31 Profitable Business Ideas For Women Over 50 (2024)
Are you a woman in your 50s contemplating the idea of venturing into your own business?
You're not alone – a considerable number of female entrepreneurs decide to embark on a new business endeavor or explore a side project during this stage in their lives.
In your 50s, many women experience a sense of empowerment and determination to pursue entrepreneurial goals. This drive may be inspired by a desire for greater autonomy, the pursuit of a passion project, or a shift in career priorities.
Within this article, we've curated a selection of 31 profitable business ideas for women over 50.
1. Start a mom blog
Parenting may be an overwhelming journey. Mothers result to the internet to read stories from other moms.
Reading mom’s blogs makes parenting feel less alone a long way. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or passionate about parenting, you can consider starting a mommy blog.
You can make money through affiliate links or by selling your merchandise on the blog. To increase traffic to your blog, include resourceful and encouraging content.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Explore 3 Mom Blog Success Stories
2. Start a maternity store
Maternity wear is typically created with a loose, appropriate fit containing elastic, tabs, and stretchable fabric to provide extra comfort to the wearer. The demand for formal maternity wear is increasing, a trend that is because of an increasing number of working females.
According to records, the the number of pregnant working mothers is increasing tremendously, a trend that will continue for the next few years. Therefore, starting a maternity wear store at a strip mall or setting up an online shop can be a great business venture.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
3. Start a women's shoe line
A women’s shoe business involves designing, producing, and selling fashionable, feminine footwear directly to consumers.
As an entrepreneurial founder, you oversee the creation of heels, boots, flats, and sandals using quality materials and comfortable construction suited for real life.
With the global footwear industry expected to reach $440 billion by 2026, building a shoe brand allows creators to align passion with profit.
For aspiring fashion moguls, launching a women's shoe line presents accessibility through e-commerce as well as versatility to wholesale across boutiques worldwide.
How much you can make: $3,333 — $83,300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 800 days (?)
Explore 6 Women's Shoe Line Success Stories
4. Start a sewing and alteration business
Do you have sewing skills and looking for an entrepreneurship opportunity? You can start your sewing and alteration business.
A sewing and alteration business offers customers clothing repair, custom tailoring, button replacement, and other alterations. You can start a sewing and alteration business at home or set up a retail location.
To start a sewing and alteration business, you will need a commercial-grade sewing machine and a marketing strategy, so target customers learn about your business.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
5. Start a decorative pillow business
A decorative pillow business involves designing and selling fashionable and functional accent pillows that are suitable for home and outdoor decor.
As an entrepreneurial producer, you will be responsible for conceptualizing and constructing statement pillows that cater to interior design trends and customer needs.
Building a pillow brand requires minimal startup costs, and with home-based production flexibility, creators can monetize their sewing skills and build scalable profits.
For aspiring founders with an eye for aesthetics, launching a decorative pillow shop can turn a creative vision into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $45,000/month
6. Start a soap business
Soap-making business is a growing industry that can be home-based or a small local business. Soap business is one of the most lucrative home-based businesses that perfect your decision to work in your free time while you earn good cash.
Starting a soap business sounds simple enough. You can buy supplies for probably less than $1,000. Popular skincare products are now being sold online, and this doesn’t seem like a challenging field to break into. Below are some success stories of the soap business that will inspire you.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)
Explore 10 Soap Business Success Stories
7. Start a flip flop brand
The flip-flop business involves the design, production, and sale of open-toed sandals that are typically worn during the summer season.
As an entrepreneur in this field, your role is to oversee the creation of comfortable and casual styles that are suitable for a variety of settings, including the beach, poolside, and everyday wear.
It is important to utilize quality and durable materials to ensure that the sandals are long-lasting and meet consumer expectations.
With the world's population growing, launching a flip-flop brand is a great opportunity to tap into the surging demand for comfortable footwear, while keeping the startup costs to a minimum.
How much you can make: $40,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 720 days (?)
Explore 3 Flip Flop Brand Success Stories
8. Start a corporate event business
A corporate event planning business involves conceptualizing, organizing, and executing special events for company clients.
This includes conferences, galas, retreats, trade shows, and celebrations that bring brands to life.
As an entrepreneurial event planner, you handle all event logistics while introducing creative concepts that leave lasting impressions on attendees.
Building a corporate event firm allows you to combine an eye for detail with business strategy to cement your role in the fast-growing multi-billion industry.
How much you can make: $66,667/month
How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)
9. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.
Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Explore 14 Freelance Writing Business Success Stories
10. Start an etsy shop
Etsy has been around for over a decade, and the platform has become more popular for creators, entrepreneurs, and consumers.
The platform started as a place for crafters to sell their supplies and handmade goods. Now it has become a venue for artists and small businesses of all kinds to sell their products.
If you just started your shop or want to sell your products on Etsy, there are many different ways to kill on the platform. With the tips and advice of Etsy sellers who’ve been in your position, you’ll soon be successful!
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Explore 48 Etsy Shop Success Stories
11. Start a Textile Printing Business
Textile printing is not just any printing. It is the process of applying patterns, designs, and colors to the fabric. It is mostly used to print clothes, curtains, dresses, bedsheets, garments, bed covers, and other items.
To start this business you have to be trained to apply the right techniques to make sure that the pattern and design are printed accurately on the cloth. You will also have to ensure that the colors used in the design are of high quality so that they do not fade off over time or get dirty easily.
It is a perfect business idea for any entrepreneur who is looking to start his or her own business. Textile printing can be a profitable venture for those who are good at art and design and enjoy working with fabrics. The Textile Print Designer makes between $70,689 to $115,330 per year in the USA.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
12. Start a women's clothing line
Starting a women’s clothing brand is a great way to enter entrepreneurship. You don’t need to have millions of dollars or vast experience to start your clothing line—just the drive and determination to be your own boss.
Women’s fashion has come a long way over the last decade, and there are many growth opportunities! New trends are constantly emerging, and old ones are returning, too, so there will always be an audience for your new designs if you keep up with the times (and stay on top of them).
How much you can make: $500 — $33,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Explore 37 Women's Clothing Line Success Stories
13. Start a beach wedding company
If you have been aspiring to start a business that relates to weddings, you may consider starting a beach wedding company. Beach weddings have a naturally intimate romantic vibe and can be a perfect fit for couples looking for a unique experience.
Besides, beach weddings can be cheaper since there is not much décor to do and the ceremony and reception take place in the same venue.
How much you can make: $165,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
14. Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.
Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Explore 10 Virtual Assistant Success Stories
15. Start a hair salon
Hair salons offer a wide range of beauty services including hair-cutting, waxing, nail treatment, massages, and complementary care such as aromatherapy.
With the increased demand for high fashion beauty services, starting a hair salon could be a profitable venture.
To start a hair salon, you need a strong business plan and find a niche that attracts a local client base. To succeed, hire knowledgeable and experienced employees, and encourage them to maintain a good customer service culture,
How much you can make: $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
16. Start a skin care product line
The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.
The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Explore 26 Skin Care Product Line Success Stories
17. Start an online community business
An online community business involves developing and managing a digital platform for niche audiences to convene, discuss shared interests and access member resources.
As an entrepreneurial founder, you conceptualize, build, and moderate a custom community space using a tailored engagement model catering to target demographics.
With flexibility for subscription access or free public forums, building an online community provides scalable profit potential.
For tech-savvy founders seeking accessible startup costs, an online community made for niche groups presents an innovative way to monetize digital connections and specialized industry knowledge.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $41,700/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Explore 3 Online Community Business Success Stories
18. Start an online jewelry store
The online jewelry store industry has been growing rapidly. More and more people are buying cheaper jewelry online because it is easier and has a much more extensive selection.
The United States jewelry market was valued at about $76B in 2020, and diamond is considered to be the most valuable and lucrative among all forms of jewelry.
If you’re considering starting an online jewelry store to tap into this market, it’s crucial to choose the right e-commerce platform that can support your business needs and enable seamless transactions with your customers.
A great platform can help you showcase your products, manage your inventory, process payments securely, and provide an enjoyable shopping experience to your customers.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Explore 22 Online Jewelry Store Success Stories
19. Start a dermatology business
The beauty and wellness industry is booming all across the globe. Not only has the demand for skin care, nail care, hair care, and face care products increased, but also people are conscious of the benefits of consulting experts.
If you are enthusiastic about beauty and wellness and want to start a business, you may consider starting a dermatology business. Dermatologists specialize in skin, hair, and nails. They help patients who suffer cosmetic disorders like hair loss and scars.
Cases of skin disorders among the elderly and the need for skin care and beauty solutions among younger and middle-aged people are reasons services of dermatologists are in high demand. To start the dermatologist business, research the market and choose a niche that you may specialize in.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
20. Start a subscription box business
Subscription box businesses offer customers a niche set of products on a monthly basis.
They're in high demand as they add value to customer service, offer exclusive products and can be highly profitable.
To start a subscription box business, understand your niche market, provide quality products, perfect your box design, build a good relationship with fulfillment companies, and market your service.
How much you can make: $400 — $16,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Explore 15 Subscription Box Business Success Stories
21. Start a flower arrangements business
Flower arrangement refers to a decorative display of cut flowers. Floral designers focus on ensuring balance, proportion, scale, unity, harmony, rhythm, balance, and emphasis in every flower arrangement gig.
Whether it is a romantic weekend getaway, a valentine’s dinner, a family get-together, a wedding, or an anniversary, a unique flower arrangement brightens the atmosphere. The flower arrangement tradition has lived with us for a long time, and there are no signs it will fade away, at least in our lifetime.
Are you a florist looking to expand your flower business? Combine your affinity for flowers with your floral design skills to create inspired floral creations. Before starting your flower arrangement career, you will need some training and experience.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $9,600/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
22. Start a dessert boxes store
Gifting is a culture that cements how we relate to those close to us. Consumer goods stores have innovated various gifting methods and dessert boxes happen to be one of them.
If you love baking and you have a passion for entrepreneurship, starting a dessert boxes store can be a highly rewarding venture.
Here are some ideas for your inspiration.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Explore 4 Dessert Boxes Store Success Stories
23. Start a gift store
Running a gift store business involves selecting and selling unique, personalized products suitable for both special events and everyday celebrations.
As a business owner, you have the opportunity to source and showcase festive home decorations, gourmet delicacies, and handmade crafts that cater to different seasons and occasions throughout the year.
With the flexibility to offer various items and services driven by creativity and location, building a thriving local gift store allows owners to shape the shopping experience and create a sense of nostalgia in their community.
For aspiring entrepreneurs who possess a talent for adding special touches, opening a gift shop provides an opportunity to turn their passion into profit while designing cheerful and memorable experiences for their customers.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $749,997/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Explore 4 Gift Store Success Stories
24. Start a custom prints business
Custom print businesses often focus on printing everything, including business cards, photos, and even custom T-shirts.
To start an online custom prints business, choose a niche to help your business stand out and attract the right target audience. Then, focus on producing quality prints of different sizes, materials, and designs. You may hire designers online or search for designs in online design communities. Then, validate the designs before you begin mass production. Finally, set up an online store, and launch the business.
Remember that with the growth in popularity of selling custom prints, expect to face stiff competition. Therefore, you should market your custom prints on social media to maximize your reach.
How much you can make: $3,700 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Explore 8 Custom Prints Business Success Stories
25. Start a coaching business
A coaching business involves providing personalized guidance, support, and advisory services to help clients achieve professional and personal growth.
As an entrepreneurial coach, you design customed sessions to motivate positive change around life balance, career transitions, leadership, or wellness goals tailored to each client.
With flexibility for in-person or virtual meetings, building a client base lets you empower breakthroughs through strategic advice.
For those with speaking talents and expertise in their specialty, launching a coaching practice allows you to monetize your natural motivational abilities while setting your own schedule.
How much you can make: $26,000 — $541,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Explore 4 Coaching Business Success Stories
26. Start a deodorant brand
Deodorant is one of the crucial personal care items used by consumers regularly. Consumer requirements are changing, and there is a need for innovators to come up with creative ways to fulfill the changing requirements.
The changing customer preferences and needs create a window of opportunity for new entrepreneurs who want to start a deodorant/antiperspirant business.
To start a deodorant business, research the market and understand who uses deodorants and how often. Then, understand what qualities the line of customers expects in deodorant to guide your business strategy.
How much you can make: $80,000 — $2,800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Explore 3 Deodorant Brand Success Stories
27. Start a surprise travel agency
Are you looking for a scalable side hustle idea and one that allows you some flexibility?
A surprise travel agency is a good option that will enable you to choose a friendly niche market.
Besides, a surprise travel agency lets you gain exposure and experience while it is an opportunity with unlimited income potential.
If you love sharing travel recommendations and always find the best local spots when you visit a new city, this will be ideal for you.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week
Explore 3 Surprise Travel Agency Success Stories
28. Start a candle business
The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high-quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.
A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Explore 10 Candle Business Success Stories
29. Write an ebook
An ebook is a digital book that can be read on a computer, tablet, or other electronic devices. Writing an ebook is a great way to communicate your message to the world. You can share your expertise and help people learn while doing something that you love.
Ebooks are a great way to build your personal brand, establish yourself as an expert in your field, and gain a following. It's also a great way to make money! This form of publishing allows you to publish your work for the world to see without having to go through a publisher.
You can make money by selling ebooks on platforms like Amazon and Apple Books.
How much you can make: $4,500 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Explore 4 Ebook Success Stories
30. Start a mobile bodycare business
Now than ever before, people have demanding schedules and appreciate services that allow them convenience. Are you have a professional background in the beauty industry or have dreamed of owning a cash business in a dynamic industry, consider starting a mobile body care business.
Rather than renting space, you can operate mobile body care in a customized van or truck. Like a physical salon, a mobile salon will need a water source, power supply, chairs, mirrors essential styling tools.
A mobile salon allows you to set your prices and staff your business according to the services you offer. Expand your reach, and promote your services on social media accounts and local Facebook groups.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
31. Start an online reputation business
An online reputation management business involves helping individuals and companies improve their digital footprints by curating positive web content.
As a reputation consultant, you pursue search engine optimization and public relations strategies to mitigate damaging commentary.
With services ranging from blog outreach to social media cleanup, building an Online Reputation Management firm lets you reclaim web narratives.
For PR-savvy founders seeking an accessible startup model, an online reputation venture allows you to monetize internet influence from anywhere while fueling a billion-dollar industry spanning business and personal brands.
How much you can make: $41,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)
- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
