It's Never Too Late

It’s almost the end of January 2025, and I’ve been a bit later starting this year after taking a well-deserved vacation in Cancun, Mexico for the first two full weeks of January. Initially, I found myself feeling guilty for not diving straight back into my business after the holiday season. Then I realized that I'm not alone—many women have shared their regrets about starting their businesses later in life, wondering if it's too late to begin.

This reflection inspired me to shift my perspective and focus on the incredible stories of women who started multimillion-dollar and even billion-dollar businesses after the age of 50. These women embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys later in life, proving that the second and third chapters of life can be the most fulfilling and successful. Their courage and resilience have changed the world, and their stories serve as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start.

Inspiring Women Who Started Thriving Businesses After 50

Age is just a number, and success knows no bounds. Whether you're 50, 60, or beyond, it's never too late to chase your dreams and build something extraordinary. Some of the world's most influential women didn't find their true calling until later in life. Their stories are proof that experience, resilience, and passion can fuel success at any stage.

If you've ever doubted whether it's too late to start your own business or pursue a new venture, take inspiration from these remarkable women who defied the odds and thrived after 50.

1. Louise Hay, Hay House - "I do not fix problems. I fix my thinking. Then problems fix themselves."

   Louise Hay was in her late 50s when she founded Hay House, a self-help publishing empire. Her groundbreaking book, You Can Heal Your Life, became a global sensation, proving that personal growth and healing are timeless pursuits.

2. Julia Child, Culinary Icon - "Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."

   Julia Child didn't publish her first cookbook until the age of 49, and it wasn't until her 50s that she became a household name with her hit TV show. Her passion for French cuisine and her unwavering determination made her an icon in the culinary world.

3. Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post - "Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success."

   Arianna Huffington launched The Huffington Post at age 55, transforming the digital media landscape. She later pivoted to wellness, creating Thrive Global, proving reinvention is always possible.

4. Mary Kay Ash, Mary Kay Cosmetics - "Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that, so it goes on flying anyway."

   Mary Kay Ash started her beauty empire at 45, but her biggest growth came in her 50s. She empowered women worldwide through direct sales, demonstrating that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship.

5. Vera Wang, Bridal Fashion Mogul - "Success isn't about the end result; it’s about what you learn along the way."

   Vera Wang entered the bridal fashion industry in her 40s but found massive success in her 50s and beyond. Today, she is one of the most recognized designers in the world.

6. Barbara Bradley Baekgaard & Patricia Miller, Vera Bradley - "We had an idea and just went for it."

   These two friends founded their fashion brand at age 50, turning a lack of stylish luggage options into a multimillion-dollar company.

7. Carol Gardner, Zelda Wisdom - "Laugh and the world laughs with you."

   At age 52, Carol Gardner turned her beloved bulldog, Zelda, into an empire of greeting cards and merchandise, proving that creativity and humor have no expiration date.

8. Estée Lauder, Cosmetics Pioneer - "I never dreamed about success. I worked for it."

   Estée Lauder expanded her beauty business well into her 50s, becoming one of the most influential names in the industry.

Why Age is an Asset in Business

Starting a business after 50 comes with unique advantages:

• Experience & Wisdom: Years of life and career experiences provide valuable insights.
• Strong Networks: Over time, relationships and connections become your greatest assets.
• Financial Stability: Many people in their 50s and beyond have the financial resources to invest in their dreams.
• Resilience: Overcoming life's challenges builds the grit needed to succeed.

How to Get Started

1. Identify Your Passion: What excites you? What problem can you solve?
2. Leverage Your Skills: Your expertise and knowledge are valuable assets.
3. Start Small: Begin with a manageable step and scale gradually.
4. Surround Yourself with Support: Seek mentors, join networks, and find inspiration.
5. Embrace Technology: Learning new skills can open doors to opportunities.

Final Thoughts

If you've been holding back because of age, let these women serve as proof that it's never too late to start. Whether you're dreaming of launching a business, writing a book, or pursuing a new passion, remember:

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." – C.S. Lewis

Your best chapter might just be the one you write next. Take that first step today!