https://www.shopify.com/blog/entrepreneurs-over-50

Colleen and Jim, Co-founders, Kushley

Kushley founders Colleen and Jim had over 25 years experience in the odor control industry, selling and marketing products to many industries. In 2011, when a friend was diagnosed with cancer, she was prescribed medical cannabis to ease her symptoms. She wanted to mask the smell of the smoke, and came to Colleen and Jim for help.

The result was Kushley, a line of organic consumer products to eliminate smoke smell.

In 2013, in the memory of their friend, the couple (both over 50) deferred their retirement plans and started the business. They grew Kushley by “pounding the pavement”, Colleen says, and introducing the brand at trade shows and conferences.

Colleen often muses “If only I had started this company in my 20s...” citing technology as a challenge at her age:

“I would like to believe I have gained a bit of wisdom from the many years of life and business experience. But I do not believe that it gives me any greater edge over the many young entrepreneurs I have had the honor to meet, learn from, and work alongside in this industry. The energy level is certainly not what it used to be, and today’s technology aspect is what has proven to be the biggest challenge and at times quite overwhelming especially with ecommerce.”

Make sure it is a passion at this age. This is a time to enjoy what you are about to embark upon.

The solution? She leans on her community. 

“I am still learning this new journey myself but the best advice I can offer is to make sure it is a passion at this age. This is a time to enjoy what you are about to embark upon. It is also a time to embrace and hire the young minds affluent in today’s and tomorrow’s technology.”