Seniorpreneurs are on the rise!
Retirees are no longer settling for a quiet retirement.
Through interest or necessity, or both, many retirees are taking the opportunity of starting a business in their later years.
You’ve Earned It recently put out a call for South African senior entrepreneurs or seniorpreneurs, as we like to call them, to connect with us. We were inundated with emails from some very interesting people who have found their true calling later in life, and are loving life!
Seniorpreneurs are very special – they have acquired their skills, knowledge and experience over many years, and bring this, plus the contagious enthusiasm of a youthful mindset to a business that hopefully benefits themselves as well as the economy. They know how to inspire and lead people. They remain optimistic and persistent despite changes in their circumstances.
YEI features five seniorpreneurs in this article. As you read the snippets of these seniorpreneurs’ activities, it might well spark something in you to drive you to jump into the world of seniorpreneurs. In addition, we urge YEI readers to support these seniorpreneurs in their endeavours.
Beverley Goslett
Articlight Graphic Design, Cape Town
Tel: 021 701 2790
Email: beverleygoslett@gmail.com
I run a small Graphic Design studio from home. I retired from the corporate world after 28 years in the design business. It was time for a change. Over the years I have designed for many of the well known South African chain stores, Woolworths, Truworths, Foschini, Cape Union Mart, as well as overseas stores. I can assist you with any design requirements you may have, from Flyers and E-Flyers to Posters, Corporate ID’s including Invoice and Quotation forms and E-mail Signatures, Logos, Packaging, Labelling, Wine Labels, Wedding Invites, Stationery and Menus to name but a few. Very reasonable rates charged.
Yvonne Walker
Pretoria, Gauteng
Tel: 083 306 2621
Email: voniwa@gmail.com
Facebook: – Click here
I formulate, make and sell a small range of natural products: soap, healing balm and pain oil. All are made without the use of petroleum products at all, also they contain no flavourants, colourants or preservatives of any kind.
I also make and sell “GG Sauce” (Gourmet Gogo). Ages ago in a tiny pantry, my granddad, whom we called ‘Gaggan’ used to sit and listen to his handbuilt radio till the wee hours of the morning, surrounded by the products of his tinkering, whilst the rest of the household slept soundly. Gaggan loved experimenting with many things, including cooking. The recipe for this sauce originated in that dark little pantry, so many years ago. The sauce was always freely available on his table, and was so tasty that he was constantly asked for the recipe. He always insisted that only one of his eight grandchildren would get the recipe. This is the result of me being the lucky one! GG Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any savoury dish, from pouring it over your perfectly cooked steak, to sausages, eggs, and even adding a dash to your soups and stews.
Bev Willemse
House and pet sitting service, Port Elizabeth
Tel: 083 689 7831
Email: housepetsitters@yahoo.com
My husband and I offer a house and pet sitting service in Port Elizabeth. It allows people the peace of mind that their property and pets are being cared for when they are away on holiday, or weekend breaks. We continue with the pets daily exercise regime and maintain the pool as well. We do all of this for a minimal fee and we either live in or come in daily depending on the clients needs.
Colleen Balfour
Art classes, Durban North
Tel: 073 910 8549; Landline: 031 564 9671
Email: baldonf@telkomsa.net
Facebook page: Click here
My studio at home in Durban North is set up for 5 students [adults, no children] max in each class, to ensure personal attention, and I teach from beginner to advanced. I run two classes a week. The classes have been a great source of pleasure for me because I thoroughly enjoy people and the atmosphere in my classes is relaxed and happy with everyone developing at their own unpressured pace. Quite a few of my students have gone on to be very good artists and have had good sales. I am a very versatile artist and therefore am able to teach and assist the variety of style preferences of students.
Glynnis Morris
Handmade by Glynn, Edenvale, Gauteng
Tel: 083 354 2065; Landline: 011 452 0203
Email: dgmorris@mweb.co.za
Facebook page: Click here
I have been knitting and selling toys for about three years. It keeps me busy and gives me extra money to spend – mostly on my grandson. I also knit gloves and eternal scarves.
Are you a senior entrepreneur?
YEI would love to share your story with the YEI community.
Please email us with your story and contact details.
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I make Jewellery and Accessories with Swarovski Crystal Elements (Components).My name is Naomi Hanna.
Facebook – Jewellery and Accessories by Naomi
I have always been told that if you are passionate about your job, it will never feel like work. For years i have tried various jobs, started many little businesses and sold all sorts of things, but i never felt the passion. Then I started to House & Petsit for an agency about 2 years ago and although the pay was not good, i absolutely fell in love with all the furies i looked after. The agency folded during Covid so i started to put the word out and have been very busy, meeting new people, looking after their lovely homes and especially their beloved animals and i know i have found my passion at last. My name is Lyn Rosen and my email address is Lynrose56@gmail.com. I do long & short term sits in Cape Town & surrounding areas. I charge R250 per night