The Fierce 50 Campaign: Eugenia Introduces Valerie

Maple Leopard, Valerie 
Today marks the launch of the first annual Fierce 50 Campaign.  As women over 50, we are coming together in a supportive, collaborative community to honor and celebrate one another and to share with the world what it means to be a woman in midlife and beyond. Through this collaboration, each woman has developed a unique bond with their blog partners, opening their hearts and sharing their stories in building authentic connections and relationships; we are forming a community of women who have over half a century of life experience and wisdom to share within them.  We are joining to shift a common perception of this demographic.  We are here to show the world how powerful we are together and that we are only just starting.

Let me introduce you to Valerie. She’s 52 years old and blogs at Maple Leopard, a fashion and travel website she started in September 2014. Val has been married for 29 years and has two adult children.

Please keep reading to learn more about the Seattle resident.

What is your profession?  

I am an Elementary Reading Teacher by day and a blogger by night.

Why did you name your blog Maple Leopard?

I was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, near Calgary, and raised in Vancouver, the land of maple syrup and maple leaves. I’m also obsessed with leopard prints and a massive fan of cats.

What is the focus of Maple Leopard?

My blog is about empowering women in midlife to feel confident and beautiful as they age by sharing inspirational fashion content and style tips. I also blog about my other passion, which is traveling. I like to think of my blog’s tagline as “style for all the places you’ll go.”  I share my travel guides, tips, and outfit guides for many cities I visit.

On your blog’s About page, I noticed you are a contributing writer to several sites. How did this come about?

I found some gigs to write online. My search led me to Facebook groups that offer collaboration opportunities. I contributed an article titled “Savage” to Prolific Quarterly Magazine, a Talent, Entertainment, and Lifestyle magazine published four times a year. I also submitted to Wanderlust and Mag Cloud, a print and digital publication.

I also learned that you received the Dallas Most Valuable Blogger Achievement in December 2014. Please tell me about this award.

I went to a tradeshow in Dallas with my friend, who owns a boutique in Milwaukee, to buy items for her store. The tradeshow had a contest to post photos taken during the show on Instagram. I won the competition and a $100 gift certificate for the best photos.

Is there an active blogger community where you live?  

Yes, they have blogger meet-ups in my area and style summits organized by some fashion agencies in the Seattle area. I’m also involved in the local Bellevue Fashion Week in September; I attend as a media/press person covering the shows.

You have an impressive Instagram following (over 5K!). How did you achieve this?

I am engaging like crazy, posting often, doing a few giveaways, and participating in some comment pods and groups.

How would you describe your style?

My style is a mix of classy, trendy, chic, and edgy.

Val, you’re so talented. You’re a writer and a seamstress. I love this vintage coat you sewed, inspired by your visit to the Yves St. Laurent exhibit! How long have you been sewing?

I’ve been sewing since I was 13 and hoping to design a collection for travel.

Speaking of travel, what’s your favorite vacation spot?

Oh, Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii!

We’ve talked a lot about blogging.  Tell me about your family.

My girl, Ashlin Elizabeth, is 19 and is studying fashion merchandising at Washington State University in Pullman. She is in her 2nd year. I am so proud of her, and she hopes to be a buyer or involved in product development. She wants to intern at Nike in Portland. I hope to move to LA, as do the hubs and me! Seattle is too cold and rainy.  My son is 23 and works as a substitute teacher until he figures things out. He finished his BA in communications and is a big sports guy. He played college ball.

Finally, how do you maintain your figure?

I’m into a very healthy lifestyle. I love the outdoors, hiking, biking, and swimming.

You can follow Val on Pinterest, Twitter, and her blog, Maple Leopard, where you can read my Fierce 50 feature.

Thank you, Val!

The beautiful fashion illustrations above are the work of Beth Briggs.

↑Check the above Flipagram video on all the ladies featured in #The Fierce 50 Campaign.

One of my best blogging experiences has been the association with The Fierce 50 Campaign. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with many more women doing what I’m doing: aging gracefully. You can’t imagine how amplifying the voices of baby boomers will ultimately make a difference for any older woman. I say watch out, world. The best is yet to come.

I’d also like to take the time to thank and acknowledge the Fierce 50 Campaign sponsors Onzie, Madison Reed, HSI Professional, and Awe Inspired for the opportunity for this group to provide giveaways to our followers on my Instagram page.  The giveaway will run for 48 hours, and entries will be accepted until 2/21/17 at 8 pm PST.  The winners will be chosen randomly and announced on 2/22/17.  Please know the giveaway was cancelled for now, sorry.

Before you finish, check out the Thrive Global article on The Fierce 50 Campaign and Hannah Storm’s interview. 

Lastly, if you have enjoyed reading this blog post and learning more about The Fierce 50 Campaign, please visit this page http://catherinegraceo.com/fierce50-campaign/ to see an archive where you will find each of the women who are participating in The Fierce 50 along with their blog posts.  If you or someone you know is interested in joining or supporting the movement, you have two options: first, Join the Facebook page titled The Fierce 50 Movement or via the Facebook Fierce 50 Movement.  Second, contact info@catherinegraceo.com.  We have lots more planned for this year and beyond, so stay tuned, everyone.

Have a fabulous, stylish, and fierce week,