Emily Goldberg
EMILY COSMETICS BEAUTY BAR & SPA
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
There’s something about that moment when your kids start needing you a little less that makes you wonder: What do I want now?
For Emily Dreisen Goldberg, that moment came at 51 when she and her husband bought their youngest son a car.
No more carpools. No more driving everyone everywhere. Motherhood wasn’t over, of course, but it was different — and suddenly Emily realized she had more time for herself.
Her thought? “It’s MY TIME TO SHINE!”
And shine she has.
After 28 years as a makeup artist and more than a decade building her own cosmetics line, Emily decided it was finally time to go after a dream she'd had since she was a little girl: her own brick-and-mortar beauty destination.
Today, she's the owner of Emily Cosmetics Beauty Bar & Spa, and this is her Blooming in Midlife story.
Get to Know Emily…
What’s your go-to coffee order?
Nespresso Melozio with a touch of Chobani Caramel Macchiato coffee creamer.
Go-to cocktail?
Patron Silver Spicy Paloma.
Current midlife guilty pleasure?
Pickleball & Mahjong.
What’s always in your bag?
My Girls Night Out Lip Gloss, lavender essential oil, Advil and water!
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl!
If you could have dinner with any woman, who would it be?
Estée Lauder. She was a rockstar in the beauty industry, and I’ve read so many books about her. I would love to sit down with her and hear her whole story. She was such a badass in this field.
Now Let’s Talk About Emily’s Midlife Pivot…
What was your “aha” moment?
When we bought my youngest child his new car, I realized I had more time for myself and motherhood was not the same anymore.
No more carpools — it was MY TIME TO SHINE!
I decided it was time to follow my dream and open my new store. Nothing was holding me back.
How old were you when you made this pivot?
51
Tell us about Emily Cosmetics Beauty Bar & Spa.
It’s a one-stop destination for all things beauty! We offer a full skincare and cosmetics line, makeup applications, makeup lessons, color matching, facials, waxing, permanent makeup, brows and lashes, spray tans, massages and everything nails — every kind of manicure and pedicure.
My store is like a girl’s sleepover that you never want to leave. ❤️
A Dream Years in the Making
What prepared you to take this leap?
I’ve been a makeup artist for 28 years and worked with Trish McEvoy on her personal team of national makeup artists. I started my own cosmetics line more than 12 years ago and built my brand myself in the community and beyond.
Opening a storefront had been a goal and a dream since I was a little girl. I finally believed in myself enough to make it happen.
What’s the best part of this chapter?
I am IN CHARGE of my own journey! It’s all about ME for the first time in my life. It’s time to follow my own dreams and goals.
And the most challenging?
Saying NO to the things that don’t serve me anymore and fighting for everything I want.
What would you tell yourself right before making this pivot?
Everything is going to be okay. Follow your own instincts and your GUT. You have everything you need to succeed. Stay strong. You got this!
The Best Part of This Chapter
What’s your favorite thing about this stage of life that you never expected?
The freedom to be my authentic self. 💖
What have you stopped caring about?
What people think of me!
What does success look like now compared with your 20s and 30s?
Success is finding your passion and shining on your own. It’s touching as many people as you can, training my staff, building my team, building my network — working hard and playing harder!
What’s Still Ahead?
What’s on your bucket list?
Travel!!!!! And continuing to build my brand. I have so many goals for my business and personal life.
What’s been your biggest source of inspiration?
My clients and customers believing in me. ☺️
How do you celebrate the wins?
Taking my team out for special outings, giving back to the community and spending time with my husband and boys.
What’s currently speaking to your soul?
Live music! I’m a Grateful Dead fan, and concerts and live music feed my soul. They make me feel alive and youthful.
Wisdom to Share
What would you tell another woman considering her own midlife pivot?
DO IT! GO FOR IT! NEVER question what you are capable of.
Ready to step into Emily’s world of all things beauty? Visit Emily Cosmetics Beauty Bar & Spa [here]. 💄💗