{"id":923,"date":"2026-02-18T00:19:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/18\/fab-over-40-2025-meet-the-winner\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T00:19:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:19:19","slug":"fab-over-40-2025-meet-the-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/18\/fab-over-40-2025-meet-the-winner\/","title":{"rendered":"Fab Over 40 2025: Meet the Winner"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Colossal\u2019s Fab Over 40 competition brings together powerful, accomplished women nationwide in a celebration of confidence and purpose, all while rallying support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and its Helping Women Now mission. At the heart of the initiative is its impact: In just five years, Colossal has raised more than $27.8 million, driving life-saving access to free screenings, education, resources and critical support for the millions affected by breast cancer.<\/p>\n

Christine Lucas<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Christine
Photographer: John Russo<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Fab Over 40\u2019s 2025 champion is Miami-based musician Christine Lucas, who embodies the modern, self-empowered woman.<\/strong> As a vocalist, songwriter, producer and DJ, she crafts music designed to lift, heal and steady the spirit, blending hypnotic hand pan melodies with downtempo rhythms, electronic textures and soulful lyrics that move both body and heart. Long devoted to wellness, Lucas spent a decade running her holistic nutrition practice, Complete Mind and Body; she also served as a host for an online wellness show and a television series called Empowering Women<\/em>.<\/p>\n

You clearly look young on the outside, but what keeps you young at heart?<\/h3>\n

\u201cMindset is everything. I feel eternally youthful at heart. I nourish my body with a daily green juice, plenty of water, good sleep, consistent exercise and mostly plant-based foods. I haven\u2019t eaten meat since my early 20s; focusing on plants and self-care feels life-giving and keeps my energy and spirit vibrant.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is some advice you would give someone who is concerned about getting older?<\/h3>\n

\u201cEmbrace it all\u2014age is a privilege, not something to fear. Too often, people start thinking they\u2019re old at 40 or 50, but if we\u2019re lucky enough to live into our 80s, 90s or beyond, we\u2019re really not even halfway there. There\u2019s so much life to live, so many experiences to have and endless opportunities for reinvention if we choose to own them. Keep learning new things; in my case, constantly evolving as a musician. True beauty comes from how you feel on the inside, so focus on cultivating a mindset of curiosity, playfulness and gratitude.<\/p>\n

What does the notion \u2018beauty starts from within\u2019 mean to you?<\/h3>\n

\u201cTo me, the saying is completely true. True radiance comes from how you treat your body, mind and spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most of us know someone affected by breast cancer. Who would you like to honor?<\/h3>\n

\u201cBoth my mother and my younger sister had double mastectomies nine years ago, and I\u2019m incredibly grateful that they have remained cancer-free ever since. Watching them go through such a difficult journey\u2014and supporting them every step of the way\u2014gave me a deep appreciation for the emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

How does it feel to be such a large part of raising funds supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation?<\/h3>\n

\u201cIt is incredibly meaningful to me. Breast cancer can be an isolating and frightening experience, and it\u2019s so important for women to know that they are not alone\u2014that there are organizations and communities who understand their challenges and are here to support them. It was an honor contributing to this work. It\u2019s uplifting to see the power of community in action and to be part of something that empowers women to face these challenges with strength and grace.\u201d<\/p>\n

What do you plan to do with your winnings?<\/h3>\n

\u201cI plan to donate to my favorite charities: Breast Intentions, SierraPacific Furbabies and SoBe Cats. I\u2019m also learning to invest in the stock market because it\u2019s never too late, or too early, to take control of your financial future. Now, more than ever, it\u2019s especially important for women to be able to care for themselves and feel confident about their finances. You never know where life may lead or what unexpected turns it may take, so being prepared and empowered in this way feels like a wise and essential step.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maria L. Bejar<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Maria
Photographer: John Russo<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Born and raised in Chicago, Maria L. Bejar <\/strong>is a luxury hospitality and events executive with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. She\u2019s built her career producing high-level events and leading teams in her hometown. After placing second in the Fab Over 40 competition, her next move is opening a new sports bar in Chicago\u2019s West Loop. Business, community and a little edge are all very on brand for Bejar.<\/p>\n

How do you stay young on the inside?<\/h3>\n

\u201cLaughter, movement, curiosity and not sweating the small stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

When did you stop worrying about other opinions?<\/h3>\n

\u201cIn my late 20s. Perspective will do that to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

What wisdom can you share about growing older?<\/h3>\n

\u201cAging is a privilege. Protect your peace, hydrate aggressively\u2014including your skin\u2014and stop dimming your light.\u201d<\/p>\n

How has your skin-care routine changed since entering your 40s?<\/h3>\n

\u201cLess trends, more intention. Sunscreen every day and a rich moisturizer are non-negotiable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Is there anyone in your life you\u2019d like to acknowledge who has been affected by breast cancer?<\/h3>\n

\u201cMy mother passed away from metastatic breast cancer when I was young, which forced me to grow up quickly. I later lost my aunt and one of my best friends to terminal cancer as well. They are my why\u2014always.\u201d<\/p>\n

What does it mean to you to play such a significant role in raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation?<\/h3>\n

\u201cDeeply personal. Turning loss into impact is powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do you have any other advice for our readers?<\/h3>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need everything figured out to be doing beautifully. Confidence only gets better with time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carla Wooten<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Carla
Photographer: John Russo<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Carla Wooten<\/strong> was born in New York and moved to Ocala, FL with her family when she was two years old, where she grew up to raise her own beautiful daughter. A true force to be reckoned with, she owned and operated a flourishing preschool and daycare for 26 years. From childcare to wearing loud sequined outfits to trailblazing adventurous hikes, Wooten is unafraid. Her most daring act yet? Starting over after 40 and finding what brings her joy.<\/p>\n

What keeps your youthful curiosity alive?<\/h3>\n

\u201cAdventure. Traveling and getting to explore and hike new destinations.\u201d<\/p>\n

When did you learn to let go of what other people think?<\/h3>\n

\u201cOnly a few months ago, I had to learn how to start over, find my true self again and finally find what actually made me happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

What does finding joy mean to you?<\/h3>\n

\u201cIt means you have to dig deep inside yourself, truly decide what you want in your life and then have the courage to go out there and do it. To me, that is true beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is one key thing you\u2019ve learned in life so far?<\/h3>\n

\u201cI have learned that you can find your true self no matter how old you are. When you do, you have to run with it and do whatever makes you truly happy\u2014no matter what anyone else thinks!\u201d<\/p>\n

How does it feel to make an impact with the National Breast Cancer Foundation?<\/h3>\n

\u201cIt is the most amazing and rewarding experience I have ever had in my life. The fact that I can help make a difference and put a smile on the face of a woman battling breast cancer brings pure joy to my heart. It is the best feeling you could ever imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do you have advice for someone who is afraid to start over?<\/h3>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re never too old to start over. Life is short! You have to take chances and live your life to the fullest so you don\u2019t have any regrets.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n