This is our time! We’re stronger when we work together to lift other women up. EvolveMe's #40over40 list curates profiles of women who have or are in the process of reinventing their careers in their 40s, 50, 60s, and beyond.
We're thrilled to share these stories of reinvention - women returning to work, pivoting careers, or launching new ventures!
Meet artist and entrepreneur Kim Kenner. Kim left her corporate career to embrace her artistic talents and creative skills. She's "found her happy place." And she's not looking back.
Read on to be inspired by Kim's bold move!
What is the current focus of your career?
At this time, my focus is on building my brand Creole Creative Canvases. Once I decided to start my business I got into a space of Joy. With this joy, my creative juices started to flow. They were flowing like a faucet. So now I have to focus and things are all coming together. Initially, it was a mess but I realized that mess was years of ideas being held captive and needing a way out.
What prompted your career reinvention?
I am an entrepreneur. Art for me was always a part of my life whether it was music, dance, photography, or painting it was easily available and the norm. My journey in the Arts started off with dancing. I did ballet, tap, and jazz. I even danced with an African dance Troop. I danced my entire life even through College.
One would think that I had found my space and would be in the arts. But as life would have it I chose the corporate path. We forget about what makes us happy and start creating what looks good to others. I was guilty but my inner Artist kept pushing her way to the surface. I kept trying to ignore her and continued a career in corporate. My inner Artist kept nudging me. The Universe was not having it either as I continued on this path with numerous contracts and jobs basically forcing the issue the contracts kept ending and the jobs.
Finally, my inner Artist said enough is enough we are doing this thing. Hence, the birth of Creole Creative Canvases.
What's the best thing about mid-life career change?
I found my happy space. I am Art and Art is me. This change has given me JOY. Entrepreneurship is not easy but it is worth it. I am glad I did not wait any longer to pursue it.
What's the biggest challenge?
FOCUS I had been so busy doing what I thought was right that I lost what the real focus should be, and that was my happiness. I work daily to stay focused and now I am completing goals and checking them off my list.
What's your personal mantra/mission? Why?
IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME. I realize if I want something, it is up to me to make way for it to manifest in my life. Personal ACCOUNTABILITY. I hold myself accountable for my happiness. Your best career advice for other women at midlife is...
Just because you choose one career or path does not mean you can not make a change. Give yourself PERMISSION to do what makes you happy. We all should say, "Hey, it is time that I EvolveMe."
I know I am glad I made the choice to EvolveMe.