AUSTIN, Texas — In 2024, women are still fighting for not only their rights but for their stories and truths to be heard. Award-winning podcaster, author, model and actress Molly Sims stopped by South by Southwest to discuss the challenges she faces being a 50-year-old woman in an ever-evolving industry and society.
In a session titled “Championing Stories Centered on Women,” the woman who wears numerous hats sat down with the co-editor-in-chief of Variety, Cynthia Littleton.
Who is Molly Sims?
Before becoming an award-winning podcast host, creating a skincare line and founding Something Happy Productions, Sims was thrust into the spotlight as a model in the late '90s and early 2000s.
Sims walked the runways for major fashion houses and even graced the covers of some of the most coveted publications, including Vogue.
After modeling, Sims began an acting career where she even earned a series regular role on NBC’s "Las Vegas" from 2003 to 2008.
Sims discussed wanting something different and wanting to be a part of it from the beginning.
“When I was modeling, I’m like, ‘Things are gonna end. You can’t lead with this face forever,’” she said of knowing modeling and acting would not be the end for her.
Chapter Three
“Chapter Three” is what Sims calls the moment she got to a certain age and began to ponder what her next act would be.
“There comes a time where you do want more than just where you are,” said Sims. “Especially being a woman turning 50, you really have to dig deep and figure out your own opportunities because I can tell you they’re not walking up to your door.”
The entrepreneur shared that some of the best advice she received was to step out of her comfort zone. In a world where social media has changed the way we interact with each other, Sims spoke on how reluctant she was to join new apps at their inception. Her Instagram currently sits at 922,000 followers.
Lipstick on the Rim Podcast
Sims hosts the Lipstick on the Rim Podcast alongside best friend Emese Gormley. The podcast took home the Best Beauty and Fashion Podcast at this year’s iHeartPodcast Awards in Austin.
Sims excitedly dished on the podcast's most recent guest, Ressa Teesa. If you haven’t heard of the now-infamous 50-part TikTok series where creator Teesa brings her audience along for a ride, literally, as she drives through the streets of Atlanta, you’ve been living under a rock. Teesa describes how she met and divorced her ex-husband, and the viral story caught the attention of millions.
“She picked Lipstick on the Rim,” Sims exclaimed. “Literally, I was pinching myself, but those are the moments where, ‘Oh my God, this is so worth it!’”
Reaching back and the future
Sims recently launched her skincare line YSE, pronounced "wise," in 2023. And she talked about upcoming films that are being produced by her company Something Happy Productions alongside household names such as Hello Sunshine, Netflix and Happy Madison Productions.
Her final bit of advice was the importance of intellectual property. She harped on being legally protected while chasing your dreams. But above all, she encouraged women to fight for themselves.
“I’m a hustler. When you want something, you have to go and get it. You have to be passionate, in whatever. If you’re creating a brand, you have to give it all,” Sims said. “The doors were open, but I kept kicking them open.”