Women Over 40 Who Are Redefining What It Means to Grow

We’re proud to be partnering with theALLBRIGHT on their 40 Over 40 list, celebrating incredible women who have, in their words, ‘owned the year’ and achieved amazing things over the past 12 months.

Because who decided success has an age limit? Not us. Here at UKLASH, we believe wholeheartedly in our ethos to Never Stop Growing. To us, that means staying inquisitive and curious about life, being open to new experiences and continuing to push ourselves to grow and develop. Because that’s how we get the best out of ourselves, and above all else, it’s what makes life worth living.

It’s a philosophy that theALLBRIGHT shares. As a community that celebrates women of all ages and backgrounds, they champion female ambition through initiatives like their networking platform, Ascende. Their values align so closely with our own, particularly when it comes to believing that success doesn’t end at midlife.

So, without further ado, we’d love to introduce you to our UKLASH Picks. Five remarkable women whose stories have inspired us, challenged expectations and reminded us that some of life’s greatest achievements are still to come...

Meet Our UKLASH 40 Over 40 Picks

From breaking barriers to challenging expectations, the women on this year’s 40 Over 40 list are proof that there’s no age limit on ambition. And while every woman on the list deserves celebrating, there were a few whose stories particularly resonated with us.

Whether it’s finding a new passion later in life, turning personal challenges into something positive or paving the way for future generations, each of our UKLASH Picks embodies what it means to Never Stop Growing.

So, without further ado, meet the incredible women who caught our attention.

Jo Tutchener Sharp OBE: Turning Adversity Into Something Extraordinary

Sometimes, life’s biggest challenges lead us somewhere we never expected. And Jo Tutchener Sharp OBE is living proof of that.

Following brain surgery, Jo founded Scamp & Dude, a purpose-led fashion brand built around the idea of helping others feel supported through life’s toughest moments. What began as a personal experience has grown into a business making a meaningful difference to women and children facing difficult circumstances.

What we love most about Jo’s story is her ability to turn adversity into action. She’s a reminder that even when life takes an unexpected turn, there’s always an opportunity to grow, find new purpose and create something wonderful along the way. This year, a decade on from the surgery that started it all, Jo was made an OBE in the New Year Honours.

Dr Anita Lim: Making Women’s Health a Priority

When it comes to making a difference, Dr Anita Lim is certainly doing her part.

According to NHS England, only 68.8% of eligible people aged 25 to 64 were up to date with cervical screening in 2023/24. That’s almost one in three missing out on an important health check.

Determined to change this, Anita has spent years researching ways to make cervical screening more accessible. Her YouScreen trial found that offering at-home HPV self-sampling led to a 22% increase in the monthly number of previously non-attending women screened, demonstrating just how much of a difference a more accessible approach could make.

And this year, all that hard work reached an exciting milestone. In August, at-home HPV self-sampling became part of NHS cervical screening policy, marking a significant step forward in helping more women access this vital health check.

For us, Anita represents the power of curiosity, determination and refusing to accept that things can’t be done differently. Because sometimes, growth isn’t just about what we achieve for ourselves, but what we can change for others.

Sally Wainwright: Giving Women’s Stories the Spotlight They Deserve

If you’ve ever found yourself completely hooked on Happy Valley or Gentleman Jack, you’ll already be familiar with Sally Wainwright’s incredible storytelling.

The award-winning screenwriter has spent her career creating complex, compelling female characters, often challenging the way women are represented on screen.

And she’s showing no signs of slowing down. Her series Riot Women puts midlife women centre stage, proving that their stories are every bit as interesting, important and deserving of attention. The series was quickly recommissioned by the BBC for a second series, rounding off what’s been an incredible year for Sally.

At UKLASH, we’re passionate about celebrating women at every age and stage of life, which is exactly why Sally’s work resonates so strongly with us. She’s helping to change the conversation around getting older, and we’re very much here for it.

Martine Barons: Proof That It’s Never Too Late to Start Something New

Now, this is a story we absolutely love. While some might assume that taking up a new sport in your sixties is a little ambitious, Martine Barons clearly had other ideas.

After discovering powerlifting later in life, Martine won her third world powerlifting title at 65, less than three years after taking up the sport, challenging expectations of what women can achieve as they get older.

Her story is such a brilliant reminder that we don’t have to have everything figured out by a certain age. There are always new passions to discover, challenges to take on and strengths we haven’t yet uncovered.

And if that isn’t the perfect example of Never Stop Growing, we don’t know what is.

Baroness Valerie Amos: Leading the Way for Future Generations

Some women don’t just break barriers. They make it easier for others to follow.

Baroness Valerie Amos has dedicated much of her career to public service, championing equality and creating opportunities for others through her work in politics, international development and education.

As the first Black woman to serve in the UK Cabinet, she’s no stranger to breaking new ground. This year, her national maternity investigation exposed racism across the system and called for a new Maternity Commissioner.

For us, Valerie represents something incredibly important: the idea that our experiences, knowledge and achievements become even more powerful when we use them to lift others up.

She’s a wonderful reminder that growth isn’t always about reaching the next milestone. Sometimes, it’s about helping someone else reach theirs.

Finding Your Confidence After 40: 4 Ways to Keep Growing

Feeling inspired? We certainly are. But while the women on this list make achieving extraordinary things look effortless, we know that stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t always easy.

Whether you’re starting a new career, trying something different or simply learning to put yourself first, here are four little ways to give your confidence a boost.

1. Get Comfortable Being a Beginner
Who says you have to be good at something to give it a go? Whether it’s applying for a new role or taking up a hobby, there’s something empowering about starting from scratch. Start small, give yourself time and remember that everyone has to begin somewhere.

2. Surround Yourself With Good People
Never underestimate the power of having people in your corner. From friends who cheer you on to theALLBRIGHT's events and editorial, surrounding yourself with women who inspire and encourage you can make all the difference.

3. Indulge in a Little Self-Care
Sometimes, it’s the little things that help us feel our best. Whether that’s a long walk, a good book or taking a few extra minutes for your beauty routine, make time for yourself. For us, it’s those small daily rituals, like applying your favourite UKLASH lash or brow serum, that remind us to slow down and enjoy a little me-time.

4. Celebrate How Far You’ve Come
It’s easy to focus on what’s next and forget everything you’ve already achieved. Take a moment to recognise your wins, big or small. You’ve learned, grown and overcome more than you probably give yourself credit for, and that’s worth celebrating. So send out an invite in the group chat for a celebratory dinner, or suggest that your partner take you out to toast that small win. Whatever it is, don’t wait for a big milestone to give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve to celebrate the little victories along the way, too.