These autobiographical pieces and corresponding photos are part of a special edition of 60PLUS featuring local residents who prove that fashion has no age limits.
Kathy Italia, 67
rI was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa. I’ve been in the beauty industry for the past 27 years and presently work at Creative Hair Design. I am a licensed esthetician and nail technician.
In my 50s, I went back to school while still working to become an esthetician. Skin care has been a passion of mine since I was a teenager. It was quite an accomplishment to train my brain to learn a new business, study, and take tests again. I love what I do and appreciate the relationship I have with many great clients whom I consider friends. I feel very grateful to work at the No. 1 salon in Omaha.
When I’m not working, I love to spend time at our lake house in the Ozarks.
My motto has always been to grab all the gusto of every day…and not to get old, but to fight it all the way! We have the choice to keep a young attitude and look our best at all times. There is no excuse not to.
Joe Italia, 69
rI was born and raised in Omaha. I’ve been in the fashion industry for 42 years and presently work at Lindley’s Clothing.
After attending Benson High School and UNO, I served for four years in the United States Air Force. I am the proud father of two sons.
My family—especially my granddaughter, Lilly—brings me much happiness. Maintaining good health, playing golf, having good friends, good food, and good wine are other sources of joy in my life.
My advice for living life is to promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind, be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
The key to growing old gracefully is to consider yourself advanced, but not old, and dress in modern fashion.
This article was printed in the January/February 2018 edition of Omaha Magazine.
