Retirement? More like rewire-ment! Here’s a shout-out to those unstoppable people who decided that retirement was the perfect time to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey. These 12 older entrepreneurs prove that when it comes to starting a business, age is just a number, and passion knows no bounds.
1. Colleen and Jim Seiler – Kushley, LLC
In their golden years, the Seilers decided that retiring wasn’t quite for them. So, they went nose-first into the odor control industry, launching Kushley, LLC! Originally, they were just trying to help out a friend, but after investing $30,000 in their new company, it became a successful business venture instead.
2. Sune Larsson – Serviced Offices
At the age of 50, Sune Larsson decided it was high time to break free from the shackles of the 9-to-5 routine. He went to Stockholm and set up serviced office spaces for hire, which gave entrepreneurs a place to work and a community for their ideas. Clearly, you don’t have to be a spring chicken to be creative!
3. Lorraine Campman – Music Center
Lorraine Campman struck a chord with her decision to open a music center at 56, turning her lifelong passion for piano teaching into something much bigger. She began offering both group and private lessons to any keen musicians. Her story is a true masterpiece, showing that the music of entrepreneurship can begin at any age.
4. Deborah Ramsey – Natural Wellness and Spa
After being laid off, Deborah Ramsey, at the age of 56, started her next chapter of being an older entrepreneur by launching a wellness and spa business. Deborah’s business began giving her clients and Deborah herself some peace, transforming her from employee to entrepreneur. No matter what hurdles you might face, if you stay resilient, you can keep achieving.
5. Jaswant Kular – Jaswant’s Kitchen Indian Spice Blend
When she turned 60, Jaswant Kular decided to create a range of spice blends that whisked kitchens worldwide on a journey to India. Her enterprise, Jaswant’s Kitchen, has become well-known for its authentic Indian flavors. If you have a true passion for your roots, then you can season the globe!
6. Mary Tennyson – Stash All
At 63, Mary Tennyson noticed that many people with walkers could not use purses. So, she decided to fix this. She created Stash All, purses designed for those using walkers that mixed practicality with a touch of elegance. Although it began as a personal problem, she later transformed it into an entrepreneurial victory.
7. Rob Urry – Kogalla
Unhappy with retirement, Roby Kurry, at 52, created Kogalla. This product is a creative lighting solution for anyone who likes being outdoors. Soon enough, his invention began to revolutionize exploration through its sheer creativity. His story shows that the adventure of entrepreneurship can happen at any age.
8. Nonna Nerina – Nonna Live
At 86, Nonna Nerina took her intimate cooking classes online, spreading Italian culinary magic across the globe. Buon appetito, world! She used her age-old wisdom for a new-age platform, proving that a love for life and cooking can create a recipe for success that can travel across generations.
9. Rowena Montoya – JulieAnn Caramels
Rowena Montoya turned her simple hobby into a thriving business with JulieAnn Caramels. She managed to keep her family together during her retirement while also creating a thriving business, even during tough times. Sometimes, the sweetest rewards come from our own passions and hard work.
10. Sonja Detrinidad – Partly Sunny Projects
With Partly Sunny Projects, Sonja Detrinidad used TikTok to create a community of plant enthusiasts and a blooming online business. Who says you can’t teach an old plant new tricks? All you need are the seeds of encouragement to cultivate your passion into a thriving business, no matter what season of life you’re in.
11. Carmen Hijosa – Ananas Anam
Ananas Anam is a company that introduced Piñatex, a vegan leather alternative, to the world. And it all came from Carmen Hijosa, a 60-year-old entrepreneur! She has repeatedly spoken about the importance of sustainability and entrepreneurship, showing that they are important at any age.
12. Ponnu Mami – Pickle Queen
In Kerala, Ponnu Mami’s passion for pickle-making blossomed into a successful business. She turned simple ingredients into jars of joy that brought a taste of India to every table. Clearly, it doesn’t matter when you start – as long as you have enough love, you can turn any passion into a recipe for success.
Dreams Never Die
These entrepreneurs are clear proof that dreams have no expiration date and that retirement doesn’t have to be the end – it can be a grand new beginning instead! So, if you ever get worried about aging, just remember these trailblazers who used it as an opportunity for innovation and passion. Age is just a number.
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
