Interview: Faith Agugu - Silver Sirens Founder

In celebration of International Women’s Day, our Co-Founder, Trudi Jaye sat down with Faith Agugu, Founder of Silver Sirens, for an inspiring conversation.

TRUDI: Faith, it’s truly a pleasure to sit down with you today! Your journey in creating Silver Sirens is so inspiring. To start, could you share a bit about your personal story and the pivotal moments and/or experiences that ignited your passion for building this empowering community?

FAITH: As the founder of Silver Sirens, I have been on a personal journey to redefine how society views and experiences ageing. As a full-time psychotherapist, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles women face during their midlife and beyond. Feeling invisible and undervalued in a youth-centric society, I felt compelled to create a safe, inclusive space where women could reconnect with their true selves, find support, and celebrate the beauty and strength of ageing.

The defining moment for me came when I realised that the traditional narrative surrounding ageing was not only limiting but harmful to women's well-being and self-esteem. By establishing the Silver Sirens community, I hoped to empower women to embrace their unique journeys, challenge societal stigmas, and foster meaningful connections with one another. Through our age-positive movement, I aim to encourage self-discovery, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose for women in their midlife and beyond.

"As a full-time psychotherapist, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles women face during their midlife and beyond..."

TRUDI:  Silver Sirens is more than just a community—it’s part of a larger movement redefining ageing, leadership and visibility for women over 50. We see your burning passion for this and would love to understand how you see this movement evolving?

FAITH: I see the Silver Sirens movement evolving in several exciting ways:

• Expanding Reach and Impact: As more women join our community, I envision our message of empowerment, self-discovery, and age-positivity reaching an even wider audience, inspiring and connecting women globally.
  
  
• Creating Intergenerational Connections: I believe that by engaging in meaningful dialogue with women of all ages, we can grow understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diverse experiences and wisdom that come with age.
  
  
• Encouraging Leadership and Visibility: As our movement grows, I hope to see more women over 50 stepping into leadership roles, sharing their stories, and advocating for change within their communities, workplaces, and society as a whole.
  
  
• Promoting Holistic Well-being: By addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ageing, I believe we can redefine what it means to age gracefully and help women embrace this stage of their lives with resilience, vitality, and joy.

Ultimately, I see the Silver Sirens movement as a catalyst for personal growth, societal change, and a new understanding of what it means to be a woman in midlife and beyond.

 

TRUDI:  What shifts have you observed in how society perceives women in midlife and beyond?

FAITH: In recent years, I've observed some promising shifts in society's perception of women in midlife and beyond:

There's been a growing presence of older women in media, advertising, and entertainment, showcasing their beauty, talent, and experiences.

More women are embracing their age, celebrating their wisdom, strength, and resilience, rather than trying to hide or reverse the natural ageing process.

There's a rising awareness of ageist stereotypes and their detrimental impact on women, leading to efforts to dismantle these misconceptions and promote a more inclusive, age-positive culture.

Women in midlife and beyond are increasingly pursuing new careers, hobbies, and personal passions, proving that it's never too late to reinvent oneself and pursue one's dreams.

While much work remains, these shifts signify a hopeful trend toward greater acceptance, empowerment, and visibility for women in midlife and beyond.

TRUDI: As you know from personal experiences and the Silver Sirens community, many women experience changes in their skin in their 50s and beyond. Do you have any guiding wisdom on embracing these changes while still feeling confident and radiant?

FAITH: Embracing the natural changes that come with age, including those in our skin, is a powerful act of self-acceptance and empowerment.

Here are some insights I've gained from personal experience and the Silver Sirens community:

• It's essential to prioritise your overall health and well-being by maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. This holistic approach can improve your skin's appearance and boost your confidence.
  
  
• Instead of chasing an unrealistic standard of perfection, celebrate your unique features and the character that comes with age. Lines and wrinkles are not flaws but marks of a well-lived life.
  
  
• Experiment with natural skincare products like Retreatment Botanics that target your specific concerns and work with your skin type.
  
  
• Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, remembering that your appearance does not define your worth. As we age, it's important to focus on how we feel rather than how we look. Make decisions and engage in activities that make you feel good.

 

TRUDI:  Menopause is often seen as a turning point in a woman’s life… Though many see it as a negative change, many do embrace it as a positive ‘rebirthing’, how has your perspective on menopause evolved over time?

FAITH: As someone who experienced menopause at 48 due to medical intervention, I've had a unique journey with this significant life transition. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the physical and emotional changes that came with menopause, and I felt a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future.

However, over time, my perspective has shifted!

As I connected with other women in the Silver Sirens community who have also navigated menopause, I came to see it as a natural and empowering phase of womanhood. Many women have shared their experiences of menopause as a time of reflection, growth, and liberation from societal expectations.

Embracing menopause as a "rebirthing" has allowed me to reframe this transition as a new chapter in my life, one that encourages self-discovery, personal evolution, and a deeper appreciation for the wisdom that comes with age. Through this journey, I've learned the importance of supporting and uplifting women during this pivotal time, creating a sense of community and understanding that has been invaluable to my own growth.

TRUDI: What advice would you give to women who are struggling with the physical, emotional, or societal challenges of menopause?

FAITH: First and foremost, remember that no two women will experience the same symptoms or find the exact same effective solutions, so it's crucial to educate yourself. Understanding the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that accompany menopause will empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone. Reach out to other women who are also navigating menopause, share your experiences with your friends and family, and seek support from support groups. Breaking the silence surrounding menopause can open up the opportunity for empathy, understanding, and shared wisdom.

 

TRUDI: For women who are yet to discover the Silver Sirens community, how can they get involved and what can they expect when they join Silver Sirens?

FAITH: For women seeking a supportive and empowering community during their midlife journey and beyond, the Silver Sirens offers a welcoming space to connect with like-minded women and explore various resources to enhance personal growth and well-being. To become a part of the Silver Sirens community, follow these simple steps:

Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter, learn more about our mission, values, and offerings.

Join our social media communities: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for daily inspiration, tips, and opportunities to connect with other women in the community.

Attend our events: Participate in-person events across Australia. Our next Redefining Ageing event is in Brisbane on Saturday, the 10th of May 2025. Other events in Melbourne, Coffs Harbour and Sydney coming late this year too!

Plus, our online events cover various topics relevant to midlife women, such as career transitions, health, relationships, and personal growth.

By joining the Silver Sirens community, you'll find a sisterhood that values authenticity, growth, and connection. This sisterhood will enable you to thrive during this exciting chapter of your life.

TRUDI: You’ve seen the gorgeous in your community fall in love with Retreatment Botanics products, is there a stand-out favourite among everyone (including you of course!)?

FAITH: Yes, the Retreatment Botanics range has been incredibly well-received within our community, with many women finding these products essential in their skincare routines. While there are several fan favourites, the Restore Serum and Ageless AHA Glow Concentrate are undoubtedly two of the most popular products among our members, including myself!

Additionally, the Travel Pack featuring all the signature Retreatment Botanics products has been a hit among clients, as it offers a convenient way to maintain their skincare regimen while on the go. We've also been fortunate enough to include these products in our event gift bags, which have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm.