One of my dear friends just celebrated her 30th birthday. While jumping into a new decade of life takes some getting used to, she told me there’s no way she’d want to go back to being 20 years old again. At 30, she’s more self-assured and knows what she wants. I bet I’m not alone in my observation that so many women are downright afraid to disclose their age. But as they say, growing older is a privilege denied to many. So, embrace it! With each passing year, you sparkle a little more.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 55 to 64
If the thought of some of your past life experiences makes you cringe, you’re not alone. But we live and we learn. In fact, science backs up the idea that aging is pretty cool in this regard. According to one famed developmental psychologist, as we age, we grow increasingly driven to find more meaning in our lives. And that’s definitely proving true for entrepreneurs. Recent data from the Kauffman Foundation shows the biggest group of entrepreneurs in America is made up of go-getters in the 55 to 64 age group, with people 55 and older being almost twice as likely to found successful companies as those between the ages of 20 and 34. Now that’s a statistic for the ages!
WOMAN TO WATCH: Kathy Cano-Murillo, Founder of Crafty Chica
Today’s Woman to Watch has one heck of a creative streak and a whole lot of heart. Her name is Kathy Cano-Murillo, and her inspirational journey began with an adorable romantic twist. On her wedding night, she and her husband made a solemn pact to only pursue work they are passionate about. It was just the catalyst Kathy needed to launch an entrepreneurial career in the creative arts.
Within three years of making that vow, Kathy had handcrafted hundreds of enchanting Latino-centric items for some 300 retail shops. Further seeking to fulfill her creative identity, she landed a job as a features clerk at The Arizona Republic newspaper, where the editor of the Home section, already an avid collector of Kathy’s artsy baubles, asked her to write a weekly craft column. Considering crafting maven Martha Stewart was all the rage at the time, an intimidated Kathy considered turning down the offer. But driven by the promise she made to her husband and her own life goals, she accepted the gig and decided to totally own it! Soon enough, her column was nationally syndicated and a local Phoenix TV station signed her on for a weekly craft segment.
Before long, Kathy dug even deeper into her creativity well, launching a super-fun artsy biz called Crafty Chica, through which she makes a living spreading the gospel of glitter. Dubbed “a crafty version of Selena meets the Hallmark Channel, with a dash of Oprah optimism,” Crafty Chica is Kathy’s popular web-based company that specializes in handcrafted gifts, but also aims to inspire women to brighten their lives with clever lifestyle ideas.
Several craft books, two novels, a Crafty Chica Cruise and tons of press later, Crafty Chica has become a premier destination for colorful DIY crafts, from glittery T-shirts and earrings to handcrafted throw pillows, piñatas, painting kits and even make-it-yourself lip gloss—with each DIY item including Kathy’s infectiously bubbly tutorials. She’s also expanded Crafty Chica to include uplifting lifestyle content, like her blog post about finding freedom and fulfillment once her two grown children left the nest.
Kathy’s journey to thriving craft entrepreneur proves if you stick to what your heart of hearts commands, you are surely destined for success!
QUITE THE QUOTE
We’re sure Kathy Cano-Murillo agrees with this quote from one of her favorite artists, the incomparable Frida Kahlo:
“I am happy to be alive, as long as I can paint.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.