On live television, you have to be able to adapt to the situation. Virginia Olson learned how to make every moment count during her time as a presenter on the QVC shopping channel.
“There were two channels [I hosted on],” Virginia said. “I started [on air] in Minneapolis, because I was doing work for a company and they asked if I’d [represent them]. I did that for 10 years. [Being a QVC presenter] was very challenging, stressful, rewarding, and adventuresome.”
Eventually, Virginia was honored as a top three demonstrator at QVC and she even received an award on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. in recognition of her work.
Building an Illustrious Career
Virginia’s professional life always revolved around food. First, she went to college in Wisconsin where she took food classes and received a degree in Home Economics. After graduation, Virginia worked in a variety of food marketing, food retail, and food service roles.
“I’ve written cookbooks, ran test kitchens, and done [marketing and public speaking],” Virginia said. “And I also did television and some radio. So it was a very active career.”
All of her work in the food industry eventually led her to the QVC role.
Overcoming Life’s Obstacles
Between the recognition on QVC, meeting her spouse, and starting a family, Virginia had made quite a nice life for herself. However, one moment—a car accident—changed everything.
“Another driver drove their car into my brand-new red Audi,” Virginia said. “That started the decline of my back. I worked through that, but then I had to resign [from the QVC role]. And it was a sad moment because it wasn’t really a job—it was something that I loved to do.”
Beyond back issues resulting from the accident, Virginia had to contend with other health challenges. She persevered through 34 surgeries on her knees, hips, wrists, and more.
“So that changed my life and it took me from being a very productive, busy wife, mother, television host, [and marketer], to [being stuck in bed],” Virginia said. “One moment changed [my life] and then another moment came when I was in my 60s and my husband got cancer.”
After Virginia’s husband passed away, she was again uncertain of what to do next. That’s when a friend asked her: “Have you thought about Friendship Village of Bloomington?”
Embracing Senior Living
When Virginia’s friend drove her through Friendship Village of Bloomington, a high-end senior living community in Bloomington, Minnesota, she thought it looked nice enough.
“I [told my friend], ‘Well, I could live in a townhome, but I will never, ever, live in an apartment with old people,’” Virginia said with a laugh. “Well that lasted about a year.”
Virginia later attended a luncheon at Friendship Village of Bloomington, after receiving an invitation in the mail addressed to her husband, and decided it wasn’t so bad after all.
“I came to this luncheon and realized that everything I needed is here,” Virginia said. “I have extra abilities to go and be well taken care of. I can take the bus and go down to the symphony and to MacPhail. We have a dining room with excellent food. We have a fitness center [with a pool] where I can do exercises and do Tai Chi—all of those things. And I have a community.”
It didn’t take long for Virginia to fully embrace her new life at Friendship Village of Bloomington where she said she is “never alone.” She continues to make the most of every moment because as Virginia has learned several times over, a single moment can change your life forever.
Find Your Moment at Friendship Village of Bloomington
Friendship Village of Bloomington offers a sophisticated setting, outstanding services and amenities, and a variety of activities so you can spend each day exactly how you want to. Like Virginia, you too can make the most of every moment here.
Consider this your friendly invitation to interact with more residents like Virginia, while learning how Friendship Village of Bloomington can help you stay active and social.
Contact us to learn more about life at Friendship Village of Bloomington.