About

GFBookFestival1I, myself, am a late bloomer. In 2010, I retired from my “real job” of 17 years to become a freelance writer.

After I left the traditional work world, I wrote a book about the basic principles followed by established late-blooming entrepreneurs to achieve profitability. It was a great experience to interview many fascinating people who, while in their 40s and later, started and built successful businesses.

The roots of a second book took hold during the pandemic. Stuck at home like the rest of the world, I began writing about a tool I created for myself a few years back, when a convergence of life events left me confused and conflicted about which path to follow. The result was The 4Ls: A Simple Way to Find Life Purpose, a book published in 2022 to help others get unstuck and take that first step needed to move forward.

Twenty years ago, I never expected to become an author or a blogger. Well, here I am.

My main entrepreneurial challenge these days is my freelance writing practice. Much of my work involves helping business owners meet their marketing and communications goals. I also maintain a small publishing business as there may be another book in my future.

When I’m not writing about entrepreneurs, I enjoy reading, public speaking, healthy cooking and exercise (especially cycling) — so some posts on those subjects might sneak in from time to time.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynne Strang

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85 Responses to About

  1. I like it! You’re sure to meet some interesting people along the way 🙂

  2. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! This is a great topic to cover, the older demographic is a neglected one, especially in the business/career area. Will follow your future posts!

  3. pinoyleonardo says:

    Cool! We all want to go there someday- do what we really want and have fun! I dream to be an entrepreneur in the future 🙂

  4. Mike Wilson says:

    This is a great idea. I think the best encouragement and info come from people who have gone there or who are currently doing it. (And a little cycling doesn’t hurt either!) Mike

  5. Bill says:

    I read the story you did on Bill the wheel maker, great stuff, I would like to do exactly that myself when I retire in 3 years. I have been doing the same job as an electrician for 48 years because I have had to. I cant wait till I can do what I want, when I want, for who I want and give a little back.
    I have been a bike rider all of my life and just love every minute on my beloved bike.
    So thank you and stick to your bike what ever you do.

  6. Kathy says:

    I’m enjoying your blooming blog!
    Keep the good news stories coming.

    -Kathy

  7. lbstrang says:

    Thanks, Kathy. I’ll do my best!

  8. peasepudding says:

    We become wiser as we grow! I have started my own cooking school after many years working for others both in the hospitality industry and other work. It’s a ‘organically’ growing business, still having a full time job but I am loving it and to has seen a lot of growth this year. The mature years rock!

  9. lbstrang says:

    They sure do! Congratulations on starting your own cooking school!

  10. dp says:

    Your blog reminds me of “Growing Bolder”, a show on some public TV stations. You should check out their website (http://tv.growingbolder.com) for some inspirational stores about ordinary people pursuing their passion later in life. It’s never too late to impact others’ lives.

    Keep up the excellent blog!

  11. Sykia Media says:

    Your blog really fills a gap! I’m in my early 40’s with my own communications firm that I started in 2004. I’m taking on new roles and new projects all the time–love being an entrepreneur. Being older has nothing to do with being or finding success. It’s all in what you want to do and are willing to do. I now also work with entrepreneurs and I still find it surprising when I talk to many who think it’s too late for them to follow their big idea or big dream. As we know it’s never too late!! I love what you’re writing about. Shari

    • lbstrang says:

      Thank you, Shari. The first step is to believe you can do it — and sometimes it takes a third party to help show the way. Those entrepreneurs are fortunate to have you in their corner.

  12. Happy to have found your blog and look forward to more of your posts.

    • lbstrang says:

      Thank you. Many people decide to become entrepreneurs so they can have an alternative workstyle. Looks like you’re covering an important aspect of entrepreneurship!

  13. sbmstimmins says:

    Really glad I found your blog. I too am a mid-life entrepreneur. I started a marketing communications and consulting firm a year and a half ago and I’m loving every minute of it.

  14. Kudos to you AND THANK YOU for exploring the life of the mid-life entrepreneur. I’ve always thought of myself as a late bloomer. And it is great to be here, now.

    • lbstrang says:

      Thank you for your kind words. So many people are doing great things in the second halves of their lives! I’m just glad I can highlight some of their stories — and provide encouragement to others who want to pursue their dreams.

  15. The 40 and over club? I like the sound of it – I’ve landed in the right place. 🙂

  16. I don’t know how, but I just stumbled upon your blog and you have some very useful information here. I would like to have a dose of this every time you post. I’m “on board”. 🙂

  17. lbstrang says:

    Glad to have you! By the way, your recipes look wonderful!

  18. Ana says:

    This is great. I am so glad I found your blog. For as long as I can remember I have toyed with the idea of being my own boss. Time continued to pass me by and with each year I felt more and more like the dream was getting away from me. I have a “real job” but that’s just the problem. No matter how hard I try to enjoy it it’s still just a job. I find myself daydreaming of my own business all the time but afraid to take that first step. Am I too old? I’m hoping to be able to make that dream come true.

    • lbstrang says:

      It’s hard to give up the security that comes with a regular paycheck. You certainly aren’t too old — but you do need a well-thought-out plan and a long-term commitment to turn your dream into a reality. I hope the stories and resources found on this blog help you take that first step. Thank you for reading — and good luck!

  19. yejun34 says:

    I’m happy to have found your blog! Your blog is great! As a student who is passionate about business and finance, your articles make me very interested. Keep up the great posts!

  20. After a long search some of us finally “get” it.

  21. Nice blog. Writer it seems you be! LOL. I try as well, and I guess you start to see a person’s character come through the words after a while. Strength, determination, perseverance… blog on!

  22. I am glad I found your blog, I am in the process of being a late bloomer!

  23. Congratulations! Very inspiring and I can so relate. I’m a web content writer here in the Philippines and same as you I’m also 40. My eldest son together with my long time partner have put up a granite installation business. I know it’s 2 different worlds but I enjoy them both. However, I can’t let go of my first love – writing. Thanks and continue to shine and inspire people.

    • lbstrang says:

      There’s no reason you can’t continue to enjoy both of your loves — although good time management skills may become more important. Thank you for reading!

  24. Atom says:

    It’s really inspiring to read your blog. I am very new to the world of blogging and yours is the first blog i am following:)

    • lbstrang says:

      Thank you, Atom. I see that you’re a writer. The blogging world has many good sites dedicated to writing. One of my favorites is Live to Write – Write to Live. It’s listed under the blogs I read. You might want to click on the link and check it out.

      • Atom says:

        Thanks for letting me know about the blog – Live to Write – Write to Live . It’s sure gonna help me to write better. I decided to write couple of weeks ago but sounds good when you said you’re a writer 🙂

    • lbstrang says:

      When it comes to goal setting, visualization can be a powerful tool!

  25. rubles1968 says:

    From my brief read I like what I see, am interested to see more posts

  26. rapturo14 says:

    I have just started my WordPress presence exactly 1 hour ago. And, I am SO glad I found you! 1) ..because I am in my early 40s, and 2) I feel like this is a new beginning for me navigating uncharted waters of the online type. I am very good at offline, but this one is definitely a new + strange animal indeed. Also, congratulations on your new book too Lynne! You bring to all of us in our prime lol.

    • lbstrang says:

      I can relate to the “strange animal” comparison because I felt the same way when I started blogging three years ago. The best advice I received back then was to just start writing. Initially, few people will be reading — which is a good thing because it gives you time to become comfortable with the process, make mistakes without worry and develop your “voice.” Best of luck!

  27. glamfacez1 says:

    I think i will keep coming back for more. I see inspiration here. Just started my own blog in September 2013.

  28. mjw81 says:

    Hello out there, 81 has just become 82. I have a number of ideas of things I would like to do but first I would like to create an affiliate blog to support my plans. My main interests are sailing (from my desk now), painting and drawing, and things financial. And picture framing (this was my last business). Michael.

    • Lynne Strang says:

      So let’s see… you’re interests include sailing, painting, drawing, finances and picture framing. That’s quite a diverse list! I think you could start a blog on any of these topics — or maybe combine a couple of them (for example, you could have an art-related blog that covers painting and drawing). Good luck!

      • mjw81 says:

        Thank you for your comment. I would like to use one of these topics but first I wish to change (edit) my 2012 Theme. Where can I find the theme and how do I edit it bearing in-mind I will require to add widgets?
        Michael

  29. Lynne Strang says:

    I’d suggest visiting WordPress’ community discussion boards. You’ll find plenty of information there to help you.

  30. Doug Allison says:

    Interesting reading. I, myself, am 50 years old and just now learning success principles and starting a business. Sure wish I knew then what I know now, but it’s never too late to make a change!

    • Lynne Strang says:

      No, it isn’t. And chances are that you’ll be able to apply those success principles in ways you couldn’t when you were younger. Congratulations on your new business!

  31. It is really a great thing for me to discover this blog.You are an inspiration for my dreams.I am 40 years old and wish to have my own business.

  32. Lynne, I love your journey and think the topic resonates with a lot of people out there who want to pursue their dream. Keep it coming!

  33. leahthoughts says:

    Thanks for being an encouragement. As an independent, singer/songwriter/musician, it is not easy to keep after your dreams. But too many people give up. Thanks for writing and sharing with the world so some of the rest of us don’t give up. Look forward to playing in your area someday and meeting you.

    Leah

  34. Rohit says:

    I am going the entrepreneurial route after 20 years of working for large corporations, and 10 years of talking about starting something. Came across your blog and think that it is a great resource – very inspiring to read. Thanks!

    • Lynne Strang says:

      Glad to have you as a reader. Leaving the corporate world means giving up the security of a steady paycheck and benefits — so the ten-year time period is totally understandable. Congratulations on making the transition.

  35. lucyworkhive says:

    I’m very glad to have found your blog! I’ve had a couple of careers (both of which I’ve enjoyed very much), and now in my mid-40s I’m in the process of starting a social enterprise. I also blog about flexi/home-based working, and how to make that work well – so I’m pretty interested in all forms of ‘non mainstream’ career paths. So much pressure is put on young people to find their path and choose what they want to do – I thinks it’s great to show that you can successfully do a number of different things, and reinvent yourself. I’m looking forward to exploring more of your blog. Best wishes.

    • Lynne Strang says:

      Some good points, especially the one about young people finding a career path. The idea of having multiple careers may be difficult to envision when you’re first starting out in your professional life. Thanks for commenting.

  36. Great topic. Interested in what you have to share.

  37. Don Royster says:

    You went and done it. You went and followed Uncle Bardie’s Stories & Such. You are now one of Uncle Bardie’s Band of Merry Followers. Just so you know, Uncle Bardie’s a hoot, and he’s got quite a few whoppers in his bag of stories. Some funny, some not so funny. But all told for your entertainment. Thank you for following his blog.

  38. bmeik says:

    As someone starting out from a younger age, I find your stories and ideas not only entertaining but very insightful. Thank you.

  39. Krista Kemp says:

    Hey Lynne, I just nominated you for the Infinity Dream Award. Feel free to participate. Here is the link to the post: https://fromfoodstampstoafuture.wordpress.com/2015/06/06/infinity-dream-award/

  40. Bailey says:

    Just over here in my late 20s, and taking notes from the pros! It’s a great inspiration to see someone quit the day job and find true success in life’s joys!

  41. Lynne,
    I just discovered your blog and I love it. I’m a late bloomer. After 20 years in the landscaping business I’ve decided to start a food truck. You can follow my journey here http://guerrillacanteen.com/

    • Lynne Strang says:

      Good for you! At first, going from a landscaping business to a food truck seems like quite a jump — but I can see where the two areas might overlap. Both businesses, for example, involve creativity and an ability to visualize the big picture. Wishing you all the best.

  42. Kally says:

    I have nominated you for the Sunshine award because I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed your posts and deep appreciation that you have been my regular reader. You are in no obligation to accept or repost the award, however if you do, I would love you to let me know so I can return to read your answers!
    http://middleme.net/2015/10/29/the-sunshine-award/

  43. Sherilyn23 says:

    I am an older college student soon to graduate and planning to do some “late blooming” in marketing and/or business communication — I just started a WordPress blog called “Wildflower Sunrise” and a photography portfolio called the “Wild Olive.” I love your site and plan to check in on your late bloomers and their stories.

  44. Hi,

    I just stumbled upon your blog and think what you are putting together is wonderful! I look forward to reading your blog posts for some inspiration.

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