When Martha Mok took over the Facebook group Yeah the Girls 40 Plus, it had just 3,000 members. A little over a year later, it has grown to over 35,000— and counting. But it’ s not just the numbers that make this story remarkable; it’ s the purpose behind the platform.

Martha is far from the typical entrepreneur. She is a hair and makeup artist, a multi-business owner, a survivor of 19 years of domestic violence, and above all, a community builder. Her strength stems from deep personal adversity— loss, bullying, and trauma— which she has transformed into powerful motivation to help others.

In 2023, Martha was grieving the death of her 16-year-old cat when she encountered the group’ s founder, who was planning to close it due to online harassment. Martha stepped in, took over as admin, and immediately began applying her marketing expertise to build a supportive, educational, and structured space for mature women.

Today, Yeah the Girls 40 Plus is a registered business with themed discussion days, a focus on topics such as menopause, and contributions from 18 verified experts. There’ s a 160-page digital magazine, a YouTube channel, and a podcast— all designed to empower women to live more confidently.

Martha has recently introduced a modest $ 99 / month paid advertising option for expert contributors to fund initiatives like expos, awards, and ongoing content. Before approving any expert, she interviews them personally.“ I want to make sure they’ re genuine and can support our members,” she says.“ I still go through every post and offer feedback.”

The group’ s motto mirrors Martha’ s own: support first, business second.

On 1 November, Martha will host the Celebrating Women Expo and Awards Gala— a free event celebrating women from all walks of life. Despite being told she had left it too late, she sold all 60 exhibitor stands in just three weeks, underscoring the community’ s strength and enthusiasm.

The expo will feature small business owners, coaches, health professionals, and finance experts, with three speaker rooms covering topics such as bullying prevention, menopause, business, and property investment. Importantly, part of the proceeds will support Youth Insearch, a program assisting young people aged 12 – 24 in building confidence and preventing suicide.

“ A happy mum is a supported mum,” Martha says.“ And we all want our kids to thrive.”

Martha still works as a nationally

recognised hair and makeup artist and serves as a judge in industry competitions. She is also a Super Confidence Coach, helping women find their voice in business and personal life. From addressing imposter syndrome to navigating dating after 40— Martha( who went on 200 dates before meeting her partner) encourages women to see themselves as worthy investments.

She also champions financial literacy, having once wished someone had taught her to invest. Now she regularly hosts finance education events, teaching women about superannuation and wealth-building strategies.

Behind all her ventures is a strong moral compass.“ Do I want to be a good businessperson or a good person? I chose the latter. Money should be a fair exchange.”

Though she claims not to be techsavvy, Martha has implemented systems to run multiple platforms efficiently, including CRMs and automated bookings.

“ I didn’ t make a dollar from the group for a year,” she admits.“ We focused on value and trust first. That’ s why people show up.”

The Awards Gala isn’ t just a red carpet night— it’ s about recognising everyday women.“ Anyone can be

Martha( bottom right) with some of the ladies from Yeah the Girls 40 Plus

nominated,” she says.“ You don’ t need permission to be celebrated.”

Nominations are free and open until July at www. yeahthegirls40plus. com. au.

From Hong Kong to Australia, Martha has turned hardship into hope.“ No one should suffer in silence,” she says.“ Now, I use my voice to help others find theirs.”

And thanks to Yeah the Girls 40 Plus, thousands of women are doing exactly that.