I NEVER thought I'd...

Flagging on those new year resolutions? Take inspiration from these three women who prove that it’s never too late to change direction

Mum inspired my new business

Susan Hughes, 53, lives in Stone, Staffordshire

For most of my working life, I was a nurse, which I loved. But, in 2006, I chose to leave to stay at home and raise my three sons. Then, aged 42, I had another son, so I was always busy!

I was glad I’d made the decision to stay at home, but after 10 years I wanted to do something for me, so I began running a network marketing business. Then, after my mum, June, passed away, aged 82, I changed direction. I’d always had a creative side, so I decided to take an interior design diploma.

I soon rediscovered my passion for knitting – something Mum and I had loved to do together. I began arm knitting – where you use your arms, not needles – making beautiful products from luxury merino yarn, which I began selling on my to mum for online shop.

When the giving me a orders rolled in, I realised how passion for much potential knitting there was. I’ve now opened a shop in Stone, The Artisan Boutique (theartisanboutique.co.uk), which sells local crafters’ products as well as my own. I also run workshops to show people how to arm knit.

I’m so grateful to Mum for giving me a passion for knitting. I truly believe it’s down to her that I’m doing something new and exciting at this stage of my life.’

I started running in my 50s