Does being a minister mean you must dress in black, boring clothes, and subdued colors, especially if you are a woman? I think not. Cathy, Minister of Style, defies the odds in what you think a minister should look like. In her words, she’s saved and stylish, I agree!
So far in the Women of Grace series, I have introduced you to blogger Jeannie, Gracefully 50, Lady Liz, who overturned her diabetes diagnosis with weight loss and exercise; Cynthia, 2ChicDesigns, BFF, blogger, and handbag designer, and Lesley, blogger, singer, and actress of FabuLesley.
All the women featured for Women of Grace fit the profile of being over 50, healthy, and living a faith-filled life that is evident in themselves and how they help and inspire others. I stumbled upon the Minister of Style on Instagram because of her positive affirmations and a daily dose of the Word of God. Today, let’s get up close and personal with Minister of Style Cathy.
1. Tell me about yourself and why you started your blog, Minister of Style
Hmm, why is this ALWAYS a problematic thing for me to state?? I am a 51-year-old woman, mom to 6 children and four grandsons. I wear many personas, but I’m a legal assistant by occupation, minister by vocation, style lover, and blogger ALL THE TIME! I’m also an eternal beach bum and tech junkie!
I started my blog in 2009 after I had gone through a style slump of sorts. I couldn’t master the energy to care how I looked. I was bored with my clothing and couldn’t figure out how to overcome this dilemma. After reading several style blogs, I knew that if I documented my daily outfits, then I would be challenged to look better…it worked! Now, it has morphed into a place where I can showcase my great desire for women, especially Christian women approaching or in their middle years of life. That style goes on, and you need to adapt to it.
2. I see you rock a baldy, which is your signature look. What made you decide to cut off your hair completely?
I’ve been natural for over 19 years; I rocked locs for 16 years. I released my locs in 2011 for good due to my hair thinning…I adored my locs, but thin hair hanging on to dear life was not a good look, and I was not willing to embrace that for the sake of long hair. I then moved on to a tapered TWA (teeny weenie afro), but a home coloring accident caused my curls to change texture, and I could not regain it. My barber asked me to trust him, and this was the result. I’ve never looked back!
3. I like that you get mileage out of your clothing. How would you describe your fashion style?
I’m kind of all over the place with a defined style. Right now, I’m in love with floaty, billowy tops with flare jeans and dresses for Summer; they appeal to the “lower child” in me. Overall, I would say my style is boho glam with a little sexy secretary thrown in, LOL!
4. What is the one beauty product you can’t live without? Has your beauty regime changed since you turned 50?
Shea butter. I’m obsessed with smooth, soft, hydrated skin. I hate for my skin to look ashy. I’ve always had oily skin, and while the skin on my face has remained oily, my body is now very dry. I’m not sure if that is due to age or a change in climate. I first noticed it when I moved to Florida three years ago.
The only thing that has changed in terms of beauty regimens now that I’m over 50 is that I am trying to be more diligent in remaining faithful to them. I’m better at keeping my skin clear, and I want to keep pretty teeth, so I’m flossing like crazy, using tooth-whitening toothpaste as well as one with baking soda, and making regular dental appointments.
5. Knowing that women of a certain age tend to gain weight around the middle as they age because of hormonal changes, How do you fight the “battle of the bulge.”
This truly is an area I struggle with, as weight maintenance has been challenging for me throughout the years. I go up and down with my weight, but the size I am now came utterly accidental. I like it, so I continue learning to eat healthier and drink more water than I like. I have a stubborn “kangaroo pouch” in my midsection that is the result of my last two children being born by C-section and a previous surgery that I cannot get rid of. Le sigh…shapewear has become a friend from time to time.
6. You are maintaining a nice size. What type of exercise regiment do you retain, if any?
I don’t like exercise—I honestly don’t—but I also don’t want to gain excessive weight, so I’ve gotten into Zumba, which I love, love, love! I get to prance around and unleash my inner Rihanna with total abandon! I don’t do it on a schedule, but when I feel like sweating it out.
7. I found you on Instagram after reading your inspiring words about life. How has your faith contributed to your overall well-being?
Thank you that my words inspired you! I’m a happier person because of it. The past 3 years have been a challenging, dark time for me, believe it or not. God loving me through it is the result of what you read. I knew that if I was hurting like this, there were others, too, and it was my responsibility to help them get through it.
8. I admire the fact that you are an ordained minister. What is it like having the authority to perform weddings, baptisms, and funerals and provide spiritual counseling?
Well, I’m licensed but not ordained yet (I’m ready when God is), so technically, I can’t legally perform funerals in their entirety. Only being licensed means I cannot commit the body to the ground; however, I can do everything up to that point. I am a licensed Notary Public in the State of Florida, so that permits me to officiate at weddings. It was my great honor to perform my first wedding a few years ago. I was on cloud 9.
I truly love offering spiritual counseling! Praying for and assisting people in their spiritual and emotional needs is a privilege. Being present with people during the most sacred moments of life is scary, beautiful, and the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. I am grateful that God trusts me with His people. It is very humbling, to say the least.
Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your story. Be sure to stop by Cathy’s blog, Minister of Style, for her latest looks and uplifting words.
I am looking for more Women of Grace to feature. If you fit the profile, let me know at eugenia@theageofgrace.com. Have a fabulous week!
