“The Joys and Challenges of Becoming an Entrepreneur after 50!”

Habakkuk 2:2

“And the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it.” (KJV)

Ladies may I ask you a question. Have you ever dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur? How about becoming your own boss AFTER the age of 50.

Contrary to popular belief, entrepreneurship isn’t just for 20 year-year-old kids writing codes in their college dorm rooms.

Golden Divas are holding it down with some formidable advantages such as in-depth knowledge, earned from years in the workforce, valuable experience, and a broad professional network. All it takes is to BELIEVE in yourself and this my sisters will lead to business ownership and a promise of autonomy and fulfillment that can’t be had otherwise.  

I use to love watching The Steve Harvey Show back in the day; especially when I saw women in power and heard Lovita Alizay Jenkins (Lawd Jesus… you have to love that ghetto name) call the principal Regina “Piggy” Greer “BOSS LADY!” It was something about being in charge and running your own business that motivated me to no end.  

What motivates me today is to see women who continue to strive for SUCCESS, women that I admire who are building their “EMPIRE” and not just watching EMPIRE on television (however, of course, this is fine because I love the show too). Women who are following their DREAMS, women who are fueled by their PASSION to step out on FAITH and believe what they are called to do will MANIFEST their dreams to REALITY.

That is why I am so proud of this month GOLDEN DIVA INTERVIEW. I have the pleasure of knowing this beautiful soul since high school. She is a creative butterfly and a woman after my own heart. She loves READING and WRITING and is following her dreams to do exactly what she loves to do on the other side of 50. May I introduce to you DONNA MONTGOMERY!

At the age of 50, Donna Montgomery, a resident of the Chatham neighborhood in Chicago, decided to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Inspired by advice that she received from her 28-year-old daughter, Tiffany, who is her only child (whom by the way is a very talented actress).

Donna went into business as a Writing Partner. Over the years, Donna has gained valuable experience working on various forms of written work. Her latest project involves writing a book that tells the story of a prominent figure on the south side of Chicago.

Donna would like to utilize her talents to help uplift and create opportunities for others. She plans to develop a workshop for youth who are interested in writing. In her spare time, Donna acts as a Community Advocate by volunteering with a number of community-based organizations. She also has a special place in her heart for the Arts and considers herself to be an Arts Fanatic, regularly attending diverse performances around town.

In Conversation with Donna Montgomery 

C50: What made you decide to start your own business at 50?

DM: For as long as I can remember, I have always had a curiosity for reading, a fascination with writing, and a keen eye and ear for detail.  Also, I have worked on a number of successful writing projects. In addition to that, my daughter, Tiffany, would always remind me, in so many words, that I should find my passion and live my true purpose. For these reasons, I decided to turn my passion and skills into a business opportunity.

C50: What type of business do you have and what is the name of it?

DM: As a Writing Partner, I use my special skills to enhance the context of both written and spoken word by using an in-depth editing style, through rewriting, or by creating content from scratch. I have a unique approach to writing that digs deep and goes far beyond mere words.

“Ultimate Writing Solutions” is the name of my business and my goal is to help an individual or a group share a story with the intended audience in the most effective way. 

C50: Do you feel that it is never too late to reinvent yourself?

DM: I do believe that it is never too late for self-reinvention.  We all possess inherent gifts that make us unique and set us apart from others. However, some of us may not realize this until much later in life. We must discover what we were born to do and be intentional in pursuit of life’s true calling.

C50: What are the joy and challenges of being a middle-aged woman starting a business?

DM: The joys of being an entrepreneur include having the freedom to do something that I enjoy on my own time. I have the opportunity to make important decisions that will affect the work of others, and meeting people who are willing to pass along their knowledge in order to help me grow as an individual and entrepreneur. One of the challenges that I face involves finding a balance between my work, personal life, and volunteering. Another challenge is knowing that not all people will be able to understand the true value of my work.

C50: As a woman in her fifties do you feel as though you have to prove yourself to men in the same field as you?

DM:  As an entrepreneur, I have found that men, for the most part, respect my abilities just the same as women do.

C50: What motivates you and what are you passionate about when it comes to running your own business?

DM:  What motivates me is knowing that I have the ability to help tell a story in a unique way. I am passionate about using my gifts to help others, and I eventually would like to offer a Writing Workshop for young people that help nurture and develop their critical thinking skills and challenges them to make better choices.

C50: Why is reaching back to the community important to you?

DM: By example, my mother taught me the importance of giving back. Also, while working for a social service organization about 30 years ago, the importance of service was instilled in me because it was required of employees. To this day, I live by the creed that it is my duty to serve my community and do my part in order to make a positive impact.

C50: Do you feel that you had a boost of creative energy when you turned 50?

DM: I have always been creative. I just needed to discover a way to channel my creativity into an opportunity.

C50: Did you have any fear when you chose to become an entrepreneur?

DM: I definitely was apprehensive about becoming an entrepreneur. I had to realize that I must be willing to take risks, despite my fears, in order to make things happen.

C50: Did ageism play a factor in your decision to become your own boss?

DM: Ageism was not a factor in my decision to become my own boss.

Bonus Question

C50: What is the one thing you can tell another Golden Diva to do if she is thinking about starting a business in her fifties?

DM: Stand by your principles, stay committed, and do not allow anyone to undermine your value.

C50: There you have it ladies, my Golden Diva for the month of February, my friend, and my colleague in the writing world Donna Montgomery. If you are looking to take your writing to the next level let me highly recommend that you connect with this beauty at ultimatewritingsolutions@gmail.com.