We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracie Momie and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tracie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Houston, Texas. I was born in 1970, six years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. My generation is the first post-segregation generation, so the world we lived in and were raised in was much different than the world our parents lived in. And even though racial barriers existed (and still exist), I was raised to believe in opportunity, that I could do more, see more and be more (than those that came before me)- if I just worked hard and got an education. I’ve never let the fact that I was black or a woman keep me from doing anything I wanted to do!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Face of Fifty is a passion project that I started after my 50th birthday in May of this year. The year leading up to fifty, I found myself getting really sad. I felt like my best years were behind me and I was getting “old”. Many of the women in my circle were also turning fifty and most seemed to be at peace with it or even excited! I wanted to feel that way and connect with black women my age and hear their stories and their thoughts on what it was like to be in their fifties. People would tell me all the time, “You don’t look like you’re about to be fifty.” This made me question: what does fifty look like? And as I tossed those words around in my head I came up with Face of Fifty. I have come to the realization that turning fifty was a blessing and I’m excited and looking forward to this next chapter of my life!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This one is hard since I haven’t been anywhere exciting since the pandemic. But pre-pandemic some of my favorite spots in Houston were: -The Grove (Sunday brunch) -Kulture restaurant (date night) -Discovery Green -Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens -Honey Art Cafe (cute arts & crafts) -Marriott Marquis hotel (amazing Texas shaped lazy river pool) -Cafe Poetes (Parisian themed bistro best croissant sandwiches!) -East Downtown murals (incredible murals for photo ops!)
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want shout out the Face of Fifty Community! Face of Fifty is a space to spotlight black women on their fifties. A demographic that is often overlooked by society at large. The community provides encouragement, support and resources. The fifties are considered the golden age– a time of peace, prosperity, and happiness. Women in their fifties are giving a new definition to middle-aged. We are shining, stunning, and showing that age ain’t nothing but a number! The Face of Fifty community is accessible on both Facebook and Instagram.
Website: www.faceoffifty.com
Instagram: http://Instagram.com/faceoffifty
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/faceoffifty