Meet Karen Bennett
Midlife women are in their Own Business Era: 25 for 25
For so many reasons, midlife women are in their Own Business Era.
I’m lucky to know many women who’ve left corporate culture, and are now building and scaling their own thing. Trademarking their IP, working solo or employing and contracting others.
During December, I’m publishing an alternative advent calendar featuring midlife women who’ve decided to be the boss of their own careers.
This series of posts, 25 for 25, features midlife women on the rise. Behind the next door on my alternative advent calendar is corporate marketer turned graphic designer, Karen Bennett.
From corporate marketer to designer: Karen Bennett
Karen Bennett creates stand-out brand design, visual identities and marketing assets for (mainly female) small business owners and entrepreneurs. She knows how hard her clients work to deliver high quality products and services, so Karen’s mission is to showcase this through beautifully crafted brand design.
Karen’s a midlife woman with a background in corporate marketing. In her case, financial services. She chose voluntary redundancy when her children were younger. When she returned to the workplace, she did marketing for an SME. This prompted a creative reawakening and reskilling - Karen retrained as a graphic designer.
“I never in a million years expected to be running my own business at almost 50, but I love what I have created and the values that I live by.”
Karen Bennett
Although Karen notices a massive improvement in the way brands and businesses communicate with midlife women, she often sees powerful written messaging, but weaker visual design. The result is communications that don't feel completely aligned: something she’s in a great position to remedy.
2025 is for …
Next year Karen plans to build her email list. She’s also launching a collaboration with a local brand photographer. Together they’ll offer a complete package for brand design and photography. Karen hopes it will encourage more women to get in front of the camera to build their personal brand.
Inspiration & motivation comes from …
“Working with women with shared values gives me real joy. Usually this is demonstrated through common ways we choose to live our lives, such as sustainability, or through making a positive impact in other ways on peoples' lives, such as health and wellbeing.
I love variety in my design work, whether minimalist or maximalist, retro or classic design styles - it's all about what is authentic to the business and what will appeal to the target market.”
Karen’s advice for her younger self
“Just because someone is higher up the 'food chain' in the business, does not make them better than you. Don't waste time on work that isn't fulfilling. Never underestimate your ability. I never in a million years expected to be running my own business at almost 50, but I love what I have created and the values that I live by.”
Like what you hear? Then connect with Karen Bennett here
Just arrived at Ink Tank? I’m Sue Moore, Messaging Strategist and Copywriter. I share smart stuff for writers and hot takes on midlife messaging.