New Visionary Author of “Embracing My Sexy Sixties!”
By Rodney Wayne Branche Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Copa: Where are you from?
Sharon: Gainesville, GA, just 50 miles north of Atlanta.
Copa: How long have you lived in the Washington, DC area?
Sharon: DC Since 1982. However, I came to Baltimore to attend Morgan State University in 1973, and have lived in the DMV ever since.
Copa:Did you ever think about how your life would be in your sixties when you were in your forties?
Sharon: Not really, but I did admire my favorite aunt (Faye Burruss) who did not look or act her age, and I always said I wanted to look and be like her when I get her age. I always said, "I'm not going to grow old gracefully, I'm going to fight it every step of the way!' Like my aunt, I was in the Beauty and Fashion industry up to that age. My aunt owned 5 beauty salons and a Beauty school. I grew up working in her salon as a shampoo girl and was bit by the Entrepreneur bug, so I wanted my own business too. I also worked in the Hair Care, Cosmetics and Fashion world. It is our nature to always want to look and dress a certain way.
Copa:Has your manner of dress changed very much in the past 20 years in a more provocative way? If so, how and to what degree?
Sharon: That's a great question, thanks for asking. Ironically my dress has changed drastically. It was not intentional, sort of by accident. When I had my store (and even before), I was known for wearing hats because I carried hats, I wore them everyday, literally. As a matter of fact, it changed after my early sixties! I let my hair down and no one recognized me without a hat! Also, my style changed. Before, I wore longer, more loose fitting clothes. Now my clothes are more fitted, and some said they didn't know I actually had a figure, because it was always hidden!
Copa: Have you ever thought that you would live your life the same way your mother did when she was in her sixties? If so why?
Sharon: No, I'm not my mother's 60's! My beautiful mom, whom I'm blessed to still have in my life, is now 92 years old. In her 60's she was much more laid back, went into retirement after 35 years of nursing, and was very content being at home as a housewife; going out to eat occasionally and to her church activities. I'm the opposite, and was more focused on my business and pursuing my passion, which is Fashion! I was in my fifties when I opened my dream boutique, Metamorphosis Wardrobe & Accessories Boutique in downtown Silver Spring, MD in 2007-2014, and would do it again, in a heartbeat!. For me, my life was just beginning. I was in my element and I will continue to chase my dreams and do what I love until I no longer can.
Copa: Do you have any different views on dating and basic communication with males at this time as opposed to earlier thoughts?
Sharon: Yes. I was married twice with only 2 years in between. I found myself single in my early sixties, and really forgot how to date again, since I had been married most of my adult life. I had assumed men my age were much more settled and wanted a committed relationship. Instead I found them to be still out there trying to sow their wild oats or going through midlife crises and thinking they had to prove to themselves that they still had it like that! I tried online dating, which has been controversial. It was scary at first, but I found it to be just another way to meet the opposite sex, just on your own terms because you're in control. If I had a positive conversation on line and by phone, I always tried to do a meet and greet early on, as soon as possible, and in a public place of course. Either there's chemistry or there's not, so why waste each other's time, move on, if there's no chemistry! As women, we must teach men how to treat us. Being over sixty, we know what we want, and what we don't want. Life's too short. We all have choices!
Copa:Have your sixties become sexier in your opinion?
Sharon: Absolutely! Now I have a whole new look, a new attitude, and even more confidence in myself in achieving my goals. It's not just physical, it's mental too. It's your mind, body, and your soul...
Copa:What does the future hold for Sharon Bullock as you continue your adventurous journey into your sixties?
Sharon: I am literally "Embracing My Sexy Sixties!" I am launching my new book this fall under this same name. It will be a full color, hard back, coffee table book Anthology with 20 Inspirational Stories from Phenomenal, Confidant & Beautiful Women in their sixties. We are NOT our mother's Sixties! This book will inspire women of all ages, whether they've reached their wonderful decade of sixty or beyond. It is not just a book, it's a movement. This will be the first volume of many. There will be (virtual) seminars and workshops going forward, engaging, encouraging and inspiring women to pursue their passions and goals in life, no matter what age, it's POSSIBLE! Also, as a Wardrobe Coach & Stylist, I will continue my passion for Fashion through Personal Styling, Color Analysis, and Closet Wardrobe Makeovers.