Breaking Timelines: How I Redefined Success in My 30s
Success doesn’t follow a set timeline, and sometimes the path to finding your true purpose takes longer than expected. At 30, I stepped away from the corporate world and leapt into entrepreneurship...
My business journey wasn’t instant, but it was intentional, proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. This newsletter is my way of sharing the lessons, challenges, and victories I’ve experienced along the way, and I hope it inspires you to create your own version of success - whatever that looks like.
Stepping into this feels a bit unfamiliar for me, as I don’t usually share much about my personal life.
But after six years of running my aesthetician business (I still can’t quite believe it!), I’ve realised there aren’t many influencers (that I’m aware of) covering the topics I want to discuss in this newsletter. So, I figured, why not take the leap myself?
We often wait for others to take the leap we secretly wish to take, but this time, I’ve decided, no more waiting.
So, without further ado, welcome to Donita’s Lab, the go-to newsletter for all things business, money, beauty, and, of course, the real life of a thirty-something navigating the highs and lows of modern life.
What many don’t know is that my entrepreneurial journey didn’t actually begin until I turned 30. Before that, I spent years working in retail banking and sales, right up until I was 29.
I used to believe that by the time I hit my thirties, I’d be married with kids, and I would have ‘made it.’ I imagined this big, dramatic moment where everything in life just fell into place. But as I got closer to 30, I realised I didn’t have all those things, and surprisingly, that was okay.
Turning 30 made me see that life doesn’t follow a set timeline, and not having it all figured out was what motivated me to pursue what I truly wanted. It taught me that life doesn’t stop because of a number, it can be the beginning of something new.
Today, it’s common to see 19-year-olds leaving university to start their own businesses. In fact, as of 2023, 23% of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) have expressed a desire to start their own businesses, with many opting out of traditional education to pursue their ventures. I admire their boldness, but I chose to wait until I felt fully ready, mentally, emotionally, and financially, to make the leap.
If you’re reading this and thinking it’s too late for you, remember, Jeff Bezos, Oprah, and even Jesus didn’t start their careers, businesses, or ministries until they were in their thirties. And as of 2022, the average age of successful entrepreneurs at their first startup is 42 years old, proving that it’s never too late to begin.
But let’s rewind a bit.
Childhood
I grew up in a loving home in East London with my siblings and parents. I’m incredibly grateful for the love I received as a child from both parents, something I don’t take for granted because I know it’s not everyone’s experience. This solid foundation shaped much of who I am today, I’ve always loved people and the joy that comes from making others feel beautiful.
Though I was somewhat reserved (or even unsure of myself) as a child, I was endlessly curious. From an early age, I was fascinated by beauty, colour, and creativity. As one of the few Black African girls in my class (I was born in England, but I’m Ghanaian through and through.) I sometimes felt different, but my family instilled in me a strong sense of identity. Both of my parents were business owners, so entrepreneurship was always present in my mind, though I never rushed into it.
Another thing that has always kept me grounded is my relationship with God. I’ve never been one to shy away from discussing my faith because it’s been one of the most significant and constant relationships throughout both my childhood and adulthood.
The Weight Journey
Believe it or not, I was overweight as a child. It wasn’t until I was 15 that I went from being a bigger girl to losing a significant amount of weight. People often ask if it was an insecurity of mine, but I wouldn’t say that. I simply knew I was big. No one made me feel bad about it, but I was aware, and I didn’t like it. I wanted to feel confident in my own skin. By the time I was 16, I had discovered makeup and skincare, my first outlets for expressing creativity and beauty, and that’s when the seeds of my passion for aesthetics were planted.
Interestingly, the connection between beauty and self-esteem continues to resonate globally. In 2023, the UK beauty industry was valued at over £12 billion, with skincare and wellness products driving much of that growth.
Discovering Beauty
My love for makeup and skincare truly took root during my Year nine work experience at The Body Shop. It was like stepping into a world where beauty, science, and art all merged. I remember looking at all the skincare products and thinking, there’s magic here. That’s when I learned the importance of feeling beautiful for yourself, rather than for others.
This is a theme I’ll explore often in this newsletter, the idea that beauty is about empowerment. It should be for you, not about meeting societal standards or external expectations. A 2024 survey found that 60% of women in the UK believe beauty and wellness should focus more on personal wellbeing rather than adhering to traditional beauty ideals.
Family Influence
My parents and siblings have always been supportive, although, at first, they were understandably concerned when I mentioned my desire to start a beauty business. As business owners themselves, my parents were well aware of the risks and challenges involved.
However, as they saw my passion, their concern shifted to support. My sister, Bernicia, has been a huge influence, she’s a renowned makeup artist who’s worked with celebrities. Watching her build her career gave me a real understanding of what it takes to thrive in this industry. Today, with the global beauty industry projected to reach £450 billion by 2024, it’s clear that there’s room for new voices and innovation.
I can’t wait to let you all into my world, to get to know me better and to share insights on business, beauty, and everything in between.
Have a look at what my aesthetic business offers: here
Instagram: here
LinkedIn: here
I’m proud and inspired.
Beautifully written x
Great read. Very open, honest and inspiring!