We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Linda Tatum a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Linda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
One of the biggest risks I ever took came later in life—when most people believe risk-taking is behind them.
In my 70s, I found myself moving to Las Vegas, a place I never imagined I would live. I didn’t know anyone there, and it wasn’t a natural fit for me. But life led me there, and instead of resisting it, I leaned in.
We purchased a condo sight unseen at what was then the Mandarin Hotel and Residences. I redesigned and decorated it purely from instinct—no formal training, no credentials—just my eye and my creativity. When the agent saw the finished space, she asked if she could photograph it. What happened next changed everything.
She shared the photos with developers who were struggling to sell hundreds of empty units in the building. They asked if I would consider designing model residences for them. I was in my 70s, with no professional experience in that world, no license—nothing that would traditionally qualify me.
But I said yes.
I trusted that I would figure it out—and I did. I designed multiple model units, each with its own distinct identity, from Old Hollywood to modern glamour to unexpected themed concepts. I found creative solutions to limitations, installed features that elevated the experience, and stayed within budget and timeline.
The result? The residences sold. The project was a success. And I was featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Las Vegas Magazine.
That experience reinforced something I’ve come to believe deeply: it’s never too late to take a risk on yourself. You don’t need permission, credentials, or perfect timing. You need belief.
Every meaningful chapter of my life has come from saying yes before I felt ready—and trusting that I would rise to meet it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I came into this chapter of my life not by chasing a career in the traditional sense, but by living fully—and eventually realizing that my perspective had value. At 83, I represent something we don’t often see: a woman who is still becoming. My platform, Next with Linda, was born from a desire to share what I’ve learned about living well—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and to offer a more expansive, elegant narrative around aging.
My “work,” if you will, is rooted in connection and conversation. Through my content I speak about wellness, longevity, confidence, and what it truly means to feel vibrant at every stage of life. I collaborate with brands that align with this philosophy and introduce my audience—primarily women over 60—to products and practices that genuinely support their wellbeing. But more than anything, I offer perspective. I remind women that they are not invisible, that beauty does not diminish with age, and that there is still so much life to live.
What sets me apart is that I’m not performing wellness—I’m living it. Everything I share comes from real experience. I’ve lived through many seasons, and I carry that wisdom with a sense of calm, clarity, and joy. There’s a grounded elegance in knowing who you are, and I think people feel that.
What I’m most proud of is stepping into this space at a time when many would expect me to slow down or fade out. Instead, I’ve found my voice in a new way, built a growing platform, and connected with women who feel seen and inspired. That, to me, is abundance.
If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: your life doesn’t end at a certain age—it expands. There is beauty in becoming, and it’s never too late to step into your next chapter with intention, vitality, and grace.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
There was a moment in my life where I could have easily decided that my story was behind me—that everything meaningful I had to offer had already been lived. That’s a quiet narrative many women are handed as they age. But something in me knew that wasn’t true.
Instead of accepting that, I made a decision that changed everything. I picked up my phone, used it simply as a camera, and invested just $39.99 in a small light and tripod. That was the beginning. No production team, no big plan—just a willingness to begin again.
I became very clear about who I wanted to speak to: women over 60 who felt there was still more life to live. Women who were craving more direction, more hope, more passion. I started sharing my story—honestly, openly—so that others could learn not only from my joys, but from my mistakes as well. My intention was to help them avoid the pitfalls I experienced and to step more confidently into their own lives.
I launched this new chapter in October of last year, and what has unfolded since has been incredibly meaningful. Today, I’ve built a growing community of over 55,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, and beyond, with my content reaching over a million views each month. But more than numbers, what matters most to me are the messages I receive from women who feel seen again—who tell me they’ve found a renewed sense of purpose simply by realizing it’s not too late.
Resilience, for me, wasn’t about pushing through something dramatic—it was about choosing not to disappear. It was about honoring the truth that life doesn’t end at a certain age; it evolves. And sometimes, your most powerful chapter begins the moment you decide to start again.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my audience in a very simple, honest way—I started with what I had and spoke from real life. There was no big strategy in the beginning. Just my phone, a small light, and a decision to show up consistently and share what I’ve learned through living.
I knew exactly who I was speaking to: women over 60 who felt there was still more for them. More joy, more confidence, more purpose. I didn’t try to be trendy or chase what was popular. I spoke directly to them—about wellness, aging, self-worth, and what it means to live beautifully at every stage of life. And I think people felt that it was real.
Over time, that authenticity created connection. My audience began to grow, and today my content reaches over a million views each month across platforms. But what matters most to me is not the numbers—it’s the trust. When people feel seen and understood, they stay.
My advice for anyone just starting is this: don’t wait until everything is perfect. Begin where you are. Speak to someone specific, not everyone. Be consistent, be honest, and share from your own experience—because that is something no one else can replicate. And most importantly, remember that your voice has value, no matter when you choose to use it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nextwithlinda.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextwithlinda/
- Facebook: NEXTWITHLINDA
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-with-linda/posts/?feedView=all
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextwithlinda
