We recently connected with Ting Ma and have shared our conversation below.

Ting, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

I started my journey as a full-time content creator after both my sons went to college. Holding a master’s degree but having spent nearly two decades as a stay-at-home mom, there were times I questioned my value in society. It’s easy to feel that way when you’re not receiving the traditional markers of success like promotions or paychecks. But over time, I realized that the most valuable thing I’ve ever done was being fully present during my sons’ formative years. The precious memories, the lessons taught and learned, the love poured into each day—that’s irreplaceable.

Would starting my business sooner have changed things? Maybe. I might have had more time to grow my career, expand my skills, and reach certain goals faster. But I would’ve missed out on the small, beautiful moments that shaped not just my sons’ lives, but mine as well. If I had started later, I might’ve felt even more hesitant, perhaps doubting if it was “too late.” But here’s the truth: it’s never too late.

To all the wonderful stay-at-home moms reading this—I see you. I was you until just four years ago. It’s natural to question your value when the world measures success differently, but raising kind, empathetic, resilient human beings is the most challenging and important job there is. No title or paycheck compares to the pride of watching your children grow into people who make the world better.

So, do I wish I had started sooner or later? Honestly, I believe I started at the perfect time—when I was ready, with the life experiences that shaped me into who I am today. To those still in the thick of motherhood, cherish these fleeting moments. Your brilliance isn’t defined by your resume. It shines through the love, strength, and patience you show every day. When you’re ready to pursue new dreams, you’ll do so with the resilience and wisdom that only comes from shaping lives—starting with your own.

Ting, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, I’m Ting, a 54-year-old content creator based in Chicago and San Diego, where I live with my husband. I often visit our two adult sons who live in different states. My journey in the United States began when I pursued a master’s degree in hospitality. After dedicating myself to raising our sons, I returned to the workforce five years ago as a full-time content creator.
What started with people stopping me on the street to ask about my outfits has evolved into a career where I challenge stereotypes in the youth-obsessed world of content creation. In an industry where being my age can sometimes feel like a barrier, I have chosen to share my journey of embracing aging naturally—without makeup or filters. My goal is to normalize aging for women and show that beauty doesn’t fade with time but evolves.
To my surprise, this message has resonated with people of all ages, from 18 to 70. I’ve received heartfelt messages from younger women who feel less afraid of aging, even when they’re told they’ll be less desirable after 30. Women in midlife have shared that they’ve stopped dyeing their gray hair or getting Botox treatments because of my content. Despite being an introvert, I’ve been amazed to learn that my story as an “average mom next door” could inspire so many.
I share my genuine perspectives on fashion, beauty, and aging across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Some of my content has garnered over 28 million views. Recently, I was interviewed by ABC7 News in Chicago and learned that I’ve reached over 1 million people across all my channels. While the number of followers isn’t what drives me, knowing that this meaningful midlife career as a fulltime content creator can inspire some women going through similar experiences makes it all worthwhile.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to normalize aging for women!
I’m tired of society’s double standards—first sexualizing women in their youth, then making us invisible in midlife simply because we no longer look young. I want women to be heard, to remain visible, and to be represented, no matter their age.
By sharing my no-makeup, no-filter, naturally aged face, I want women to know that it’s entirely okay to age naturally. How you choose to age is your personal decision, but I choose to embrace the process without intervention. A woman’s natural face, with its wrinkles and gray hair, deserves to be celebrated just as much as a flawless one.
I want young girls to see my gray hair and wrinkles and realize that you can still look cool, confident, and stylish as you age naturally. In a society where young women are getting preventive Botox in their 20s, I want them to know that I’m proud to look my age.
By openly and proudly sharing my aging journey, I hope to normalize what it truly means to be a woman. I want my two sons to grow into men who appreciate beauty in all its forms. While physical beauty may change with time, a beautiful heart endures forever. For me, that’s what true influence is all about.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I manage two Instagram accounts: @tingmystyle and @50plusdaily. I started @50plusdaily about four years ago, after gaining some experience with my main account, @tingmystyle. When I first began, I focused on sharing my daily fashion outfits. Honestly, it didn’t gain much traction because the fashion space is incredibly saturated with influencers.

What I’ve learned is that people are drawn to authenticity. They want to see the real, unfiltered you and connect with content that feels relatable and meaningful. The turning point for me came with a video where I talked about embracing my age—I said, “I don’t want to look 30 when I’m 50; I want to look my age.” That message resonated with so many women who are tired of society’s obsession with youth. The video went viral, and that’s when I realized the power of being genuine.

If you’re just starting to build your social media presence, my advice is simple: be authentic. Don’t try to fit into a mold or be someone you’re not. People follow accounts that inspire them, make them laugh, or provide valuable information. So, find your unique voice, share your story, and connect with your audience on a real, personal level. That’s what makes you stand out.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tingmystyle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50plusdaily
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@50plusdaily
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tingmystyle