Wendy Varner sharing her journey of starting a YouTube channel for her polymer clay earring business to connect with other creatives and plan for retirement

Starting My YouTube Journey as a Creator Nearing Retirement: Why Now is the Time

Hey, friends! I’ve got something new and exciting to share—after years of creativity and small business growth, I'm kicking off a YouTube journey! Yep, at nearly 60, I'm diving into something that feels both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. Why YouTube, you ask? Well, I’ve spent years pouring my heart into my small business, designing and selling polymer clay earrings both online and in person at pop-up events and boutiques. It’s been amazing, but as I think ahead to retirement, I know I need a new approach.

If you’re a maker or a creator like me, you probably get it. Running a business that’s built on product sales alone can be intense—if I don’t sell a pair of earrings, I don’t make money, and let’s be real, that’s not sustainable long-term. YouTube feels like a great way to continue sharing my passion for creativity while exploring new opportunities that might make life a bit easier down the road.

I've always loved watching YouTubers who show up consistently and share their journeys, and I’ve learned so much from them. YouTube feels like a perfect space to connect with more of you and share tips, lessons, and insights from years of building my own creative business. I don’t have a fancy studio yet—just a cozy garage setup with a ring light and my phone—but I’m making the best of what I have and embracing the messy, real side of this new project.

They say the first 50 videos you make aren’t going to be perfect, and that’s okay. I’m here to keep it authentic, share what I know, and hopefully help other makers and small business owners navigate their own journeys. If you’re thinking about retirement, starting a business, or maybe even your own YouTube channel, let’s do this together! Let’s talk about your struggles, your goals, and how we can support each other. Drop me a comment—I’d love to hear what you’re working on or struggling with in your business.

Thanks for being here and supporting me in this new venture! Don’t forget to subscribe if you want to come along for the ride. I’ll be talking about the tools and resources that helped me grow my business, sharing insights into the stats of this channel as it grows, and hopefully creating a supportive space for all of us creators.

See you soon!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.