‘Maturity, business and… what was I saying?’

I read recently that over 50 could be the best time to start your own business. Firstly, this didn’t really register with me. Why would it? In my head I’m 27. Then I realised that such a statement applies to me. Crikey. The best time, eh? Who knew?

I began thinking about how I’ve reached this point. A 53-year-old woman, self-employed in a start-up that was a start-all-over-again. Designing lovely interiors and helping people create the home they want.

Frankly, it’s been against the odds. Having spent my working life (‘career’ is too strong a word here. Ricocheting from one job to another is probably more accurate) in youth work, community development, social care and the education department of a Local Authority, with no real plan except earning enough to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table and for the odd holiday, I’ve ended up in another world. Thanks to redundancy, I’m a business owner. Working for myself. It doesn’t half sound grown up. Which is a bit scary for someone who in difficult situations still looks for the adult in the room.

Was I prepared for it? Well, if prepared is being pleased to leave the public sector behind, do something I enjoy, do something I am fully qualified in and have a natural aptitude for, then yes, I was prepared. On a practical basis though, probably not. Self-assessment for tax? Not a clue. Marketing plan? Err, nope. Creating a website? When I left school, mobile phones and PCs weren’t a thing. The Yellow Pages was though. Social media? That’s the evilness I spend much of my life telling my daughter to spend less time looking at isn’t it? When people started asking how much I charge my brain began to melt.

I loved doing my Interior Design degree. I found it easier than many of my younger counterparts and whilst they could navigate their way around computer software while I produced designs using good old-fashioned hand drawing techniques, many of them found it difficult to research and compile a report. My past experience made that part of the course so much easier for me. Being a ‘mature’ student had major advantages.

Good, old fashioned, hand drawn work!

That maturity, allegedly, has advantages for the business start-up. That maturity, in women, also coincides with menopause, teenagers and aging husbands (it’s the time for Huffing, Puffing, Creaking, Whistling and Standing In Front Of Radiators for the menfolk. Well, it is in my house at least.) Grasp that opportunity women! Create your own business, your own reality, your own money! Success is there for the taking! Once you’ve had a hot flush, waded through the brain fog and cooked dinner.

Yes, your own business at over 50. You bring capability, level headedness, experience. It doesn’t stop 19-year-olds trying to sell me website design and social media packages. The young know so many things I don’t. I need to be visible, get likes, leverage effectively. I thought leverage is what I apply to an overcooked pie I’m trying to prise out of the dish.

At 50, working on your own gives you a work/life balance. You can work at home! No more commuting. The reality is taking a Zoom call whilst sitting in a pile of washing, just out of view, whilst the cat claws your leg.

I saw this on a website: ‘Even if you’re into middle age and beyond, you’re still in the game’. The game for me seems to be hide-and-seek with my memory. Or patience. Sometimes both.

Yes, it has been hard work. A challenge. Ups and downs, crises of confidence, shouts of joy when the software works, tears when a quick two-minute update of the website takes 5 hours, exhilaration when a client loves the design I’ve produced.

So, what sees me through? Wine, in the main. Also, something I’d not really experienced before in my old work life – networking. Meeting up with other people who have been there, know the peaks and troughs and who can offer advice and support is great. They don’t have to understand your business necessarily, but being there with a smile and a coffee is enough to help get that good vibe back.

Would I change anything? No. I wouldn’t. Am I still learning? Oh yes! Every day. I’m still working on the kind of website I’d really like, but I have one and it works. I use social media to promote my business and connect with people. Not expertly, but I do it none-the-less. I’m working on the leverage thing……..anyone?

But I’ll tell you the biggest thing I have learned. That being in business over 50 actually has massive advantages. I know what I want to achieve and that is to create wonderful designs for people’s homes that make them feel comfortable, safe, warm, happy and makes sure they fully enjoy and appreciate where they live. And I know what the ‘mature business owner’ brings to their client and that is integrity, openness, honesty, professionalism, kindness, friendliness, knowledge, understanding and approachability. And a healthy sense of humour. So, apologies for the less-than-perfect social media posts but I think that list is more than compensation.

Emma x

Emma Kelsall Interiors

Many people work at home these days. My office is in the loft (thankfully there’s a window) which I share with lots of storage boxes, suitcases and bits of furniture. My desk space I have managed to make my own. Here are some tips about creating a healthy working environment: https://www.simplehomesimplelife.com/blog/8-tips-for-a-healthy-workspace

I recently met Connie from Southsea Socials. If you need a hand with social media management or web design, then Connie is your girl. Check out her Power Hour offer: https://www.southseasocials.com/

A freeform Homity Pie recipe. You shouldn’t have any problems with ‘leverage’ with this one: https://www.riverford.co.uk/recipes/freeform-homity-pie

Snoop Dogg has a wine brand! Amazing! :https://calibysnoop.com/pages/the-wines