Aging gracefully, the importance of planning what you do when you retire, and other tips by Colleen Bourassa
Colleen credits Jackie with good questions to ask before starting a venture.
Name of Business: Ageless Beauty & Wellness
Colleen Bourassa, owner of Ageless Beauty & Wellness.
Years in business: 11 years
What the business does:
I am 68 years old and I want women to know there is no expiration date on their ability to contribute – I model and have a pageant title as Chinese Rose Queen in 2019, which supports worldwide environmental awareness and what we can do to help. The pageant is inclusive of ages 6 years old and up and includes representation of diverse cultures, from places such as India, Africa, Mexico, Indigenous Alaskans, China, Europe, and others.
I won four medals in LA in 1-20 at the International Modeling and Talent Association, participated in an African Fashion show in 10-20, and had several pictures published in the NW Modeling Magazine Black & White edition in 12-20. I am a guest on podcasts with a variety of subjects including mindset, aging gracefully, and the importance of planning what you will do with your time in retirement.
Also, I have a direct marketing business in skincare and wellness and am a product of the products I sell.
How did you start your business?
A friend introduced me to Nu Skin products and I appreciated them enough to want to share them with others.
What were you doing before?
My background is in Long Term Care. I pioneered Adult Foster Care for Alzheimer’s and hospice care patients in Washington County in 1988. I founded Health Care Institute so that my non-native English speakers could be supported in becoming Certified Nurse’s Aides.
In 1995 I went back to school and completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Supervision. In 1996 I became a Disability Benefits Analyst for a large insurance company. While working full-time I also enrolled in Portland State University, earned my Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling and Certification as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in 2002. I completed an International Coaching Certification as a Career Coach in 2002 as well. I continued to work full-time at the insurance company and set up my own LLC as Career Maps Coaching serving State Of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation clients. Additionally, I worked with Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation clients.
When the 2008 recession hit, there was no public money. That’s when I was introduced to direct marketing and became very interested in innovative products for aging well.
What is working now?
There is a new awareness about the importance of a healthy body and mind since the pandemic and more interest in online home-based businesses.
How did working with Jackie help your business?
I loved Jackie’s questions about choosing the right marketing tools for my business.
Will this:
Form professional connections and increase my client base?
Provide a measurable financial reward?
Allow me to represent my work clearly and professionally with a minimum amount of time?
I see immediate results?
Does this fit my budget?
Generate more clients for me?
Additionally: Is this a good use of my time? Are there better and possibly less expensive options to try?
Take away/Lessons learned/Advice:
Having multiple streams of income is more important than ever in maintaining financial independence. Having a healthy body and mind gives me the freedom to live well.
And finally,
- Always be curious.
- Say yes to new opportunities to at least explore them before you decide on whether or not it is a good fit – ask “tell me more” questions.
- Read every day.
- Take a class each quarter to expand your knowledge.
- Be a part of multi-generation groups with diverse cultures.
Read about other encore entrepreneurs on Jackie’s wisdom blog.
