For better or worse, turning 30 is a milestone that comes with a lot of pressure. Maybe you feel like you need to have your career all figured out, or you want to be well on your way to marriage and children. No matter your goals, entering this era is also exciting—for many, it’s a time to embrace who you really are and confidently pursue your dreams.
Just ask the celebs we interviewed below. In honor of our 30th anniversary, we got our famous friends—of all ages—to share their best advice on turning 30. Keep scrolling to hear what they have to say about making the most of this milestone decade.
Taraji P. Henson, 53, actress
"Do more squats and exercises to preserve the knees."
Tinx, 33, author and podcast host
"I had so much fear surrounding turning 30. I thought that it was some magical clock and once it struck midnight, I would turn into a loser or feel old or simply turn into a pumpkin. How wrong I was! If I could tell my 30-year-old self one thing, it would be that you are just getting started. I can say with great confidence that my 30s are absolutely my most favorite decade. I feel sexier, more self-assured, more inspired, and, most importantly, more confident. Confident to do and say the things I have always wanted to. Confident to advocate for myself in meetings and doctors' offices to friends and to potential lovers. Your 30s are about becoming who you wanted to be in your 20s and enjoying the ride."
Ilana Glazer, 37, actor and comedian
"The power of Marie Claire compels me to use this space wisely. One piece of advice for people going into their 30s is to think about the money, honey. It’s a hard thing to do; it takes practice and requires emotional support. But now is the time; get your financial health, baby!"
Bethann Hardison, 81, model and activist
“Stop feeling like you have to be with someone. If you’re not with someone, go enjoy the world. Learn to travel alone and really learn to spend more time alone.”
Chrishell Stause, 43, star of 'Selling Sunset'
"Know your worth, and invest in yourself."
Ritu Arya, 35, actress
"You’re just getting started."
Catherine Cohen, 33, actress and comedian
"You’re about to become hotter and, for better or for worse, extremely relaxed about spending $300 on a pair of shoes."
Kristin Chenoweth, 56, Emmy and Tony-winning actress and singer
"30 is the age where my professional life was blowing up, in a good way. I would tell anyone not to forget to enjoy all the moments, good and bad. That’s the only way to grow. And to have fun!"
Tia Mowry, 46, actress
"For me, my 20s were about trying to discover what I wanted to do with my life. I had expectations for myself. I was like: I want to have kids by this age, I want to get married by this age, I want to be doing this. I want to be doing that. So I think your 20s are about putting these expectations on yourself. But in your 30s, my advice is to just go with the flow. And just really trust the process and trust where you are in your life. Meaning, if you haven't knocked off those things on your to-do list, know that it's okay. Know that you are where you are supposed to be, and give yourself grace to grow, evolve, and learn more about yourself. I think the biggest misconception I found is we think that there's no room for evolution. You're like, 'I'm going to grow up and I'm going to be a doctor,' and that's who you're supposed to be. But really, in a lifetime, we change our job titles about six to eight times. So I guess what I'm saying is just trust the process, and let your experiences in life guide you."
Madeline Brewer, 32, actress
"Be bold. Wear what you want, say what you feel, stick up for yourself. If someone won’t be in your life in three years, don’t you dare, for more than one minute, think about what they have to say about you."
Sheena Zadeh, 40, founder of Kosas Cosmetics
"It only gets better from here! My 30s just got better each year and I am so thrilled to head into my 40s. I can confidently say that I am having the most fun of my life right now. Enjoy and embrace it all!"
Gillian Jacobs, 41, actress
"My advice for someone going into their 30s is to continue to explore new things. I discovered so many new interests in my 30s, realized I was passionate about topics I'd never considered and met so many smart, fascinating people outside of my field. Keep being curious, and if something sparks a passion in you, investigate it. You don't know what you'll fall in love with down the line."
Sabrina Brier, 30, actress, writer, and comedian
"I feel proud hitting the 30-year milestone! Gen Z used to make me feel like that’s actually 100 years old (as is their right), but I now find myself feeling nothing but confident as I go forth into my Carrie Bradshaw era with all of the wisdom I’ve accumulated in my 20s."
Read more stories in honor of Marie Claire's 30th anniversary here.
