As a modern elder myself, aging and how to do it in style is always on my mind. So it was very cool to meet Jen Marples, a bit of an expert, coach and ray of light on this topic, with a unique female focus.
What do you do?
I’m a self-proclaimed champion of midlife women and a cheerleader for all women. I run The Jen Marples Agency and host The Jen Marples Show podcast. My rallying cry for women is: You’re not too f***ing old to step into the spotlight!
Where do you live?
I live in Tiburon, around Del Mar School.
How long have you lived in Marin?
Thirteen years. And 11 in San Francisco before that.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
Hiking in Mill Valley; walking my dog along the Tiburon waterfront; enjoying restaurants like Playa, Watershed and Servino’s; doing tons of yoga at NOW Power Yoga and Hot Yoga Republic; and hanging out with my three teens who go to Redwood.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
Hiking up Mount Tam, a drive to Stinson, a walk in Sausalito, sunset drinks at Sam’s and some live music in Fairfax from local favorites like Jon Chi & The Pacific Syndicate. Who’s in?
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
I know everyone says diversity, but it weighs on my mind.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
I think we are in our prime in midlife, and it’s the perfect time to take on a passion project, start a business, find a new love—anything. All you need is courage to get going—you’ve got everything you need inside you!
If you could ask anyone to join you at dinner, who would you invite?
As a gatherer of women and host of events, I could never pick one person. Instead, I’d build a big table and invite every woman I know.
What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
There’s no destination; enjoy the journey. Also, make decisions based on your intuition.
What’s something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
Our addiction to phones and being inauthentic for likes.
Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?
Eradicate ageism and sexism.
Keep up with Marples at jenmarples.com.
Nish Nadaraja lives in San Anselmo. Say hi to him at @ivegotnissues.
