Starting Up over 55: Women Founders Taking Risks

The businesses that these women are starting are as diverse as the women themselves. Some are starting consulting firms, offering their expertise and experience to clients. Others are starting businesses in the food industry, like catering companies or bakeries. Still, others are starting online businesses, like e-commerce stores or digital marketing agencies. These women are using their years of experience and knowledge to create successful and innovative businesses.

Starting a business is never easy, but it can be especially challenging for women over 55 years old. Many of these women have spent their careers in traditional jobs or raising families, and may not have the experience or resources necessary to start a business. They may also face ageism and gender discrimination, making it more difficult to secure funding or find customers. Despite these challenges, these women are persevering and proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams.

One such woman is Carol Gardner, who started the company Zelda Wisdom at the age of 52. After going through a divorce and facing financial struggles, Carol found inspiration in her English bulldog, Zelda. She began creating greeting cards featuring Zelda and her quirky sayings, and the business took off. Today, Zelda Wisdom is a multimillion-dollar company that sells greeting cards, calendars, and other merchandise featuring Zelda's image and sayings.

Another example is Diane Mulcahy, who started her consulting firm, The Gig Economy Group, at the age of 58. After spending years as a venture capitalist and professor, Diane saw a need for consulting services that catered to the growing gig economy. She used her experience and expertise to create a successful consulting firm that helps businesses navigate the changing world of work.

These women and many others like them are not only starting successful businesses but also changing the narrative around what it means to be an entrepreneur. They are proving that it's never too late to follow your passions and create something new.

Starting a business at any age can be a daunting task, but there are a few things that women over 55 can do to increase their chances of success.

First, they can seek out resources and support specifically tailored to older entrepreneurs. There are organizations and programs that offer mentorship, funding, and other resources to help older entrepreneurs succeed.

Second, they can use their existing networks and connections to help them get started. Many women over 55 have years of experience and a vast network of contacts that they can tap into for advice, support, and even potential customers.

Finally, they can embrace their age and experience as assets rather than liabilities. Older entrepreneurs have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they can draw upon to create innovative and successful businesses. By embracing their age and experience, they can set themselves apart from younger entrepreneurs and create businesses that truly reflect their unique perspectives and talents.

In conclusion, women over 55 who start businesses are breaking stereotypes and proving that age is just a number when it comes to entrepreneurship. These women are creating successful and innovative businesses, using their years of experience and knowledge to their advantage.

While starting a business at any age can be challenging, women over 55 can increase their chances of success by seeking out resources, using their existing networks, and embracing their age and experience as assets. As more women over 55 enter the world of entrepreneurship, we can expect to see even more diversity and innovation in the business world.