia Commons)
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Julia Child didn’t start cooking seriously until her late 30s. After discovering her love for French cuisine while living in Paris, she spent years perfecting her craft before publishing Mastering the Art of French Cooking at 49. The book was a game-changer, making French cuisine accessible to American cooks and catapulting her to fame. She was in her 50s when her iconic television show, The French Chef, began airing. Child proved that starting late isn’t as important as sticking to it.
Don't miss: Julia Child: what you need to know about this culinary icon
5. Lucille Ball
Above Lucille Ball had been working in show business since she was a teenager but found success only in middle age (Photo: IMDB)
Lucille Ball had been working in show business since she was a teenager but found success only in middle age (Photo: IMDB)
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Before I Love Lucy made her a household name, Lucille Ball spent years in Hollywood as a struggling actress. She was stuck in B movies and minor roles. However, when she was 40 years old, she revolutionised television, creating a sitcom that would become one of the most beloved in history. More than just a comedic genius, Ball was a pioneering producer and entrepreneur who co-founded Desilu Productions. She not only paved the way for women in television, but also set a trend for using simultaneous cameras and a live studio audience with I Love Lucy.
6. Iris Apfel
Above Interior designer and textile expert Iris Apfel became a fashion superstar later in life (Photo by Desiree Navarro/Getty Images)
Interior designer and textile expert Iris Apfel became a fashion superstar later in life (Photo by Desiree Navarro/Getty Images)
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Iris Apfel became a fashion superstar when most people would consider retiring. The interior designer and textile expert had spent decades working in design before her flamboyant personal style (oversized glasses, bold colours, statement jewellery) caught the world’s attention. At 83, she was the subject of a Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition, “Rara Avis”. She then evolved into a muse, model and author. She passed away at 102 but it was only in the last 20 years of her life that she became a household name.
7. Mary Kay Ash
Above After being passed over for a promotion, Mary Kay Ash decided to launch her own beauty company, which is still a success over 60 years later (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
After being passed over for a promotion, Mary Kay Ash decided to launch her own beauty company, which is still a success over 60 years later (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
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At 45, Mary Kay Ash left her sales job after being passed over for a promotion in favour of a man she had trained. Instead of giving up, she used her knowledge to create Mary Kay Cosmetics, building an empire based on empowering women through business. Her direct-sales model transformed the beauty industry, and today, the company remains one of the most successful beauty brands in the world. Ash’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks can be the push we need to build something even greater.
8. Dolly de Leon
Actress Dolly de Leon has been working the stage since she was a Theatre major in university. However, for the longest time, her career stalled. Her work would be limited to bit characters, who would often go uncredited. The roles improved after her breakout performance in Jerrold Tarog’s Aswang. She was 42 then. De Leon’s biggest break, however, came in 2022 when she starred in Ruben Östlund’s satirical black comedy Triangle of Sadness. She earned the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award and Guldbagge Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also received nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.
Also read: Award-winning actress Dolly de Leon on fame, feeding the soul and the beauty of ageing
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