Women of Grace: Meet Lesley Wolman

In last week’s post, Another Meetup, I shared one advantage of social media: the opportunity to create a venue for like-minded people to meet and forge new friendships. Instagram has afforded me yet another option to meet, get to know, and feature a Woman of Grace: Lesley Wolman.

The Explore page of Instagram allows one to peruse the endless photo stream in hashtag heaven.
One of the goals of the Age of Grace is to meet and feature other women of a certain age who are living and looking fabulous as they age. Enter Lesley Wolman.

Upon further inspection of Instagram, I learned of Lesley’s blog, Fabulesley.com. The blog caught my eye with its classic style and fabulous (pun intended) photos. You may recollect other Women of Grace features where I highlighted blogger Jeannie of Gracefully 50, Lady Liz (who turned her health around by adjusting her diet and exercise regimen), and 2chicdesign bag designer/blogger Cynthia.

Well, this interview is all about Lesley. It was my pleasure to speak to her by phone—such a delight. We chatted about our many commonalities in adapting to social media while finding our voice on the heavily populated Internet as women of a certain age.

 Lesley, you’re a wife, mother, blogger, songwriter, and cabaret singer. How do you do it all?

As a perfectionist, I tend to be hard on myself, but I also love to laugh and find humor in every situation, which seems to balance it out. Balance is critical to maintaining a healthy attitude toward life! If you are passionate about something, you will derive the energy to deal with everything. I am passionate about my music, acting, writing, and fashion. My family, however, comes first…always has and always will.

Has your beauty regimen changed over the years?

My beauty regimen has not changed over the years. I have been cleansing, toning, and moisturizing since I was 14, when my mother, who has always taken care of her skin, started me on a skin care regimen. Other than adding some exfoliators and serums, not much has changed. I think Latisse Lash Growth is one beauty item I cannot live without. I have always had thin, short eyelashes, and Latisse has turned them into long and lush lashes.

Knowing that many women gain weight around their middle section as they age because of hormonal changes, what tips do you have for staying slim?

I was a chubby kid, and that image of myself has been well-engrained into my psyche. I genuinely believe this is why I have always tried to stay thin.  However, when I got into my 40s, the pounds began to creep up and stick. I reached a point where I couldn’t stand myself at the weight I had climbed.   wasn’t overweight but wasn’t at my “fighting weight.” Three years ago, I started seeing a nutritionist.  Until then, my diet consisted mainly of carbohydrates and very little protein. I lost 15 pounds; she had me infuse my diet with protein and eat at least 3 times a day.  In addition, I bought a scale, and now I weigh myself once a week. I have to be accountable to someone, so I check in with my nutritionist once a week. Also, I work out a lot. Run, walk, or climb the UCLA stadium stairs 7 days a week. Also, work out with a trainer 3 times per week. I guess I am a bit obsessed.

Lesley, you have a fabulous sense of style; I want to hear more about it.

I have always been in love with fashion.   View it as an art form. I am never afraid of expressing myself through the clothes I wear.  y outfit inspiration often comes from other beautiful women I see on the street.  My style has changed over the years, and I have become more confident and comfortable as a woman.  However, I always have, and probably always will, follow specific trends.  hen I look at photos of myself from the 80s and 90s, I cringe and think, “What was I thinking?” Colorful eyeshadow, big hair, shoulder pads, and huge earrings were trends of those decades, but they would never be my choice today.

Confidence and being comfortable as a woman indeed come with age. I stay thin to be healthy, but also because I like pretty clothes. Love creating outfits based on mood, color, texture, and trend. I am not afraid to push the envelope, but I try to dress my age. Believe women our age are more beautiful than we were in our 20s or 30s because we are wiser and more robust.  e have calmed down, lost the angst, have a more laissez-faire attitude, and know not to take ourselves too seriously.

On the Age of Grace, I love featuring women who age gracefully and women who have strong faith.  Tell me more about your faith and why it is essential to you.

I am a Jewish woman who loves to cook. Any of the Jewish holidays revolve around food.   use food as a way of expressing my Judaism by keeping a Kosher home (that means not mixing milk with meat), cooking and baking the traditional foods associated with the holidays, such as Rosh Hashana, Chanukah, and Passover, among others.  My mother is a fabulous cook and baker, and many recipes are featured on my blog…especially those associated with the holidays.  Aside from being sentimental favorites, they are truly delicious!

I was raised with strong Jewish values that I have tried to pass on to my children.  My spirituality permeates my life and influences my daily actions.  Although I am not a particularly religious woman, I do believe that my Judaism has provided me with a moral framework by which I live my life.  For instance, one of the hallmarks of Judaism is performing a Mitzvah, a good deed.  As a Jew, one should maintain a lifestyle that is rich in good deeds.  Thus, philanthropy is critical to me. I am actively involved in many charitable organizations and sit on many Los Angeles Jewish Community boards. I believe in giving back; kindness toward others guides me daily.

My first question to Lesley Wolman was how she does it all. You must visit her professional website, LesleyWolman.com, to hear her beautiful voice and learn more about her singing career. I echo Lesley’s sentiments regarding women our age—we are more attractive, wiser, stronger, and have less angst. Your fellow blogger has the right ingredients for aging gracefully!

Thank you, Lesley, for your inspiring interview.