Turning 60 and Thriving: Launching Your Dream Business Later in Life

Who says making money is only for the young and able-bodied? The notion that entrepreneurship is limited to the early stages of life is outdated. Starting a business later in life, especially after retirement, can be not only fulfilling but also financially rewarding.

It's never too late to turn your passions and skills into a thriving venture, and I’m living proof that age is no barrier to aspiration.

At 50, I found myself in a position I never expected—unemployed and facing the harsh reality of ageism in the job market. Despite years of experience, countless job applications, and even more rejections, it became clear that many employers viewed me as "too old" to be valuable, yet I felt far too young to simply give up. This frustrating journey made me realize that the silver economy is often pigeonholed into a "retire and relax" mindset. But that approach didn’t resonate with me.

I began to evaluate my wealth of experience in areas like people management, accounting, marketing, social media management, web development, and administration. I knew I had valuable skills, but I needed to find a way to combine them with something I was passionate about—something that would not only bring me joy but also offer financial independence. However, figuring out how to merge my professional skills with personal fulfillment was a challenge in itself.

I asked myself key questions: What do I excel at? What do I genuinely enjoy? And most importantly, what is the purpose of starting a new venture at this stage in my life? The answer was simpler than I expected. I realized that I was driven by the desire to regain my financial independence, and I was particularly good at administrative tasks. Additionally, I had a passion for sewing, crocheting, knitting, and, most of all, candle making. The question then became, how could I combine these interests into a successful business?

After careful consideration, I decided that my administrative skills would be invaluable in running a small business. But which hobby would best align with this goal? I weighed the possibilities: admin and knitting, admin and crochet, admin and sewing—or admin and candle making. In the end, candle making won my heart, and thus began the journey of creating Clare` Mont Candles.

Candle making is more than just a craft to me; it’s a way to reconnect with cherished memories. Every time I make a candle, I’m transported back to my childhood and the comforting presence of my mother, whose love for the intoxicating fragrance of Gardenias filled our home. I can still picture her tending to her garden, surrounded by blooming flowers, their scents wafting through the air. It’s this powerful connection between fragrance and memory that inspired me to start Clare` Mont Candles.

Now, I’m loving every minute of this new chapter in my life. Candle making has become not only a business opportunity but also a way to share the magic of scent and memory with others. Through Clare` Mont Candles, I hope to inspire others to follow their passions and leverage their skills—no matter their age—to create the lifestyle they desire.  Although my business is not scheduled to launch until the end of the year, I am determined to follow through with my plans.

So, I invite you to join me on this journey. Follow my experiences as I navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship in later life. My hope is that my story encourages you to take that leap, to pursue what you love, and to turn your passion into a profitable venture. I’d love to hear from you—leave your comments and let me know what steps you’re taking to chase your dreams and build the life you want.

I'd love to hear from you if your are thinking of starting your own home based business.  If you are, what kind of business will it be? Comment below