At 65, Elaine stepped into a whole new world, defying societal norms and turning a hobby into a full-fledged business.
SheThrives: Elaine, it’s fantastic to have you with us today. What prompted your move from New Zealand to Australia all those years ago?
Elaine: Ah, it was a bit of wanderlust mixed with the search for greener pastures, you know? New Zealand will always be home, but Australia offered me opportunities I couldn't resist.
SheThrives: You've recently started a new venture post-retirement. What's it all about?
Elaine: You bet! I started a sustainable fashion line that caters mainly to women over 50. It’s high time we acknowledged that fashion isn’t just a young woman’s game!
SheThrives: That’s truly commendable. What inspired this big change?
Elaine: After retirement, I initially planned to take life easy, maybe garden a bit. But then, I realised I wasn't made for that sort of stillness. My love for sewing, a skill I learned from my mum back in NZ, pushed me to think bigger. So, here we are!
SheThrives: Did you face any challenges while starting out, especially at this stage of your life?
Elaine: Challenges? Loads of them! There was a lot of technical jargon and new-age tools to learn. But let's just say I'm a quick learner, and when the going gets tough, the tough get sewing!
SheThrives: How has the community, especially women your age, responded to your business?
Elaine: Oh, it’s been fantastic! Women from my generation often feel ignored by the fashion industry. They’ve been incredibly supportive, and the younger lot seem to appreciate the sustainability aspect too.
SheThrives: That's awesome. What would be your advice to anyone looking to reinvent themselves later in life?
Elaine: Don’t ever let age dictate what you can or can’t do. If you have a passion, chase it. It’s never too late to start anew.
SheThrives: Lastly, any future plans?
Elaine: I’m actually looking to start workshops for women my age, teaching them how to start a business from scratch. It’s never too late to empower yourself, right?
Elaine's story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone believing that they're too old to embark on a new journey. She is a living example of the mantra, "age is just a number." Her story proves that life can indeed begin anew, even post-retirement.
Inspired by Elaine’s story? Why not explore what passions you could turn into a rewarding second career? Start today!
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Whether you’re looking to reinvent your life or find a fresh start, the key is to never stop believing in yourself. Like Elaine, you too can defy norms and expectations, crafting a life that brings joy and fulfillment. With the right mindset and a pinch of courage, you can thrive, regardless of your age. Thank you, Elaine, for this empowering and enriching conversation.
Elaine is a vivid reminder that it's never too late to seek new opportunities or challenges. Whether you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, there's a world of possibilities waiting for you. So, what's your next big adventure?
Disclaimer: Names and details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.