Midlife Matters: Ritu Kumar on Redefining Fashion, Empowerment, and Purpose
Midlife is often seen as a time of reflection and renewal, but for me, it has been a stage of tremendous growth, reinvention, and self-discovery. As the founder of O Layla, a fashion brand born out of my desire to create stylish and comfortable clothes for women, I’ve embraced this phase of life as a time to not only evolve personally but also to contribute meaningfully to the way we think about fashion, aging, and empowerment. As a speaker at TEDxFIIB Women, I’m excited to share my journey and how midlife has shaped my vision for the future.
What does the theme of “Midlife Matters” mean to you, and why is this conversation essential in today’s societal and professional landscape?
“Midlife is not a crisis; it’s a transformation. It’s the point where you stop just following the path and start actively shaping it. For me, midlife has been about shedding the layers of societal expectations and embracing who I truly am. It’s about taking the time to realign with my values and asking myself what truly matters—what legacy I want to leave, and how I want to live the rest of my life. In today’s world, where youth is often prized above all else, midlife is seen as a quiet crisis. But I believe it’s an opportunity—a stage of immense self-awareness, growth, and reinvention. This conversation is essential because we need to shift the narrative from decline to empowerment. Midlife can be the most powerful stage of our lives.”
How has midlife been a transformative phase in your personal or professional journey?
“Midlife has been a revelation for me. It’s a phase of profound self-reflection and discovery. When I started O Layla, I was at a crossroads in my life. I realized that the fashion industry wasn’t catering to the needs of older women who wanted to look stylish but didn’t fit the traditional mold of what was considered fashionable. As I entered midlife, I began to embrace my natural self—both inside and out. I stopped dyeing my hair, embraced my silver strands, and began to design fashion that speaks to women in my age group. I’m proud to say that I’m more confident now than I’ve ever been. Midlife has shown me the importance of staying true to myself and designing a life and a business that aligns with my values. It’s about making intentional choices, not just doing what’s expected.”
How can sustainable fashion and design become a platform for empowering women, particularly during pivotal midlife transformations?
“For me, fashion is not just about clothes; it’s about the power to express ourselves authentically. Sustainable fashion gives us the freedom to not only look good but also feel good about the choices we make. As women go through midlife, they often experience changes in their bodies and their confidence. Sustainable fashion addresses these changes by offering comfortable yet stylish alternatives. At O Layla, we create designs that are timeless and versatile, allowing women to embrace their new selves without compromising on style. Fashion should empower, not restrict. It should make us feel confident in who we are, no matter what age we are. Through my work, I want to encourage women to embrace midlife with grace, knowing they can look good, feel good, and make choices that are good for the planet.”
How do platforms like TEDxFIIB Women empower voices and ideas that inspire change, particularly in areas like midlife transformations and leadership?
“TEDxFIIB Women is a platform where women can share their unique stories and amplify their voices in ways that challenge norms and spark change. For me, it’s about creating a space for women to redefine their own stories and embrace their power. Midlife doesn’t have to be a time of loss; it can be a time of immense transformation. TEDxFIIB Women is one of those rare spaces that amplify diverse voices and ideas, inspiring others to embrace midlife with confidence and purpose. It’s a place where stories of reinvention, leadership, and resilience take center stage. Through these platforms, we can shift the conversation from limitations to possibilities and encourage women everywhere to lead with authenticity.”
What practical strategies or tools would you recommend to help women navigate midlife transitions and create meaningful impact in their lives and careers?
“Midlife is a time to reevaluate, reassess, and reinvent. The most important strategy I can recommend is self-acceptance—embrace who you are, wherever you are in life. Don’t let society dictate your worth based on age. Focus on self-care: take time for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages growth and challenges you to be your best self. I also recommend lifelong learning—always be curious and open to new opportunities, whether it’s exploring new hobbies, learning new skills, or pivoting your career. And remember, small actions lead to big results. Take one step at a time toward the life you want to create. Start by being intentional about your choices. Finally, set boundaries. You don’t have to do everything, and you don’t have to be everything to everyone. Prioritize what truly matters and make space for it.”
Redefining Midlife with Ritu Kumar
Through her personal journey and work, Ms. Ritu Kumar exemplifies how midlife can be a period of immense self-discovery, purpose, and transformation. Her work in fashion, her embrace of change, and her advocacy for sustainable living make her an inspiring role model for women in midlife. She shows that age is not a barrier to reinvention—it’s an opportunity to live more authentically and lead with purpose.
Join Ritu Kumar at TEDxFIIB Women to hear more about her empowering journey and how midlife can be a time to embrace new possibilities, create lasting change, and redefine success.
🎟 Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now at www.tedxfiib.com.