Forging a New Path: My Journey into Business at 43

Hello Level Up Ladies... Today’s Powerwoman story reminds us that it’s never too late to follow your passion and create something meaningful. Whether you’re balancing family, facing self-doubt, or navigating a career change, this inspiring journey shows how experience, resilience, and a spark of creativity can come together to build something truly special.

At almost 43, I suspect I’m older than the typical entrepreneurs featured in stories like this. But I hope my journey speaks to anyone who feels stuck, whether due to age, responsibilities, or perceived barriers, and reminds them that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Sometimes, all the years of experience and life lessons we accumulate along the way are actually preparing us to build something truly meaningful, when the time is right.

I met my husband at 19, we married at 23, and shortly after, we welcomed our daughter Gracie. At the time, money was tight. My husband had just started his own business, and without any family support on the island, stability was essential. There was no real option for me to pursue anything outside of a secure, part-time role — something that could provide a regular income while allowing me to care for our daughter. Our second daughter, Darcie, was born in 2014. As my husband's business became more successful, the unspoken understanding was that he would be the breadwinner, and I would hold down the fort at home.

Over the years, I worked in recruitment and, more recently, for the Chamber of Commerce. While I enjoyed the challenges and professional growth, something always felt missing. Deep down, I knew I had a creative side that wasn’t being fulfilled.

After the birth of both my girls, I struggled with postnatal depression. It took a huge toll on my confidence and self-belief, and for a long time, I genuinely didn’t feel I had the capacity to run my own business — or even consider the idea.

The last few years, however, have brought massive changes. After spending so long in corporate environments, I came to realise they no longer aligned with who I was becoming. In 2024, I took the leap and began studying counselling through UCM — something I’d always wanted to pursue. Around the same time, Gracie started her A-levels. During a mother-daughter shopping trip to Liverpool, we stumbled upon a welded jewellery business — and something clicked.

I’ve always loved jewellery. Not just for how it looks, but for the memories and sentiment it can carry. That visit sparked an idea, and I wasted no time. I trained in welded jewellery in September, and by the end of October, I had launched my own business: Bond Jewellery Co.

From the start, I threw myself into it. I reached out to venues and small businesses I felt aligned with to collaborate on events. I connected with local influencers and brand ambassadors. I worked my socks off to build a brand that felt accessible, inclusive, and meaningful — with the mission of making permanent, welded jewellery something everyone could enjoy.

Starting out was tough. There’s a unique kind of pressure that comes with trying to weld tiny jump rings in the middle of a busy pop-up, with people watching and distractions all around. I had plenty of self-doubt in the beginning — shaky hands, racing thoughts, and constant questions about whether I was good enough. But I kept going. I kept practicing. I kept showing up, even when I wasn’t sure I could.

Over time, things began to click. What I once found terrifying became second nature. More than that, I discovered how much I genuinely love this work — not just the jewellery itself, but the people. I meet people from all walks of life, each with their own stories and reasons for choosing permanent jewellery. I’ve come to treasure those moments of connection. It’s about more than the chain — it’s about the memories made, the meaning behind each piece, and the joy of creating something lasting, together.

Looking ahead, I have big dreams. I’d love to grow Bond Jewellery Co. into something even bigger. I also want to continue my counselling qualifications and eventually offer therapeutic services, both face-to-face and online. For me, it’s all connected — a passion for helping people feel seen, heard, and valued, whether through a meaningful conversation or a welded bracelet.

Do I wish I’d started sooner? Sometimes. But I also know the timing had to be right. All the roles I’ve had, the challenges I’ve faced, the personal growth I’ve gone through — none of it was wasted. In fact, I believe those years shaped me into the person and business owner I am today. I feel more aligned with my values than ever before, and more confident in who I am and what I want to bring to the world. That, in itself, is a kind of success I could never have rushed.

To any woman reading this who’s thinking about starting something new — whether it’s a business, a course, a creative project, or a career change — my advice is this: start small, but start. Don’t let age, self-doubt, or fear of failure hold you back. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin. The rest, I promise, will follow.

If you’re thinking about taking that first step towards your own dream, take heart from this story: the timing is never “perfect,” but starting small can lead to incredible things. We celebrate every woman who dares to begin, keeps showing up, and turns her vision into reality. Remember, your journey matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Thanks for sharing your journey Jessica!