Toni Morrison Toni was an editor at Random House while raising two boys as a single mother. At the age of 39, Toni’s first novel, “The Bluest Eye,” was published. Although critics embraced the powerful novel, it did not sell well. Her next novel, “Sula,” was nominated for an American Book Award. But it wouldn’t be until the publication of her third novel, “Song of Solomon,” that Toni would receive national attention — and win the National Books Critics Award. Vera Wang Vera was 40 years old and planning her wedding, that she even entertained the idea of opening her own bridal boutique. Frustrated with the lack of design options for brides, Vera ended up sketching and designing her own gown, which she had made for $10,000. In 1990, after securing capital from her father, Vera opened her first bridal boutique at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Vera now has boutiques all over the world. Lucille Ball Lucy landed the starring role in the comedy “My Favorite Husband,” which CBS was interested in turning into a television show. A lot of negotiation later, Lucy became the first woman to head up a television production company: Desilu, which she and Desi created to retain creative control over their hit show, “I Love Lucy.” When the first season of “I Love Lucy” aired in 1951, Lucy was 40 years old. Julia Child Fun fact: Julia Child didn’t even learn to cook until she was 36. Julia wouldn’t achieve solo fame until the following year, when her popular cooking show, “The French Chef,” would air on WGBH. Not long afterward, the “The French Chef” would be syndicated to 96 stations throughout the United States. Julia was 40 years old. #womensherstorymonth #inspiregenerations https://www.instagram.com/p/Buq3v3Il54D/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=f4vqmt3qkbjd