Daniel Island Retirees Rethink Retirement with Entrepreneurial Ventures
In the charming city of Daniel Island, South Carolina, three residents, Joyce Erb, Mollie Vardell, and Marnee Robinson, are challenging the conventional stereotypes of retirement. In their 60s, these spirited women are venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, proving that age is an advantage rather than an obstacle in nurturing one’s passion into a flourishing business.
Joyce Erb: Transforms Hobby into Fine Art Business
Joyce Erb, an acclaimed fine artist, has made a successful transition from being a Wall Street lawyer to an entrepreneur. Her passion for painting the captivating landscapes of the Lowcountry sparked the foundation of Joyce Erb Fine Art. The turning point came at an unexpected moment at home when her guests at a party purchased the displayed paintings, thus propelling her into business.
The COVID pandemic saw Erb’s decision to convert part of her house into a studio-gallery, where she now exhibits her work by appointment. Erb combines plein air painting with studio work, often biking around Daniel Island to discover inspiring locations.
Despite the challenges, Erb finds fulfillment in running her own business as something that brings her immense joy also sparks joy in the people who welcome her paintings into their homes.
Mollie Vardell: Creating Painterly Home from Love of Art
Mollie Vardell, with a professional background in commercial interior design and artistry, has always had a creative knack. This former retiree found the inspiration to begin her newest venture, Painterly Home, during the pandemic as she initiated a new series focusing on tropics. The positive feedback she received led to transferring her artwork onto fabric, and subsequently, extending the product line to include pillows, tea towels, and other gift items detailed with fine art images.
Though the digital terrain posed some challenges, garnering happy customers and seeing the tangible representations of her art on people’s sofas brings Vardell the utmost satisfaction.
Marnee Robinson: Seamstress Turned Concierge Extraordinaire
Marnee Robinson, who has held several varied professional roles, decided that retirement was not for her. Instead, she combined her skills from past experiences and now offers a unique blend of custom cushion design and concierge services under her name.
Providing tailor-made services with a focus on helping seniors, Robinson enjoys crafting meticulous designs for indoor and outdoor living spaces while simplifying clients’ lives through her concierge services.
Joyful Businesses Trigger Empowerment
These three women demonstrate the limitless possibilities of what retirement can hold. Turning their passion into profitable ventures, they offer inspiration and counsel for other retirees. They unanimously agree that success comes from being willing for an adventure, providing something valuable for people, and having appropriate skills, time, and resources.
Not only have Erb, Vardell, and Robinson ushered in a refreshing perspective on retirement, but they also serve as thriving examples of businesswomen who, in the ‘Chapter Two’ of their lives, are not quite done yet.
