Starting a Business at 53: My Honest Story as a Mum of Three
Starting a Business at 53: My Honest Story as a Mum of Three
Starting a business at 53 wasn’t part of some grand plan. It was born out of late-night thoughts, teenage drama, hurling gear on the stairs, and the realisation that I wanted to build something meaningful.
I’m Gail — a mum of three, living the full Irish mammy life: school drop-offs, football matches, sliotars flying through the kitchen, forgotten lunches, and last-minute lifts to dance class. I still work part-time. That hasn’t changed. But now, I also run a small business that’s slowly starting to connect with women across Ireland.
Why I Started TLC Gifting
I started TLC Gifting because I wanted to help people say the things we often don’t know how to say: "I’m thinking of you," "You’re doing great," or "I see what you’re going through."
I had always loved thoughtful gestures and personal notes. When someone I cared about was going through a tough time, I wanted a way to show up for them, even from a distance. But what I found in shops felt impersonal, mass-produced, or just didn’t quite say what I needed it to.
So I decided to start creating something better.
Building a Business Around Real Life
TLC Gifting was born from the kitchen table, between homework help and dinner prep. I pack every box myself. I write every card by hand. I tie each bow and make sure it feels like a warm hug in a box.
This business isn’t run from a glass office with a marketing team — it’s run from the heart, often while I’m still in my hoodie and jeans, squeezing it in before dance pickup or while the dinner's in the oven.
The Hard Bits
Juggling a part-time job, three teenagers and a growing business isn’t easy. Some days I feel like I’m giving only 70% to everything instead of 100% to anything. There are nights when I crash onto the couch feeling like I didn’t do enough, for my kids, for my customers, or for myself.
But then I get an email. One like this:
"Thank you for helping me send a gift to my friend. She was in tears when she opened it. It was perfect."
That’s when I remember why I started.
The Best Part? It’s Working. Slowly, Quietly, Meaningfully.
I never imagined I’d be running a business at 53. I didn’t think I’d be learning SEO terms, writing blog posts, or worrying about Google ads. But here I am, doing it anyway.
And despite the noise of big gifting companies with flashy websites and big budgets, I’ve found that there’s space for a brand like mine. One that’s small, real, Irish, and built on empathy.
TLC Gifting is still growing. It hasn’t "gone viral." But it is reaching people. Every week I get messages from women who say,
"Thank you for making it so easy to send something truly thoughtful."
That means more to me than I can say.
To Anyone Else Dreaming of Starting Later in Life
You’re not too late. You’re not too old. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a reason that matters to you, and the guts to keep going.
Whether you’re a busy mum thinking of a side hustle, or someone who just wants to make the world a bit softer, I hope my story reminds you that it’s possible.
From the kitchen table, with love,
Gail x
💝 Want to see what TLC Gifting is all about?
Explore our gift boxes hand-packed in Ireland with handwritten notes and real heart. Or read more stories like this on our blog.