Who says you can’t build an exciting, successful business in your fifties?

Hear from Andrea White, franchise partner at Razzamataz Bognor and Horsham and be inspired by her story. 

Building friendships and a support network 

Talking any problem over with a friend is often beneficial, but when I speak to Catherine, franchise partner at Razzamataz Rayleigh West, I know that she is on the same page because we are both franchisees in this amazing network. Razzamataz is a unique franchise because we can be very business-minded about it, but we also have that fluffy, sparkly side because we are involved with children and the performing arts! So, sometimes, we need to talk about that conflict between leading with our head or our heart. Talking things over with Catherine gives me the confidence to know that I am on the right track and that others have the same issues. Consequently, I am confident I am pushing my business in the right direction for me. 

Visibility for women in their fifties 

I think that it is very easy to highlight the younger entrepreneurs, because they are energetic, bubbly and have it all ahead of them, and they should absolutely be celebrated for taking on the challenge. However, it is important that they see us as a valuable asset within the franchise because you can have a great business mind, but life experience cannot be underestimated. I’m proud to be part of Razzamataz and it was lovely to see older women receiving awards at the conference!

The importance of life experience

Life experience should not be underestimated. There is very little that surprises me now, as far as human behaviour goes, and there aren’t many situations I don’t know how to deal with. I can also look at past mistakes and know how to avoid repeating them and I think that is a valuable tool, because, as we go through life, we don’t really have a template, but as you get older, you actually have a really detailed one! In the past I have not been good at asking for help and I wish I had used the wisdom of those that had gone before me; I looked up to older women in my life, who led by example, but I wish I had put, perhaps, my pride and fear, aside and asked the questions. I know that they would have been happy to help, happy to allay any fears (because all of us older women know that you really don’t need to sweat the small stuff), and I know that because I am willing to help anyone who needs it. However, on a personal level, I feel like I don’t want to be like that mother-in-law – the one who tells the daughter-in-law how to do things because I might know best, but I am happy, more than happy, to be asked for my opinion.

#EmbraceEquity #InternationalWomensDay #OlderWomen #Fifties #LifeExperience