Living Your Best Encore: Susan Noles

What is (or was) your career, and how many years have you dedicated to it?

I’m 68 years young and have spent over 40 years in the beauty industry as a hair and makeup artist. I’m also a wedding officiant — a role I truly cherish. It’s such a joy to be part of those beautiful, love-filled moments where everyone is happy and celebrating together.

Was there a defining moment that led you here?

A moment that led me here? To be honest, I’ve been here all along. Kindness and love have always guided me — in my life, my work, and everything I do. After being on TV, I’ve had the chance to show women that life doesn’t stop at 60. Endless possibilities are waiting for us. It might not be getting on a TV show or finding the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with, but there’s still so much living to do. As I’ve always said — and I’ll quote myself — this might be the last chapter, but I’m making it the best chapter.

How do you define success or fulfillment today compared to earlier in life?

How would I define success or fulfillment today compared to earlier in life? Honestly, as long as I wake up each morning feeling good, alive, and healthy, that’s success to me, and that truly fulfills me. I also feel incredibly fortunate to have reached so many people through social media and television. When someone tells me I’ve given them hope, that I’ve inspired them in some way, well, if that isn’t fulfillment, I don’t know what is.

What is one powerful lesson you learned later in life that you wish you could have whispered to your younger self?

One powerful lesson that I learned later in life that I wish I could have whispered to my younger self… Most definitely, I wish I’d learned sooner not to sweat the small stuff. Just being your best self is more than enough.

Please complete this sentence: The thing I value most about where I am in life right now is….

What I value most about where I am in life right now is connecting with people who may have given up. When they hear me, they really understand me, and that connection means everything to me.

Susan Noles, the beloved and charismatic contestant from Season 1 of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, captured hearts with her warmth, quick wit, culinary flair, and genuine grace. Beyond her television debut, Susan leads a vibrant and multifaceted life as a professional wedding officiant and a seasoned hair and makeup artist. Building on her newfound popularity, she teamed up with her fellow Golden Bachelor contestant and now good friend, Kathy Swarts, to co-host the lively podcast Golden Hour, where the duo shares laughter, life lessons, and behind-the-scenes stories from their golden adventures.

Today, Susan continues to embrace every new opportunity with her signature enthusiasm, balancing her growing media presence with cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. To learn more, visit her podcast on YouTube (Golden Hour) or her website at nuptialsbynoles.com.

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