Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Leonard Olsen, Founder of Fifty After 50, located in Washington, DC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am an author, journalist, podcaster, attorney, mentor to women in recovery, and public speaker. My customers are people who are interested in reinvigorating their lives and becoming their best versions.

Tell us about yourself

At age 50, I got divorced, sober from alcoholism, became an empty nester, and was living alone for the first time. I had to change most things about my life. As a gift, I decided to try 50 new items to determine how I wanted to live the next chapter of my life.

My experience became a popular book that has helped thousands of people to become unstuck in their lives. My passion is assisting others to see who they are and how to live authentically to their values. I do this through writing, public speaking events, seminars, and one-on-one meetings.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is watching my readers and listeners again see the light in their lives. Often at events, people approach me in tears, telling me how I have helped them on their life journeys.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Getting readers and reviewers of my books, my TEDx Talk, and my podcast. People are well-intentioned and mean to submit reviews, but most folks are hectic. Reviews help move my work up in the visibility algorithms, and I believe all my books, my TEDx Talk, and my podcast can help so many people not feel so alone.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Set a goal and have an accountability partner to keep you on track toward meeting your goal.
Don't give up. Anything you are passionate about is worth pursuing. Think of the light you are putting into the world.
Seek to learn something new every day. Join social media groups for business owners in your field, and listen to TEDx Talks and podcasts that will help you continue to grow your skills. Not doing anything is a choice, too, but it will not help you succeed in your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.marialeonardolsen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiftyAfter50
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiftyafter50/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FiftyAfter50
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialeonardolsen/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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