Why Small Businesses Matter
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You're IT Fearlessly Facing Fifty!
Three questions with Amy Schmidt, CEO of AKS and Associates and Founder of Fearlessly Facing Fifty
Why did you start your business?
As I was talking with friends over the years, the conversations seemed to always circle back to the same theme. What am I going to do now? The kids are getting older. I don’t feel needed. I’m worried about my parents. Do you feel like this, too? These are the top of mind topics for women who reach midlife and beyond, and at that moment I knew that the dialogue needed to be opened about the challenges that women face at this “middle” phase of life. Through my own research, and my own personal journey, I found that there needed to be a place where women could discuss these issues and gain insight from experts and thought leaders, but at the same time, I also want to share real stories of inspiring women.
The Fearlessly Facing Fifty™ brand launched in September. I host a weekly podcast, called Fearlessly Facing Fifty™ that digs deep into conversations about the issues that we face at midlife and beyond. From empty nest to aging parents, to relationship changes with your spouse or adult children to re-entering the workforce. It is all about sharing knowledge that will inspire women to take action, such as finishing something they’ve started, taking a class, booking a trip, sending a resume, or more importantly building a community of women who all share a common thread of life at this season.
As I launched this business, I realize that midlife for women is not a time of crisis, but simply a time of reinvention. After beginning my professional career in broadcast journalism and then getting married and raising three children while managing moves around the country and Internationally, I made the choice to put my professional career on hold. What I have learned from launching a small business at 50 is that you are not too old, and it is not too late. All the pieces of the journey from freelance writing, and my time in Corporate America, coupled with my role as PTA and Booster Club President, and volunteering in the community are all pieces of a puzzle that fit together and have led me to who I am now. I feel brave and empowered and I want to ignite that flame in others.
Finish this sentence in regard to your business: I wish I could
I wish I could do the following: find community sponsors for a Women’s Summit event, as well as find more stories of incredible local Ridgefield residents to share on the podcast.
My vision is for a Women’s Summit event for Fall, 2020. This event will be a day for women to come together and learn from each other. It will also be a place to listen to experts speak on top of mind topics for women at midlife and beyond. Whether you’re at the pinnacle of your career or working to get back in the workforce. If you’re caring for aging parents, or grieving loss of a parent, spouse or child. Or talking about women’s health at midlife, these topics would all be covered.
How many businesses do you use to support your business and can you name them?
I rely on Squash’s for office supplies, the printing of materials, and of course the thousands of copies of my book manuscript that will be out this spring. They are always willing to go the extra mile to meet deadlines.
HamletHub and Ridgefield Press are supportive of small business by publishing articles and upcoming events.
Lounsbury House is a wonderful venue for hosting events and always supportive of my initiatives. I’m thrilled to have a book signing this spring with my launch of Cannonball, Fearlessly Facing Fifty™.
Bella Home is a favorite for finding just that special something for a client, and of course, the endless cups of coffee, treats or dinner on the go from Tazza, Ross Bread and Milillo Farms Grocery, keep me going.
I love the opportunity to get out of the office and being greeted with a smiling face makes my day. Ridgefield Business FB group for their support and encouragement. John Sand at CT Computer Associates for helping me set up the podcast. Sarah’s Wine Bar for the best place around to unwind after a long day of writing.
I feel honored to be a part of the supportive Ridgefield community because it’s simply a great place to have a local business.
Learn more about Fearlessly Facing Fifty online here.
Listen to Amy's Fearlessly Facing Fifty Podcast here.
Social links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessly.facing.fifty/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyFacingfifty
Amy nominates Connecticut Computer Associates (John Sand) and Ridgefield Magazine!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!