From City Life to Retirement: My Journey to Starting Mill Tree Studio

As I sit down to write this first blog post, I’m filled with excitement—and maybe a bit of disbelief—that I’m finally here, launching MillTree Studio, my very own woodworking business. This moment has been a year in the making, and while my career in the City of London shaped much of my life, I knew I was destined for something more fulfilling, something that brought out my passion.

At 65, I’ve officially retired from full-time work, but I’m far from slowing down. Instead, I’m diving headfirst into a new chapter: creating handmade wooden items, sharing them with the world through my website, and telling the story of how I got here. This blog will serve as a journal of my “renaissance,” and I invite you to follow along—not just to witness my journey, but to learn how you can make a similar shift in your own life.

The Seed of a New Dream

This journey didn’t happen overnight. For the past year, I’ve been slowly preparing for this transition. It all started with an idea: after decades of working in the fast-paced world of Brand Marketing, I wanted to spend my time doing something I truly loved. For me, that was woodworking. I’ve always found peace in working with my hands, crafting something tangible and beautiful from raw materials. But turning that passion into a business? That required a plan.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation
The first thing I did was to set aside time to refine my craft. I didn’t want to just dabble in woodworking—I wanted to master it. So, I dedicated weekends and evenings to practice. Whether you’re passionate about woodworking like me, or have a different dream in mind, this first step is crucial. Start by carving out time in your current schedule to hone your skills. Don’t wait until retirement or the “perfect moment.” That moment is now.

Step 2: Building a Support Network
One of the most surprising things I discovered in this process was how important community is. I reached out to fellow woodworkers, attended workshops, and joined online forums. The people I met became both mentors and peers, helping me improve and offering feedback on my work. Whatever your passion is, find your people. There’s an entire world of support out there, and it can make all the difference.

Step 3: Creating a Business Plan
Turning a passion into a business requires some strategic thinking. I spent time researching the market, defining my niche (high-quality, handmade wooden items), and learning how to set up an online store through my website, [www.milltreestudio.co.uk](http://www.milltreestudio.co.uk). If you’re considering a similar leap, don’t let the business side of things intimidate you. Take it step by step. Learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Step 4: Transitioning from Work to Passion
For many of us, the idea of leaving a long-standing career can be daunting. I won’t lie—there were moments when I wondered if I was making the right decision. But I made sure to prepare for this moment. Financially, I saved up and planned to ensure that this transition was sustainable. Emotionally, I reminded myself that this isn’t the end of a career—it’s the beginning of a new, fulfilling chapter.

Step 5: Launch Day
And now, here I am—launching MillTree Studio. It’s not just a woodworking business; it’s the culmination of years of dreaming and a year of preparation. I’m thrilled to see where this journey takes me and to share every step of the way with you.

This blog will document the highs and lows, the successes and lessons learned, and most importantly, how you can do the same. Whether you’re nearing retirement or simply looking to turn your passion into a career, I hope my story can inspire you to take that next step.

What’s Next?
In the upcoming posts, I’ll dive deeper into the process of refining your craft, building a business, and managing the emotional transition from one phase of life to another. But for now, I want to leave you with this: it’s never too late to follow your passion. Whether you’re 35 or 65, the key is to start now.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to share more from the workshop and hopefully, inspire you to follow your own passion, whatever that may be.