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

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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.’