Supporting Silver Feature: Thresa Richardson

“Every cloud must have a silver lining…” that’s my favorite line from Melancholy Baby, a song my Grandpa Andy sang to me when I was little. I knew the lyrics were about rainy days and hope and I’ve always carried the message with me. Especially in my mid-20’s when the first strands of white showed up in my hairline. I saw that streak as a positive, not the pearl-clutching negative that the hair dye ads relentlessly promoted.

As someone who graduated from a high school of performing arts, being different and quirky was encouraged. In fact, my artistic friends all saw it as something cool. Growing up in a tumultuous household, I also told myself that the streak was a personal reminder of hopeful, healthy days ahead. But by the time I was 30, I began to dye my hair because of shaming comments hurled my way. People who claimed to love me nattered endlessly about how I was letting myself go and choosing to age too quickly. So, I colored my hair for decades. Somehow, even that led to constant conversation about what I was doing right or wrong in the coloring process. Variations of “It’s too red/brassy/blonde/dark!” or “You need highlights/lowlights/<fill-in-the-blank>!”

By the time I turned 50 I’d had enough of having my head served up on a platter at every family gathering and I chose to ditch the dye. But there were new comments on the horizon that I did not see coming… from total strangers! On the days I went out into the world without a hat or scarf during the patches of white/gray/silver grow-out phase -- well-meaning (I think?) women would say, “Bless your heart! Do you need my colorist’s info.?” Some would actually snicker and say, “Wow! You’re brave to go out like that.”

Nowadays, I’m more likely to hear “OMG! Who does your hair? I love it!” I just smile and give my creator all the credit.

I met Thresa two years at a conference in Los Angeles for Mid-Life women. She was one of three ladies attending that had silver hair and I was intrigued by her, her story and her zealous ambition. We instantly bonded and talk every few months. T” as she goes by, is quiet and humble yet full of life. She holds so many titles I may miss some but here are a few: Actress, Writer, Lifestyle Model, Voice Over, Radio Personality, Vocalist, Producer and Director. If you watch the Hallmark Channel you have probably seen T or recognize her. I have included links to both of her websites so you can read more here and here, about this amazing woman. I should mention that Thresa is also a great example of Age Positivity. BRAVO T! You can follow Thresa on Instagram and Twitter: @teawitht and on Facebook: Thresa K. Richardson