Meet Cherie Kidd

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cherie Kidd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Cherie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic was modeled by my parents and grandparents growing up. When I married and started a life of my own, the reality of life’s difficulties hit me. I found myself in a marriage where I was not encouraged or supported in my attempts to achieve success in various areas. In fact, I was discouraged and not allowed to succeed. This created a lack of self esteem and confidence for a while. But when I could push through and see small successes, I started to deliberately work on my self esteem. As a mother and business woman, I found outlets that I could excel in spite of the lack of encouragement. I developed an attitude of, “There are things I can do. Things I can’t do and things I have to do.” If it was a Have To Do category, I would find a way. This included fund raisers and the ability to put both my sons through college on my own. Being a Mom was a driving force for me as I realized that I had to do what it took to take advantage of opportunities for my kids that would never come again. I planned my work and was able to take advantage of opportunities, not as a couple, but as a Mom succeeding on her own.
When I became a single Mom, I started my own seminar company. I had to pay my rent and bills and college tuition for two boys. This was a new venture for me. I decided to name my company, “Success Seminars” as I had no other option other than to succeed. And succeed I did!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the current Ms Senior WORLD 70s 2025. We are a service organization of Women Supporting Women. I am an example and a proponent of age does not define you. It’s not your age, it’s your energy, your passion, your vision. In fact, as senior women, we have the advantage of experience and wisdom – and that’s our power!
I am here to relate to women of all ages that your age is no longer a barrier or an excuse to keep living your best life. Setting new goals at every age is so important. Goals matter! Age doesn’t! In fact, the rest of your life should be the best of your life.

I have broken the glass ceiling as Mayor of my hometown, Port Angeles, Washington. Now I am breaking the barrier on ageism by letting women know that they can and should live their best lives, regardless of their age.
If you didn’t know how old you are, what would you do? Staying healthy and proactive and involved is the way to have a full life and to show others that there is still much to be done and accomplished. My senior sisters inspire me and I am happy to inspire other women of every age.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I think it’s so important to develop self confidence. If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell her not to listen or internalize negative comments. As we learn and grow, we are sensitive to the opinions and criticism of others. We have to learn to surround ourselves with positive people who teach, support and encourage us along our journey. Try to spend time with people you admire and wish to emulate. Set your goals high and then do everything to learn your skillset to keep moving in the direction of your goals.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My current challenge is to change the paradigm that senior women are “invisible”, retired, or no longer relevant to accomplish major goals. The age of a woman is not what should ever define her. It’s her energy, her goals, her activities and her vision. My obstacle is to get women to see themselves as more valued as they age, not less.

So many women in Senior World Pageants inspire me with their outstanding community service, charities, and businesses. I am on a mission to spread the word, it’s our abilities, not our age that matters. Believe in us and we believe in ourselves.

As breast cancer survivor, I truly celebrate each and every birthday, but I don’t use it as a measure of my worth or abilities. I present myself by my accomplishments and shine in all that I do. That has nothing to do with age.

Contact Info:

• Website: Senior World Pageants
• Instagram: Cherie Kidd Senior Queen
• Facebook: Cherie Kidd

Image Credits

Jennifer E. Lloyd Photography