Bye, for now.
- Why Im pausing the 30+ & Fabulous community support group...
As I pause this community for a while, I want to clearly explain what’s led me to this decision.
For several months now, I’ve felt increasingly disconnected from things I once felt deeply passionate about. I’ve been functioning, continuing on out of habit and responsibility, assuming clarity would eventually return – but it hasn’t. Instead, everything has felt loud, busy, and directionless.
Social media has changed significantly over the years. It’s more crowded, more reactive, and more hostile than it once was, and being constantly online has made it harder to gain clarity or properly rest.
When I first created this community over 10 years ago, my circumstances were very different. I was a makeup artist (and my business was called ‘Amazing Face’) a single mother of four (including two back-to-back babies) with little financial stability and no support, and it was getting INSANE working with my babies in-tow!
Traditional employment wasn’t realistic either, due to childcare and illness cycles, and I knew that I was going to have to find a way to work around my kiddoes – so I studied business and built my own path.
30+ began as a small marketing experiment alongside my work as a makeup artist, but it quickly evolved into something much bigger – a place for encouragement, shared experiences, and support. As it grew, I intentionally separated business from community so the group could stand on its own, and for many years it did exactly what I’d hoped it would do.
Over time – and especially in the last couple of years – the combination of personal burnout, business challenges, economic pressure, and the increasingly aggressive nature of online spaces has taken a toll. I’ve been running without an off-button for a decade, and the constant emotional labour has become unsustainable.
I stepped back from actively moderating the group last year, and even though my moderation team are absolutely magnificent (they ALSO deserve a well-earned break!) I’ve continued to receive regular messages about post approvals, removals, and moderation decisions that members are unhappy about. That’s made it clear that, in practice, I haven’t truly been able to disconnect.
A recent administrative mistake in my skincare business, that I genuinely believe was unfairly escalated, publicly reinforced something I’ve been quietly wrestling with for some time: this space no longer feels as safe, respectful, or aligned with my capacity as it once did. While that situation was not the reason for this decision, it was the moment that made it clear I need to pause, step back, and reassess.
This is not about punishment, drama, or avoiding accountability. It’s about recognising that continuing as I am would come at the cost of my mental health – and that’s no longer a price I’m willing to pay.
This community has served an important purpose for many people, and I’m proud of what it has been. At the same time, this group exists under my personal name and brand, and that means I carry responsibility for its direction, safety, and moderation. Stepping away while leaving it active would still require my ongoing involvement and oversight, which isn’t something I’m able to sustain right now.
Because of that, pausing the group feels like the most responsible option at this time.
So I’m taking a breather. I don’t know how long it will be, or whether I’ll return in the same way – and I’m allowing myself the space not to decide that right now.
For those who’ve hung in there with me, thank you. For those who feel this space is no longer for them, this is a natural point to step away, and you can do that by selecting the ‘leave’ button. There are many other communities that may be a better fit for you.
I’ve always told the team that I feel less connected to this community when it goes over 30k as it starts getting messy. We are now at 32k with a big waiting list, so if anyone feels as though their time here is done, now would the perfect time to go and explore more aligned communities.
But apart from all of that, I’m okay (haha) I’m in a different season of life now, happily married, focusing on my family, my health, (balancing those hormones) & continuing with the emotional healing and also continuing to rebuild my business as a Nutrimetics consultant, primarily within my Thirty Plus & Fab skincare and makeup space, which currently feels more aligned for me.
For those who still want connection, a few related groups will remain open:
30+ Meetups — run solely by Haley, with active in-person meetups happening: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thirtyplusandfabulousmeetups
Thirty Plus & Fab Skincare & Makeup — where I’ll be going back to my roots and focusing on skincare and makeup content that brings me joy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/overthirtyskincareandmakeup
- Spiritual Gig — part of my healing space, focused on wellbeing and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/itsaspiritualgig
For those of you who are ever concerned about your safety, our Thirty Plus website hosts the Domestic Violence Incognito Shield on the main page, where you can get help quickly and discreetly: https://thirtyplusandfabulous.com/
Thank you to those who’ve shown kindness and understanding over the years. This decision hasn’t been made lightly – but is HAS been made honestly.
And, Im not gunna lie… I NEED this SO bad!
Look after yourselves – for whatever length of time that I’m away.
I’m gunna miss you all, but I’ll see ya on the flip-side!
