Why Your 50’s Are the Best Time to Start a Business (and How I Did It)
Bonjour Lovely Lady,
Can we talk for a moment about something big?
Something exciting and maybe a little scary?
It’s this idea that your 50’s could be the perfect time to start a business.
Yes, I said it. The ‘perfect time’.
If you’re sitting there with one eyebrow raised, thinking, “Really? At my age?”, trust me—I get it. I’ve been there. I know the doubts, the little voice that says, “Isn’t it too late? Don’t I need to be winding down, not revving up?” But let me tell you, the 50’s are a golden era for reinvention, especially when it comes to turning a lifelong dream into a reality.
How do I know? Because I did it. And if I can do it, so can you!
The Power of Experience
Let’s get one thing straight: at 50, you are far from “past your prime.” In fact, you’re equipped with something priceless—experience.
Think about it. You’ve navigated life’s ups and downs, tackled challenges, and learned a thing or two (or a hundred). Whether you realize it or not, those years of life experience have made you wiser, more resilient, and incredibly resourceful.
Starting a business in your 50’s means you’re entering the game with a toolkit that a 25-year-old entrepreneur can only dream of. You know how to handle setbacks, you’ve mastered the art of juggling priorities, and most importantly, you have a deep understanding of yourself. You know what lights you up, what you’re good at, and what you’re ready to leave behind.
For me, that realization was a game-changer. I spent decades wearing multiple hats—caregiver/mother, wife/partner, friend, small business owner of 3 other businesses, employee, friend—all while quietly dreaming about “someday” when I’d finally have time to focus on ‘me and what my life purpose and passion was’ - creating a business where I could help and mentor other women in the same situation as me.
Someday felt like a far-off fantasy until I hit my 50’s and realized: someday is now.
The Wake-Up Call
My journey to starting a purposeful business didn’t come with flashing neon signs or a perfectly laid-out plan. It started with a feeling—a restlessness, like I was meant for something more kind of feeling.
I’d spent years doing what I thought I was supposed to do, but there was this little voice in my heart whispering, “What if?”
For me, the “what if” was tied to writing, creating, and connecting with other women who were feeling the same pull to reinvent themselves as I was. I wanted to help women see that midlife wasn’t an ending; it was a beginning. That’s when the idea for my new business concept and mentorship program, Midlife Magnifique, was born.
Was I scared? Absolutely! Did I have moments of doubt? More than I can count, as I was stepping way outside of my comfort zone and embarking on a new career that I’d never done before. I was completely terrified and doubting myself and my abilities at every turn.
But here’s the thing: the fear of staying stuck outweighed the fear of trying something new. So, I decided to take a leap, diving into the deep end and start swimming frantically for my life (metaphorically of course).
Why Your 50’s Are Ideal for a Business
Starting a business at this stage of life might sound unconventional, but it’s actually an incredible advantage.
Here’s why:
1. You Know Your Strengths (and Weaknesses):
By now, you’ve learned what you’re good at and what drains your energy. This clarity helps you focus on your strengths and you can learn to outsource the rest.
2. You Have a Network:
Over the years, you’ve built relationships—friends, colleagues, mentors—who can support you, offer advice, and maybe even become your first customers.
3. You Have Perspective:
You’ve been through enough to know that success isn’t about rushing or cutting corners. You understand the value of patience, persistence, and staying true to your values even if some days feel like you’ve been on a ferris wheel, going around and around, not getting anywhere but you know and can understand that every little step in the direction you want to go, is a step closer to you achieving your goals.
4. You Have the Freedom to Choose:
Maybe the kids are grown, or you’re wanting to transition out of a 9-to-5 job. This newfound freedom allows you to design a business that fits your lifestyle, allowing you to spend more time on the people and things that you value most rather than working all day to fulfill someone elses dreams while yours still sit idle on a shelf.
5. You Have the Courage to Be Authentic:
In your 50’s, you’re less concerned about what others think. You’re ready to show up as your authentic self, which is a superpower in business.
How I Did It (And How You Can, Too)
Starting Midlife Magnifique hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth every late night and self-doubt spiral so far.
Here’s how I make it happen—and how you can, too.
1. Start With Your Passion
For me, it was writing and empowering women. For you, it might be baking, designing, coaching or crafting. The key is to start with something you truly love. Ask yourself, “What lights me up? What would I do for free just because it brings me joy?” That’s your starting point.
2. Do Your Homework
Once I had my idea, I spent time learning everything I could about running a mentoring and writing business. I watched webinars, read articles, joined online groups, and asked a million questions. You don’t have to know everything upfront, but a willingness to learn is essential.
3. Start Small
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to have it all figured out before they start. Spoiler alert: you don’t.
I began by writing my first ever book, while project managing the final stages of our new home build and selling a family business. These changes all happened to me within a few short months of each other.
Once I finished my book, I then created my Midlife Magnifique brand, built this website, along with posting a few social media posts.
My first “book” was done, so I then created a free guide on my website and some blog posts. Over this timeframe, I refined my vision and added more layers to my business which I’m still implementing and perfecting today along, with planning and writing a 2nd new book to add to the Midlife Magnifique Series.
4. Invest in Yourself
Yes, starting a business costs money, but you don’t need to break the bank. I invested in a few key tools, like website hosting and design, and later added online courses to expand my knowledge. Remember, you’re worth investing in.
5. Build a Support System
I can’t stress this enough: you don’t have to do it alone! I leaned on friends, joined communities of like-minded women, hired a coach when I needed guidance and will be employing a virtual assistant very soon, to help implement my marketing strategies and promotions that I’ve got outlined and scheduled. Just remember to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and cheer you on.
6. Stay Flexible
Not everything will go as planned—and that’s okay. I’ve made and continue to make mistakes, pivoted my strategy, and tried things that didn’t work. Each misstep taught me something valuable. Flexibility is key to building a business that evolves with you.
7. Celebrate Every Win
It’s easy to focus on what’s next, but don’t forget to celebrate how far you’ve come. I’ll never forget the thrill of my first book being published, or my first blog post going live or even the first email from a woman who said my words inspired her. Those moments fuel your journey.
What’s Stopping You?
If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting a business, I’m here to tell you: you’ve got this. You don’t need a perfect plan, a huge budget, or decades of business experience. All you need is a spark of passion and the courage to take the first step.
Starting a business in your 50’s isn’t just about building something new; it’s about reclaiming your story, your dreams, and your voice. It’s about proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.
So, what’s holding you back? Fear? Doubt? I get it, but let me leave you with this: the only thing scarier than taking a leap is staying stuck in a life that doesn’t feel like yours anymore.
Here’s to taking chances, chasing dreams, and creating something beautiful in this incredible season of life.
If I can do it, you can, too. And I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Until we can catch up for a chat next time,
Stay safe and blessings to you.
Dianne xx
Want More?
Then buckle up, buttercup, because I’ve just unleashed my latest masterpiece,
It’s packed with bold tips, witty insights, and game-changing strategies.
Snag your copy now, and let’s keep this sassy, midlife adventure rolling—because life after 50 deserves a fabulous sequel!
