Cathy
Williamson
The Middle Page
In 2013, Cathy Williamson made a discovery. Fashion blogs for women over 50 didn’t really exist. As a designer and a self–proclaimed Fashionista, she decided to do something about it and created The Middle Page. ( https://the-middlepage.com). Her mission was to beautifully celebrate women over fifty and create a space to talk about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, hot flashes, and all the adventures that come with learning to embrace age. Little did she know that just two short months later, she would be diagnosed with breast cancer. Rather than abandoning the Middle Page, Cathy decided to share her cancer journey with her readers while continuing to share her sense of style and fashion. In doing so, she became an inspiration to many women going through similar experiences. Cathy exudes the B-Word - Bond as she forged a bond with her readers as they supported each other as she fought cancer with grace, faith, strength, and style. Seven years later, both Cathy and the Middle Page are still going strong.
EFF Cancer - Survivor
Cathy Williamson - Thriver
Here is Cathy’s story:
TK: I love the Middle Page blog and Instagram account (@themiddlepageblog) . How did you start your business?
CW: In spring of 2013 I noticed that there were no women in their 50’s creating fashion blogs. So I decided to do something about it and started my own. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing but I did it anyway. As I was figuring out camera angles and developing fashion, beauty and lifestyle content, a routine annual medical exam turned into an unexpected, life altering cancer diagnosis. I had triple negative breast cancer. It had spread to my lymph nodes.
TK: What lessons can you share with others going through something similar?
CW: Typically I am a bit of a hypochondriac and my normal response to the diagnosis should have been hysteria. Yet something came over me and I shocked myself at how positive and calm I became during the treatment process. I believe the Holy Spirit gave me strength and my faith gave me the gift of a positive mindset. I realized that the cancer diagnosis was taking a toll on my family. They were looking to me to see how I was handling it. It was important for me to show them that in the face of a dire diagnosis, I was strong and remained positive. That gave them the strength to mirror my reaction, and do the same.
The Williamson Family
The Middle Page blog became a place of encouragement and a refuge from my diagnosis as I shared my treatment journey with my readers who provided support, prayer and community.
Your book, “The B Words” has a chapter on “Beliefs.” I, like you, believe that your mind, words and thoughts has a great impact on the healing process. Worry and angst only contribute to stress. My advice to anyone going through a significant illness or challenging event is to remember your words are so powerful. Speaking positively over the situation is one of the best things you can do. Life is hard, but being down on yourself only makes things worse.
TK: You have a great relationship with your adult children and grandchildren. What advice do you have for women on how to create healthy relationships at home?
CW: I am so lucky that we are so close to my children and grandchildren.. I raised my kids with love and discipline but also made sure that they knew that whatever they did wrong, we were always going to love them. As they have become adults, we have so much fun together and truly love to be in each other's company.
TK: What are some of your secrets for staying fashion forward and looking confident?
CW: Staying fashion-forward and confident is really simple to me. Knowing what works for your body type and a huge smile goes a long way! Sticking with classics but adding a twist is a way to be fashion-forward. For example, wearing a pair of jeans, white tee, and a navy blazer is classic, but adding a pair of leopard heels gives it a more fashionable look.
TK: Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by that you would like to share?
CW: My favorite quote is:
“Life is like a camera
Focus on what’s important
Capture the good times
Develop from the negatives
And, if things don’t work out
Take another shot”
The Middle Page & LuMaMi Bags https://www.instagram.com/lumamibagsmexico/
TK: How has COVID impacted fashion?
CW: COVID has impacted fashion trends by creating a Working from Home Chic. Cool athleisure wear is more in trend than ever. It’s about feeling comfortable while still feeling confident and put together.
TK: What advice do you have for women over 50 thinking about how to start their next chapter?
CW: I want women to know that just because you are a certain age, it doesn't mean you can't try something new. If you want to start a business or get more education, don't wish you could, just try it! As far as fashion goes, wear what makes you comfortable and makes you feel confident!
And, no one says you have to cut your hair short after 50!
Cathy & Tricia -2 Dallas Red Heads!
