If you’d told me at ten years old that I’d start a business in my forties cutting up denim, I might’ve laughed. Ha Ha Ha Blah! :)
But life has a way of making you turn in the right direction, no matter how long it takes.
It all began from my childhood, thanks to my Uncle Willard, who was my favorite in the family, not to mention he was a creative entrepreneur with a gift for selling anything to anyone. This man could convince (me) a ten-year-old to spend my last coins on plastic elephant earrings that no one ever wore but the old ladies from the church and my english teacher. What was I thinking because in reality that wasn’t my target audience. I was ten and the earrings my uncle sold me at that time was for middle -aged women.
Even as a kid, I didn’t want candy or toys; I wanted style. I wanted to play dress up and style my half-body doll's hair. I was always face down in a magazine, watching hair pictures and celebrity styles.
Not to mention, uncle had a shop full of funky clothes, shoes, and wild accessories that drew me in every time I visited. I’d run straight to him, eager to see his latest “finds,” and each piece felt like treasure. I didn’t know it back then, but those moments with my uncle planted a seed in me that planted a love for my creativity, accessories, and all things unique.
Growing up, I had another big influence: my mom. She wasn’t a seamstress, but she had a knack for thrift shopping, a skill she passed down to me. Every Sunday, she dressed my sisters and me in matching socks, big bows, and the cutest second-hand finds. Those church outfits my momma put me in had style, and so did my momma.
Add to that my grandma’s ceramic studio, where I’d watch her turn plain clay into flower bowls and figurines, and it’s clear I come from a long line of creatives. Entrepreneurship and creativity were in my blood. But life, as it often does, had its own plan.
The Long Road to My Dream- And It Took Forever
In my twenties, I was like many people trying to grow up faster than I needed to. Bills, responsibilities, and work took center stage, and that little entrepreneurial dream of mine got pushed to the side.
In my thirties, life was getting better, but it was busy. I was raising kids, newly married, and though I’d gone to beauty school and even run my own salon, there wasn’t room for my creative dreams yet.
But you know what? Even while I was working as a hairstylist, that creative fire stayed alive. I was selling earrings, bracelets, and bags right out of my salon! After hours of working, I’d be up late making beaded bracelets or ordering handbags online to resell. That dream was always there, but it was never the right time.
Fast forward to 2018., I started jotting down a plan for my online business, and by my 49th birthday in 2019, my family rallied around me to make it a reality. By the time I hit the big 5-0, I was posting my first TikTok video and it went viral! Yes, I tore up a pair of jeans and handmade a few bags that sold like crazy. The first one was a dominoes denim bag then a clothespin bag, and finally was my ugly denim bag collection. Stay Tuned there is a story behind that as well.
Funky Grunge Boutique Is Born- Online
I knew I wanted to do something that celebrated individuality and style, something that wasn’t polished or perfect. I called it Funky Grunge Boutique. No filters, no pretense, just a gal with a love for upcycling accessories, funky bags, and a passion for “wearing what the FUNK I want.” And if you know, you know:)
Suddenly, the timing felt right. My kids were grown, my husband was settled in his job for 15 years strong, and I realized it was finally my turn to pursue my dream.
Every day, I spend my days ripping up denim, mixing old items with new, and turning thrifted gems into unique creations. I’m talking denim bags made from old jeans, upcycled jewelry, and even bags crafted from clothespins and dominoes. It’s a wild, beautiful mess, and I love it. Oh, and I must mention I love a good secondhand find to add to my shop and my personal style.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way- The Lifestyle Reset
Starting a business in my fifties taught me that it’s never too late to live your dream. Here’s some advice I’d love to share with anyone thinking about starting their own journey:
Create a One-Page Plan: It doesn’t need to be fancy. Doodle, jot, scribble Girl, just get your ideas down and start.
Do the Research: Google is your best friend. I’ve found everything from tutorials to tax info just by searching.
Learn New Skills: Starting a business means learning a lot whether it’s social media, bookkeeping, or scaling your ideas.
Share Your Story: Your journey is important, and it might inspire someone else.
Stay in Your Lane: You don’t have to keep up with every trend or social platform. Pace yourself.
Block Out the Haters: Not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. Keep going.
Know Your Worth: Give yourself credit, value your time, and pay yourself accordingly.
Don’t Procrastinate: The hardest part is often just starting.
Trust Your Gut: There are no “dumb” ideas. If it excites you, give it a shot.
So, here I am, a 50-something online business owner with a funky dream that came true.
Because this little business of mine is still growing, and I’ll be expanding into some new funky things soon. So stay tuned because there’s more creativity, more fun, and a few surprises coming down the road. You can keep up with the journey over at www.funkygrungeboutique.com
If you made it this far in the post, drop a comment
I hope this post gives you a little nudge to chase your own passions, whether it’s starting a business, going back to school, or finally diving into that hobby you’ve always wanted to explore.
If you have a dream, don’t wait because it's never too late; so, get out there and make it happen! You’re never too old, and that’s on every funky thang I believe. If you know, you know:)
See Ya In The Next Post, and Here's To Living Beyond Existing!
xo Tangie Bell
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