10 Female Role Models Who Prove It’s Never Too Late

Hey, it’s Marie Forleo and you are watching MarieTV, the place to be to create a business and life you love. Now, if you ever feel like you’re too old to do something new and exciting like start a business or start a new career, this one is for you – with an especially loud and proud shoutout to my ladies.

Today’s question comes from Lynn who writes, “Hi, Marie. I love, love, love you and your message and your gifts to the world.” Love you, too! “I follow you religiously and always take away a nugget of gold from MarieTV. I recently launched a new business at 59. I’m now 60. I’ve never owned my own business before and I’m loving it. I’m in a new industry and a new part of the country, however, I’m at a loss for role models who have done something similar at my age. Who do you admire at age 60? Which seasoned woman or women inspire you? Thanks so much, Lynn.”

Lynn, my friend, I am so damn happy that you asked this question. First, to be crystal clear for everyone watching, no matter what you wanna do, whether it’s start a business or tackle any goal in the arts or sports or science, you are never, ever, ever too old to do it. #NeverTooOld

In fact, is it relates to business, the Kaufmann foundation reports that the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity in the last decade has been among those aged 55 to 64. And that makes sense, right? Because success in business really requires two qualities that grow as we get older: stamina and maturity.

Now, you specifically asked about women like you, and I do have a great list. And in doing my research, I stumbled upon even more badass women who, regardless of when they actually started, are kicking some serious ass in their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and even over 100. Now, of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. It’s just a tiny taste of women who are slaying it and prove that age ain’t nothing but a number.

And speaking of age, I compiled this list to find women around your age, Lynn. You know, some are a little younger, some are older, but, I’ve gotta say, they are all amazing.

First up we have Louise Hay who is now 90 years old and she is the founder of the ginormous self help publishing empire, Hay House. Maybe you’ve heard of them. And you know what? She didn’t launch her company until she was 58 years old.

Then there’s Lisa Gable, who like millions of other women was frustrated by falling bra straps. Come on. Can’t we all relate to that? Now, Lisa was 67 when she launched Strap-Mate, an intimate apparel company which she ran well into her 80’s.

Now, just hang onto your seat for this one. I have to introduce you to someone I look up to. Her name is Ernestine Shepherd and at 80 she is now the world’s oldest female bodybuilder. And get this, she didn’t get started until the age of 56. Can we all just stop for a minute and look at the gorgeousness that is Ernestine?

Okay, next up we’ve got Carol Gardner who found herself divorced and depressed and in debt at age 52. Then what she did – she started a greeting card company in her living room. And within six months, she sold over one million cards. Now, Carol kept on hustling and according to the New York Times, her company, Zelda Wisdom Inc., generates over 50 million in sales each and every year. All I’ve got to say is go, Carol.

Then, of course, there is Grandma Moses, one of the biggest names in American folk art who didn’t start painting until she was in her late 70’s. That’s right, her late 70’s. Now, Grandma Moses continued to work as a painter for over 25 more years, producing over 1,500 pieces and selling a whole lot of them.

Okay, next up we’re gonna talk about another amazing woman, the stellar Ida Keeling. Now, she recently set the world record at the Penn Relays for the best time for someone over 100 in the 100 meter race. Check it out.

“I don’t want let nobody drag me down. I’m just keep going.”

And, P.S. She didn’t start running until she was 67. That’s right. 67.

Next, oh my goodness. I love this woman so much. You must know about Greta Pontarelli, who started her work as an aerial artist and pole dancer at 59 years old. She’s 66 right now and she is ridiculously incredible. I mean, check this out.

“I realized in life that it’s really important to go after your dreams. And sometimes they don’t manifest the way you want to, but I would rather have these little, tiny challenges that didn’t work than have a life of … what if?”
Next we have Ruth Thompson, who is 63 and the founder of Hugs Cafe, which provides food service training and employment for adults with special needs. I adore this woman. I adore her business. And she launched it in her late 50’s with no prior experience running a business or a nonprofit.

We’re gonna keep going here. How about Cindy Joseph? I mean, check this out. She started her modeling career at 49 with Dolce and Gabbana. Then in her 50’s she launched her own skincare business called Boom! By Cindy Joseph. And now she’s in her mid 60’s, she’s running that business, and she is crushing it. You know, Cindy is an advocate of pro-aging rather than anti-aging, and she says this: “We’re taught that there’s a prime of life. I say, throw that out the door. Every moment is your prime. There is no peak. It just gets better.”

Now, if you want proof of that, look no further than our final inspiration for this episode, Tao Porchon Lynch, the 98 year old celebrity yoga instructor and competitive ballroom dancer.Let’s see her in action.

Tao is still teaching eight classes a week. She only wears high heels and she keeps herself hydrated with wine. Yes, you heard that correctly. Not H2O, Pinot. Uh-huh. Tao does not drink the water, she prefers the wine.

And with that, I say cheers to you, Lynn, and to anyone else who chooses to start a business or follow a dream no matter what your age.

Now, if it’s your dream to start a business whether you’re 15 or 55 or 105, I’ve got something that can help. Now that you see that age is really a non-issue, the big question is what’s the right kind of business for you? Which is exactly what I’ll show you how to figure out in Start The Right Business: an incredible online program that’ll help you get clear on your vision, get clear on your goals, validate your business idea well before you waste time and money, and it’ll really help you make your dream business a reality, guaranteed. You can learn more at StartTheRightBusiness.com.

And if you ever find yourself thinking you might be too old or too young to follow a dream, remember this tweetable.

“Any age is the perfect age to follow your dream.”

That was my A to your Q, Lynn, and I really hope it helps. Now I would love to hear from you. Now, this whole episode was sparked by Lynn’s desire to see other women launching new businesses in their 60’s, 70’s, and beyond. Now, we shared this tiny list, but I have no doubt there are countless more women out there that we can all be inspired by. So in the comments below, feel free to give a shout out to a woman you know who inspires you. And/or tell me what dream you’re inspired to go for now that you know age is not an issue?

As always, the best conversations happen over at the magical land of MarieForleo.com, so head on over there and leave a comment now. Once you’re there, be sure to subscribe to our email list and become an MF Insider. You’ll get instant access to a powerful audio training I created called How To Get Anything You Want. It’s really good. You’ll also get some exclusive content, special giveaways, and personal updates from me that I just don’t share anywhere else.

Stay on your game and keep going for your dreams, because the world needs that special gift that only you have. Thank you so much for watching and I’ll catch you next time on MarieTV.

Have you been thinking about starting your own business? Is fear, confusion, or overwhelm slowing you down? We can fast track your growth and save you years of expensive trial and error. Get the guidance you need to make your dream business come to life, guaranteed. Learn more at StartTheRightBusiness.com.

How many of us want to kick his ass?

Do you imagine if I’d ever sound like that one day? You guys will be around for it. Guys, another take.

Hold on. I need a – okay.

What? Nobody else burps.