Does it sound a little bold? Maybe. Crazy? Possibly. While many of my peers are planning for retirement, I’m over here figuring out how to fit 26 hours of work into a 24-hour day—especially as I build a startup from the ground up. It’s a balancing act, to say the least, but it’s a journey I’m proud to be on.

The idea for MYNE Beauty started taking shape in 2018, sparked by a few realizations that were impossible to ignore. First, I was becoming one of the oldest professionals in the companies I consulted for, and most of those brands catered to an 18- to 40-year-old demographic.  

Second, most of the products I was developing were designed to “slow” aging or minimize so-called “flaws.” And finally, I noticed how much my own experience influenced how I engaged with beauty, like how tiny fonts on packaging are aesthetically pleasing but utterly impractical.

At some point, I asked myself: What about me? Where was the beauty brand that spoke to my stage in life—one that didn’t feel like it was simply tacked onto a younger audience’s narrative? That was my aha moment.

With over 30 years in the beauty industry, I knew I had the expertise to create something meaningful. I floated the idea of a beauty brand exclusively for women 50+ to a few trusted colleagues. Some raised concerns: Isn’t that too niche? Be careful that it doesn’t feel too ‘geriatric.’  Do older consumers even need their own products?

My answer? Absolutely. Positively. Yes!

With almost 70 million women Boomers and Gen Xers combined, there’s a massive audience that’s been largely ignored. But I didn’t want MYNE Beauty to feel like we were putting age on a pedestal—I wanted it to feel modern, cool, and empowering. A brand we could embrace with joy and confidence.

The hardest part wasn’t the idea itself, it was getting started. After 18 years at Estée Lauder and then working with both large and small beauty brands, I had a deep well of experience in product development, project and financial management, and brand storytelling. But turning that knowledge into a business? That was overwhelming. Where do I even begin? Who will buy this? Should I develop products first or find investors?

So, I did the only thing I could: I just started. One step at a time.

Taking the leap wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I know in my heart that there’s a real need for a beauty brand that speaks to women 50+, and I’m honored to be part of that movement. MYNE Beauty is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of personal experience, industry insight, and a deep understanding of what women like me are looking for.

Starting something new later in life might feel daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. So, if you’re thinking about making a change, here’s my advice: Don’t let age or fear hold you back. Trust your experience, take the leap, and create something that speaks to you—and to the world.