Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Deborah Linares, known as @debby_linares, and her husband, a Cuban couple living in the United States, found a silver lining in the face of adversity.
When her husband was laid off and struggled to find new employment due to his age of 70, Deborah, who was juggling jobs as a beautician and house cleaner to support their household, decided to venture into crafting homemade candles.
What began as a modest effort to navigate tough times gradually blossomed into a thriving home-based business. The couple now runs their candle workshop right from their own residence, collaborating closely as a team.
"We chose to share our story to inspire others our age," Deborah expressed, proud of how they turned creativity into a sustainable livelihood.
Her posts on social media have drawn numerous supportive messages. One follower shared, "Thank you for your motivation. I also want to start something. I'm retired and feeling frustrated." To which Debbie encouraged, "Making candles is a great option to earn money while staying active."
The story of Deborah and her husband isn't about pushing retirees to make candles, but rather a reminder that everyone can find their unique strengths and transform them into opportunities.
Entrepreneurship doesn't always mean replicating an idea. It's about recognizing one's own talents and daring to shape them, even during the hardest of times.
Insights on Starting a Business After Retirement
How did Deborah and her husband start their candle business?
They began creating homemade candles as a small initiative during the pandemic, which eventually grew into a successful business.
What motivated Deborah to start this new venture?
Deborah was driven by the need to support her family after her husband lost his job and by the desire to inspire others her age.
What is the main message from their story?
Their story emphasizes the importance of discovering personal strengths and transforming them into opportunities, regardless of age or circumstance.