SEPTEMBER 2026 
5 MIN READ
We recently caught up with AXA customer, Daphne, to find out more about her small business, including how she made the transition from employee to small business owner at 50 years old. Her story is a reminder that there’s no set age or stage of life to start a business.
My business story is ultimately about resilience, reinvention, and the satisfaction that comes from generating your own income and building something independently.
At the age of 50, I left a full-time role in which I was not thriving and which temporarily dented my confidence, but it also prompted me to rethink my career. Rather than returning to being an employee, I decided to set up my own consultancy, which has now supported clients for over eight years.
Within three months of leaving, I created a business name, opened a bank account, registered a company, and started trading.
Can you tell us about your small business?
My business, Thissen Consulting, focuses on client insight, stakeholder interviews, and relationship feedback for organisations within the construction and built environment sectors. At the time, I had limited experience and very few contacts in this industry.
The first year grew steadily through word of mouth and relationship-building. Then Covid arrived, and much of that momentum disappeared almost overnight. Like many small business owners, I had to adapt quickly, rebuild my network, and keep moving forward despite the uncertainty.
The construction sector is heavily influenced by wider economic and political events, and consultants are often among the first to feel the impact of market slowdowns. Last year brought another prolonged quiet period, which forced me to reflect carefully on my business model and reintroduce two dormant service areas. That decision not only re-strengthened my pipeline but brought more variety and energy back into my work.
What inspired you to start your business?
My business grew from my two passions. The first being my background as an architectural historian, and the second being my fascination with client relationships, employee engagement and the power of professional networking. Together, these passions have shaped a consultancy centred on one core service: independent one-to-one client feedback interviews, with facilitation and training to complement that work.
Running a small business is no easy feat, how do you keep yourself motivated?
I keep myself motivated by ensuring I have enough work, (as) business development is a vital part of my business! But also, very much through collaborating with clients. I love working directly with my own clients, but equally enjoy running programmes and sessions on behalf of other service providers. For example, facilitating or delivering workshops. Also, a change of scenery always helps! As I work from home most days, picking up my laptop and working somewhere else is beneficial too.
The benefits of starting your own small business later in life
Today, one of the greatest rewards is independence itself: the ability to shape my own direction, work with people who I genuinely value, while continuing to evolve professionally, even at this later stage in life.
My business grew from my two passions. The first being my background as an architectural historian, and the second being my fascination with client relationships, employee engagement and the power of professional networking.
Startup advice
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering starting up their own small business?
If you have the financial leeway, take the plunge! Your business idea, service, or offering will mature as your business grows. When you work with clients always be respectful, flexible and informed about their business. Don’t be too cheap but definitely never be too expensive and price yourself out of the market! Have one solid offering and be prepared to have one or two smaller offerings to keep you busy between clients or during quieter summer months. Having more than one service also keeps things more interesting for yourself!
Keep evolving. Now more than ever, small business owners are expected to know more about AI and its applications for businesses. Make sure you are informed enough to at least join a conversation about this.
And last but not least, have all the required professional insurance in place before you offer your services to clients!
Starting a business can happen at any age.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into entrepreneurship or drawing on years of experiencing to start something new, startup insurance from AXA can help make sure you’re putting your best foot forward from day one.