Meet Karen McPhail
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 Karen McPhail, who discovered working with stained glass when she was over 50, and now has an unexpected business.
50 isn’t the new 30: Karen McPhail
50 isn't the new 30, says stained glass artist Karen McPhail. It's the new 50 - bolder, better, happier.
Karen makes stained glass portraits of notable women for homes, exhibitions, galleries and businesses. She believes that what you display in your space can do more than look beautiful; it can also reflect your values. Karen’s stained glass portraits feature contemporary or historical women who have changed our world through activism, art or science. They make meaningful milestone gifts or statement pieces.
When someone buys one of her stained glass portraits because it means something to them, Karen says it feels so special. It might be a connection to their country of origin or to a cause like the suffragette movement. Karen says she also learns so much from teaching beginners too.
2025 is for …
Karen has been chosen, as part of a small group of artists, to design a portrait of one of the 100 women sharing their story of living with (or dying from) life-changing medical conditions. It’s part of the Mortal and Strong campaign. The art works will be displayed at in London's Waterloo from 12th - 17th May 2025, during Women's Health Week UK. If you can’t wait to hear the inspirational stories, listen to the 100 voices on the Mortal and Strong podcast. Karen’s stained glass portrait will be one metre high, the biggest piece she’s made so far.
Karen has also just bought a kiln and can’t wait to try out glass fusing in earnest in 2025. She promises to share her mistakes along the way on social media.
She’s also teaching more beginners' classes in Edinburgh next year, which she loves.
Inspiration & motivation comes from …
Karen’s inspired by things she reads or people she discovers who are making a difference in the world. All her portraits are one-offs, so she never gets bored.
“I make things I believe in, not things I think will sell. There is pressure to make things for the latest event, season or celebration but I don't want to lose the joy in what I do, so I've made a commitment to myself not to follow the commercial trends.”
Karen’s advice for her younger self
“I'd encourage the younger me to start stained glass earlier in life. I've always loved looking at it, but I didn't start working with it until I was over 50. It's brought me so much fun and joy, and an unexpected business. If I had started earlier, I would probably have turned it into a career and who knows where I'd be now.”
Like what you hear? Then connect with Karen McPhail 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.