SHARON C. JENKINS IS REDEFINING ROMANCE FOR THE FIFTY PLUS COMMUNITY

In a world where love knows no age, Sharon C. Jenkins is on a mission to empower seniors as they navigate the modern dating scene. As the founder of Fifty Plus and Flirty Dating Initiatives, she has created a vibrant and supportive community where individuals over fifty can explore romance, build meaningful connections, and embrace love with confidence and joy.

Through Fifty Plus and Flirty, Sharon provides a wealth of resources tailored to the unique experiences of mature daters. Her initiative offers interactive workshops that enhance dating skills, engaging panel discussions on relationship dynamics, self-confidence, and communication, as well as insightful podcasts featuring real-life stories and expert advice. The organization also hosts exclusive summits and networking events, fostering connections among like-minded individuals eager to rediscover romance at any stage of life.

Beyond her groundbreaking work in the dating space, Sharon serves as the Chief Marketing Officer of JTV One Studios, where she applies her extensive expertise in media and marketing. A woman of many talents, she is also an accomplished author, business coach, and speaker, dedicated to helping authors and entrepreneurs turn their aspirations into reality.

With her unwavering passion and innovative approach, Sharon C. Jenkins is redefining what it means to date after fifty, proving that love is always within reach—no matter the stage of life.

QSM: Sharon, what inspired you to start Fifty Plus and Flirty Dating Initiatives, and how did your personal experiences shape your vision for the organization?
Sharon: Fifty Plus and Flirty Dating Initiatives emerged from a clear necessity to rekindle romance for mature women in their golden years. I strongly believe they represent an overlooked treasure in our society. We bring invaluable life experiences, deep-rooted wisdom, graceful maturity, and boundless affection to share with potential partners. Like a perfectly aged wine, we grow more refined rather than resentful with time. In my younger days, I eagerly anticipated becoming an elegant mature woman, admiring how they spoke their truth confidently, pursued their desires freely, dressed authentically, and chose their romantic interests without hesitation. Most impressively, they possessed the self-assurance to decline what didn't serve them, as respect naturally accompanied their presence.

QSM: Can you tell us more about the challenges that seniors face in the world of dating today, and how your initiative addresses those specific needs?

Sharon: Limited Dating Pool: Many women encounter a scarcity of suitable partners in their age bracket, particularly since men often gravitate towards younger companions. We guide them in discovering their authentic selves and clarifying their relationship priorities, helping eliminate uncertainty in their dating journey.

Online Dating Fatigue: The digital dating landscape can be overwhelming for women, with challenges like sudden disappearances, fake profiles, and misrepresentation. We provide education on navigating modern dating platforms and applications effectively.

Baggage from Past Relationships: This age demographic often carries emotional complexities from previous marriages, loss of spouses, or significant relationships. We assist them in reconnecting with their inner and outer beauty, developing self-assurance, and acknowledging their inherent value.

Shifting Expectations: While women typically seek emotional depth and companionship, men might lean towards casual connections. We help them understand that "dating" holds different meanings—some desire marriage, others seek companionship without formal commitments, and we guide them in adapting to these variations.

Health and Body Image Concerns: Aging, weight fluctuations, or health challenges can impact women's confidence. Society's emphasis on youthful beauty creates additional pressure. We foster self-acceptance, nurture self-compassion, and highlight their personal worth.

Fear of Rejection and Vulnerability: Concerns about emotional hurt, rejection, or exploitation can create barriers to active dating participation. We emphasize that knowledge empowers, which underlies our organization's purpose.

Lack of Places to Meet Quality Men: Traditional meeting venues, such as workplace or social networks, may become less accessible. We encourage creative approaches to partner seeking, teaching them to become independent dating strategists through collaborative brainstorming and sharing success stories from women who've mastered modern dating.

Navigating Intimacy and Sexuality: Menopausal changes can affect intimate confidence. We address this by bringing in specialized experts like Joan Price, who provides valuable insights on intimacy for mature adults.

QSM: Your organization offers a range of resources, including workshops and panel discussions. What's one of the most powerful lessons you've seen participants learn through these experiences?

Sharon: Our participants rediscover hope. The partner search can feel isolating; we provide emotional support and empowerment, demonstrating genuine investment in their romantic pursuits. It's remarkable to witness their moments of revelation when they receive clarity on dating concerns or uncover their authentic beauty, enabling them to embrace their personal strength.

QSM: How do you approach the issue of self-confidence in dating, especially for those who may have experienced long-term relationships or loss?

Sharon: We address this with profound empathy by collaborating with certified psychologists, mental health specialists, and experienced life coaches who facilitate transformative mindset shifts toward positivity. Our role as enthusiastic supporters is equally vital - we consistently recognize and reinforce the unique value each individual brings to our community.

QSM: What role does community play in the work that Fifty Plus and Flirty does, and how do your networking events and summits help seniors connect on a deeper level?

Sharon: We excel at connecting participants with valuable resources, both locally and nationally. Our strength lies in assembling a diverse network of professionals, ensuring everyone finds expertise aligned with their specific needs. Our upcoming seasonal events - including an autumn dating conference and a winter gala - create meaningful opportunities for participants to interact and potentially discover romantic connections.

QSM: As a business coach and CMO, you have a unique perspective on marketing and media. How do you think these skills have helped you reach and resonate with the senior dating community?

Sharon: Success in this field revolves around relationship building - nurturing existing connections while fostering new ones. What began as a concept in my mind nine months ago has evolved remarkably, starting with local events at JTV One Studios and expanding to an international virtual summit. My vision centers on creating a comprehensive dating information hub for mature adults - essentially a dating-focused Google for millennials and boomers. I embrace a learning-oriented approach in all endeavors. Industry experts suggest that developing a profitable coaching and dating program typically requires 3-12 months, while establishing impactful dating media and content demands one to three years. Currently, we're focused on content development and building a brand with global reach potential. Our foundation for long-term success in the dating marketplace rests on effective marketing and creating meaningful impact, evidenced by the glowing testimonials from our participants. Though we're relatively new to the industry, we're rapidly progressing through the early stages of business development, showing promising signs of sustainable growth.

QSM: Could you share a success story from one of your participants who found love or meaningful connections through Fifty Plus and Flirty?

Sharon: While we don't operate as a dating service, I'd prefer to share a personal insight from one of our workshops titled: What Men Want Women to Know About Dating. This experience proved transformative for my understanding of modern dating dynamics. The stark differences between male and female perspectives - truly reminiscent of the Mars and Venus analogy - became crystal clear. After processing the initial reactions, I gained profound respect for men's unique challenges in today's dating landscape. This revelation highlighted how both genders face legitimate hurdles in dating; it's never one-sided. Open dialogue became my gateway to deeper understanding, which I believe is fundamental to dating success. This experience further validated the importance of initiatives like Fifty Plus and Flirty.

QSM: What are some common misconceptions about dating later in life, and how do you work to challenge or change these narratives through your initiatives?

Sharon: A prevalent misconception comes from family members, particularly children and grandchildren, who often believe that pursuing romance shouldn't be a priority for their older relatives following divorce or widowhood. We provide guidance on navigating these sensitive conversations with loved ones. Another myth we address is the notion that our younger years represent the peak of our dating potential. Our programs help participants recognize their current worth and embrace the unique advantages that mature dating offers.

QSM: How does Fifty Plus and Flirty incorporate expert advice, such as relationship dynamics and communication strategies, into its programs to ensure participants have a well-rounded dating experience?

Sharon: We actively engage industry experts to facilitate discussions and address participant queries. My ongoing pursuit of a Doctoral degree in Strategic Communications also enriches our initiative's educational component.

QSM: Looking ahead, what's next for Fifty Plus and Flirty? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you're particularly excited about?

Sharon: We're preparing for our next summit scheduled for August 4 - 8, 2025, featuring an exceptional lineup of dating experts. Based on participant feedback, we're enhancing the experience to deliver even greater value. Additionally, we've developed a comprehensive three-month program called "Ready to Love," specifically designed for later-life daters. This initiative guides singles through discovering their unique dating personalities, building self-assurance, and defining their ideal relationship vision. Through emphasizing personal growth and self-discovery, the program empowers participants to approach love with renewed confidence and purpose. Visit our website. We are also putting together a compilation titled: Love Beyond Borders: Embracing the Beauty of Global Romance. This book is specifically written for African American women. The Love Beyond Borders anthology is seeking real-life stories from Black women who have dated internationally or interracially. We want to share their love stories to encourage other women to think out-of-the-box when pursuing a partner regardless of their age or geographic location. If interested, contact me at sharon@jtvonestudios.com.

 Photo credits: Ferrell Phelps @ferrellimages84